What does it mean to give someone hydrangeas?

As a gardening and landscaping expert, I am delighted to share with you the symbolic meaning behind giving someone hydrangeas. In Japanese culture, hydrangeas are deeply associated with heartfelt emotions, gratitude, and apology. This beautiful flower holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people, thanks to a legendary tale that has been passed down through generations.

Legend has it that a Japanese emperor, who was deeply in love with a young woman, found himself neglecting her due to the demands of his duties and responsibilities. Realizing his mistake and wanting to express his sincere regret, he decided to convey his feelings through the gift of hydrangeas. He presented a bunch of these enchanting flowers to the girl’s family as a token of his apology and to demonstrate how much he truly cared for her.

The act of giving hydrangeas in this story represents not only an apology but also a genuine expression of love and devotion. It is a way of conveying heartfelt emotions and gratitude towards someone who has been neglected or overlooked. In Japanese culture, hydrangeas are seen as a symbol of understanding, empathy, and the desire to make amends.

Hydrangeas themselves are known for their captivating beauty and enchanting colors. They come in a variety of shades, including blue, pink, purple, and white. Each color holds its own significance and conveys a different message when given to someone.

Blue hydrangeas, for instance, symbolize sincerity and deep understanding. They represent the emotions of regret and the desire to make things right. Giving blue hydrangeas to someone can be a powerful way to apologize and show genuine remorse for any past mistakes or neglect.

Pink hydrangeas, on the other hand, are associated with love, gratitude, and heartfelt emotions. They are often given to express admiration, appreciation, and affection towards someone. Pink hydrangeas can be a wonderful gift to show someone how much they mean to you and how grateful you are to have them in your life.

Purple hydrangeas carry a sense of grace, abundance, and prosperity. They are often given to convey a feeling of appreciation and to celebrate someone’s achievements or successes. Purple hydrangeas can serve as a beautiful gesture to recognize and honor someone’s hard work and dedication.

White hydrangeas symbolize purity, innocence, and heartfelt emotions. They are often given to express sincere apologies and to seek forgiveness. White hydrangeas can be a powerful way to show someone that you acknowledge your mistakes and are truly sorry for any pain or hurt caused.

Giving someone hydrangeas in Japanese culture holds a profound meaning of heartfelt emotion, gratitude, and apology. It is a way to express sincere love, remorse, and appreciation towards someone who has been neglected or overlooked. The choice of color further adds depth to the message conveyed through the flowers, allowing for a nuanced expression of emotions. So, the next time you consider giving someone hydrangeas, remember the beautiful symbolism behind this gesture and let the flowers speak volumes on your behalf.

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.