Now Reading
What do Sunflowers represent, and what do they symbolize?

What do Sunflowers represent, and what do they symbolize?

What do Sunflowers represent

There’s no doubt that a sunflower is a versatile and classic flower with a past that may surprise you.

Even if you believe this flower is not suitable for you, coupling this golden stem along with other flowers makes a show-stopping gift or centerpiece, ensured to capture anybody’s attention.

From the history of the sunflower to the meaning of the flower, we are breaking down what sunflowers represent. 

Sunflower History & Meaning.

Sunflowers in North America
@Anna Hill Photography/ Shutterstock.com

Did you know that sunflowers are one of the few crop species which originated in North America?

The flower spread across the continent since indigenous people domesticated the crop and brought it southward and eastward of North America.

The sunflower is one of the loveliest plants on the planet, with lots of meaning and history. It is a symbol of loyalty, longevity, adoration, joy, and happiness much like the Sun. 

Sunflowers adoring the sun
@Mykhailo Baidala/ Shutterstock.com

Their scientific name is helianthus. This comes from the Greek word for ‘sun’ which is ‘helios’ and ‘flower’ which is ‘anthus.’

There was once a water nymph by the name of Clytie. She fell in love with Apollo—the God of Sun (and Light). Initially, Apollo loved her too but abandoned her for another nymph called Leucothoe.

Clytie was so jealous that she informed the father of Leucothoe about them. Because Apollo had touched her, her father gave Leucothoe the death sentence.

By taking away his new love, Clytie wanted to win Apollo back, but that unfortunately backfired. He was not interested in her anymore.

She sat on a rock and didn`t eat or drink anymore for nine days, looking at the sun Helios.

Woman in a sunflower field
@Mariia Boiko/ Shutterstock.com

After nine days she was transformed into a turnsole (now known as Heliotrope). In modern traditions, this flower was substituted by a sunflower.

The now transformed flower, Clytie, kept looking towards Apollo, the Sun God. That determines why such plants follow the path of the Sun even now.

The origin of the Greek story is a bit unfortunate, but it ended in a stunning transformation that is still observed today. 

Parthenon Athens Greece
@Anastasios71/ Shutterstock.com

Do sunflowers represent Happiness?

A sunflower symbolizes a lot of things spiritually, historically, and culturally. In case you get a bouquet of these flowers, it means joy and happiness. 

The belief that sunflowers carry happiness primarily originates from the Chinese. It’s considered that filling a home with thriving sunflowers in a vase brings in a sense of safety and good fortune. 

Beautiful Sunflowers
@David Prado Perucha / Shutterstock.com

They also make lovely presents for family and friends who are beginning new things such as businesses or school.

If you don’t have any idea what gift to offer on such occasions, you can consider a bouquet of various colors. 

Sunflowers radiate pure happiness with their big heads and tall stalks, particularly when they’re adorned with yellow petals.

They seem to produce good vibes and positive energy like the Sun itself. 

Sunflower Some Facts.

The flower may be native to North America, but it has spread throughout the world via export.

People who gift such plants do so on the third-year wedding anniversaries as signs of loyalty, strength, and adoration. 

What do sunflowers represent and symbolize
@aaltair/ Shutterstock.com
  • Sunflowers differ in height and could be between 6-10 feet tall 
  • Many varieties are drought and heat-resistant, making them simple to grow
  • These plants bloom in the summer months 

Sunflower Seeds.

Sunflowers are also more likely to convey a strong message for recovery and healing.

The seeds offer favorable health properties when eaten, particularly for individuals who need to recuperate from illnesses. 

There you have it! We hope you learned what do sunflowers represent in this article.

So, what are you waiting for? Go and buy some sunflowers today! 

Read more:
The Language of Flowers and what they symbolize.
A Positive Mindset Transforms your Life.
Happy with your Life? Here are some Tips for Happiness.
Positive Language and the Power of Yet.

Find here some beautiful vases for these beautiful flowers at Amazon.