Many adored Jasmine for its sweet fragrance, delicate ivory blooms, and, of course, its calming qualities, but you already knew that. What you might not be aware of is just how significant this flower is as a symbol.
Yep, this flower may have a disarmingly pretty exterior, but it’s by no means a shallow life form. There are untold secrets and hidden meanings beneath every petal, just waiting for discovery.
A plant as virtuous as the jasmine flower was always destined to be positively drenched in meaning by humanity. Nope, we just can’t let anything as special to us as jasmine simply be, it must also carry all the connections we draw between it, ourselves, and the natural world.
However, if we had to dig up just one dominant meaning behind this lovely flower, it would definitely be love, with divinity taking a close second place.
The red rose may be the commercial face of romantic love, but love in its purest form has always been the jasmine flower’s wheelhouse. This is why it is such a popular choice for wedding ceremonies around the globe.
In regard to the associations with divinity, considering how lovely it smells, how beautiful it appears, and how calming it can be to the nervous system, how can you blame us for thinking it’s a gift from whatever god(s) we subscribe to?
In fact, in Persian culture, the name Yasmin, which, of course, means Jasmine, also means “Gift From God”.
Etymological Meaning Of The Flower?
Many plants have exceedingly complex etymological chains, but the jasmine flower is not one of them. The root of the jasmine name is as simplistically elegant as its blooms.
The English jasmine is a modification of the French, jasmin, which itself is an adapted version of the earlier French word, jessemin.
Jessemin is derived from the Arabic yasamin, which,in turn, was originally borrowed from the persian, yasmin, meaning, you’ve guessed it… Jasmine. And, as we’ve already discussed, this Persian word also means “Gift From God”.
That’s really all there is to it in the name department, but things get a lot more interesting when you consider the symbolism attached to the jasmine flower.
Symbolism Of The Flower
Love
I won’t bore you with this one, as we’ve already covered it in some detail, but the Jasmine flower is, most prominently, a floral representation of love — awww.
The sweet simplicity of this flower seems to reflect both the otherworldly and ordinary facets of love. They don’t have to refer to romantic love, either. If you care for a friend dearly, the gift of jasmine won’t be received as a come-on, rather a token of your platonic adoration.
Divinity
If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, jasmine flowers are far too good for us and this earthly plane, which is why they commonly associated with gods.
The fact that their scent can make us feel more at peace also brings to mind heavenly ideas of the idyllic, reinforcing this image that it belongs to the empyrean planes of the gods themselves.
Sensuality
Due to its sweet, intoxicating scent, jasmine can also link to the heady rush of physical intimacy. The hypnotic feeling that causes the world to melt away, leaving just you and your partner (or partners, as the case may be) in a state of total joyous abandonment.
One of the prettiest plants on the planet, it’s no surprise that jasmine has long associated with notions of physical beauty, especially as it smells so great, too.
When I say “long associated”, I really mean it! This plant has been the floral embodiment of beauty for thousands of years.
In Greek mythology, jasmine has close ties to Aphrodite, who was the goddess of love and beauty. In Roman mythology, it has associations with Venus, Aphrodite’s Roman equivalent.
These sentiments have survived all these years because the jasmine flower has such a timeless aesthetic. It is neither showy nor reclusive.
It doesn’t demand attention but commands it, and the petals have a porcelain perfection to them, alluding to the undying beauty of the mythic gods mentioned above.
Innocence And Purity
As a mostly white flower, jasmine is shoehorned into the purity allegory along with a million other plants with ghost-white blooms, but here’s the thing… of all the flowers associated with innocence and purity, it is probably the most fitting.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a lily, but there’s just something especially childlike and rudimentary about Jasmine that I feel reflects these notions more accurately.
The gentle, almost fragile appearance of it also conjures thoughts of babies and new life, reinforcing the flower’s association with innocence.
Motherhood
Bearing in mind what we just discussed about purity, it’s not a massive stretch to associate jasmine with motherhood or perhaps new parents in general, as babies are the truest manifestation of innocence in this world.
Sensitivity
The delicate form and appearance of jasmine also linked to either being sensitive or showing sensitivity. Itis a caring plant. With its astounding yet plain beauty and mildly sweet fragrance, it sits in the Goldilocks zone between zero stimulation and overstimulation.
Luck
In certain parts of the world, they considered jasmine incredibly lucky. Some may even carry them in their pockets to provide a kind of portable protection against bad juju. You can think of these flowers like a much, much more pleasant rabbit’s foot.
Elegance and Grace
One look at these wonderful flowers and their graceful, elegant structure instantly struck you. Which is why they’re intrinsically connected with these qualities in humans.
Peace
And last but not least, as nature’s nerve-soothing super relaxant, jasmine often symbolizes inner and outer peace. Gardeners will plant it close to doors and windows, so they can enjoy the calming qualities of the fragrance without having to venture deep into the yard.
Jasmine flowers are typically white or yellow, but on rare occasions, they can have a lovely pink or blue hue, so let’s address these shades individually and extract their meanings.
