Symbolize Faith, Valor and Wisdom

Today was to have reached 20c.. this morning it was sunny and then it clouded over for most of the day and only got up to 14c. Now the day is just about over the sun is making appearance again and it is getting warmer. I was going to go out to the Botanic Gardens but seeing it was such a dull day I didn't. So pleased I took a shot this morning of my first blue Iris out.

The meaning of the Greek word iris means, rainbow. The plant of iris is named after the goddess 'Iris' because of its beauty and because of the varied colours in the flowers of this genus. In Greek legends and mythology, the goddess 'Iris' was the messenger who travelled on the rainbow between the lands of Human beings and the Gods. The flower of iris implies a message and a promise of hope. The meaning of this flower is often associated with valour and wisdom.

History Behind the Meaning
Greek mythology had it that Iris is the goddess of the rainbow and the daughter of Thaumas and Electra. She was represented as the messenger of Hera and Zeus. Ever since the ancient times, the royal flower of Iris symbolized power and majesty. The flower was dedicated to Juno - a Roman deity, which was surprisingly thought to be the origin of the scepter. The people of Egypt placed an iris flower on the brow of the Sphinx and on the scepter of the Egyptian kings which identified three leaves of its blossoms as symbols of valor, wisdom and faith.

During the medieval ages, before the Italian Renaissance, the flower's meaning was associated with the French monarchy. Ever since then, Fleur-de-lys became the national symbol of France. In a few languages in the world, iris flowers are called flags or swords, implying that they were symbolic of royalty, heritage and heraldry. In Japan, the meaning has been interpreted as an expression of heroic deeds. The blue color of Japanese iris symbolizes blue blood. This is why iris flowers are used extensively in the Japanese spring festival for boys. Iris flowers were used in making perfumes, fragrances and as a medicinal herb too. Today, you can find irises in gardens, yards, bouquets and even in the forests throughout the world.
To read more about the Iris flower and meaning.