White
As mentioned earlier, white flowers usually associated with purity and innocence. So, in many ways, they’re the perfect wedding or christening flower.
White flowers also typically associated with absolution and the passing of loved ones on to the next plane of existence. But, apart from in places such as Pakistan, jasmine never really fit the bill here. Besides, funerals are more of a “lily event” anyway.
Where jasmine does excel is passing on feelings of respect, not as in paying respects, but showing people that you think very highly of them. So, if there’s a mentor in your life, and you want to thank them for the guidance they provide without saying a word, white jasmine flowers are the way to do it.
Yellow
Yellow jasmine flowers symbolize friendship and happiness, and they’re a great gift for someone who’s been down in the dumps recently and needs a nice pick-me-up. These flowers are pure as a morning sunbeam and can make just about anyone smile, no matter how they’re feeling.
Pink
Pink jasmine have a feminine energy. But that doesn’t mean male and non-binary individuals can’t enjoy these amazing flowers. Everybody should connect with their feminine side!
Blue
The hauntingly beautiful blue jasmine flower is all about trust and honesty. Gifting someone this flower is a great way of telling them how much you trust them and appreciate their loyalty without ever having to say a word.
Meaningful Botanical Characteristics Of The Flower
Jasmine flowers are quite small, but they grow in clusters alongside at least two partner blooms, reminding us that, together, we’re strong, and that the connection we have with family and friends is an essential part of our strength — no one should have to go through life alone!
The deep green foliage beneath the flowers of these plants also signifies the importance of a robust and loving support system. We should always surround ourselves with people who have our back and help our true potential bloom.
The arrangement of jasmine petals gives them an almost pin-wheel-esque appearance, which serves as a reminder that we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously. We can be beautiful, confident, successful, and driven without sacrificing our whimsy and playful nature.
The calming qualities of this plant are also significant, informing us of the infectious nature of mood. Exude the aloofness of the jasmine flower, and others will feel relaxed in your presence, even in dire situations.
With pristine white petals and strong ties to purity, weddings and jasmine flowers are a match made in heaven. Their understated beauty goes down a treat among centerpieces or as part of more elaborate decorations around the venue.
Jasmine flowers are also a great option for christenings or baby showers, as they reflect the innocence of a newborn and, in many ways, symbolize motherhood and families.
There are no anniversaries linked to these wonderful flowers, which is a real shame as I think they’re a lot prettier than many that are tied in with relationship milestones.
However, as long as you choose a color that best reflects your relationship, jasmine flowers are always amazing birthday gifts. Whether you leave them planted or cut into a bouquet.
Flower Cultural Significance
Across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, the jasmine flower is emblematic of love, romance, purity, and motherhood. In Pakistan, for instance, they gift both brides and grooms with jasmine and rose garlands. While bouquets of jasmine are a classic staple of almost any celebratory occasion.
Jasmine flowers are particularly prominent in Indian culture. If you visit this nation, you’ll see countless merchants peddling bunches of them on the sides of the streets and many women wearing them in their hair.
Representations of Hindu gods and goddesses commonly show them wearing jasmine flower garlands, and Manmatha, the Hindu god of love, carries an arrow made of jasmine.
These flowers are also important in the Hindu faith as a means of worship. They often planted it in temple gardens. They draped over statues garlands to show devotion to the gods.
In addition, Indians considered the foothills of the Himalayas, said to be the origin of the jasmine flower, sacred ground.
Jasmine is essential to Buddhists too, symbolizing both purity and devotion. While in Christian circles, it symbolize the Virgin Mary (but that’s true of many flowers).
To the Jewish peoples of the world, it’s a symbol of healing. There is even a passage in the Quran in which a messenger of Allah states “There is no oil more beneficial to the body than the oil of jasmine”.
Jasmine flowers are typically around 1-inch in diameter.
It has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years in the wild.
Each Jasmine bloom will usually have between 4 and 9 petals.
In India, jasmine is sometimes referred to as “The Queen of the Night” due to its intoxicating fragrance
Flower Uses
Just smelling jasmine flowers has a relaxing impact on our nervous system, which is why it’s often used to make calming teas.
Jasmine is also used as a cancer and liver disease treatment.
Jasmine flowers are thought to reduce the risk of strokes.
Some believe jasmine flowers are an aphrodisiac.
The scent of jasmine flowers can help minimize food cravings.
It can be used to flavor food and beverages.
What Is The Symbolism Of A Jasmine Flower Tattoo?
As a beautiful flower, jasmine is a fairly common choice for those looking to get inked. Jasmine tattoos are typically a nod to notions of happiness, peace, and resilience. Many wear this flower on their skin to signify their emergence from troubled times.
Final Thoughts
As beautiful as the language of flowers is, it’s not one we are born speaking. We must learn it, plant by plant, and now the jasmine flower is officially a part of your floral vocabulary — hooray!
Diane has always been interested in spirituality and self-improvement. She is a happy and outgoing person. She started her spiritual journey with Chandra while looking for tools to bring positivity to their lives. She boosts her mind with self-care and affirmations. However, she also knows what crystals to wear based on her feelings. She also practices the law of attraction.
