KINGDOM : PLANTAE
ORDER : LAMIALES
FAMILY : PLANTAGINACEAE
TRIBE : ANTIRRHINEAE
GENUS : ANTIRRHINUM
SNAPDRAGON FLOWER
M.Akhil
1130100370
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There are about 40 species of snapdragons or dragon plants, When the flower
is gently squeezed, it apparently makes the flower look like a dragon’s head.
Keep in mind that centuries ago there was no television, radio or printed books.
People found amusements wherever they could. Nowadays, people admire
snapdragons and give them as gifts more than they squeeze them.
Snapdragons possess two meanings. This is similar to the mythical creature
they resemble, revered in some cultures and feared in others:
A snapdragon means grace and, due to its growth in rocky areas, strength.
However, it can also symbolize deviousness.
WHAT DOES THE SNAPDRAGON FLOWER MEAN?
People have loved snapdragons since before the days of the Roman
Empire. Snapdragons have become part of human mythology with
complex symbolism.
Since a snapdragon is a symbol for both deception and
graciousness, sometimes snapdragons are used as a charm against
falsehood.
In Victorian times, messages from lovers were secretly sent by
flowers. A snapdragon with a flower known for truth-telling, such as a
hyacinth, meant that the giver is sorry for making a mistake.
Snapdragons also symbolize grace under pressure or inner strength
in trying circumstances.
SYMBOLISM OF THE SNAPDRAGON FLOWER
SNAPDRAGON FLOWER COLOR MEANINGS
Snapdragons have been associated with magic since the time of the ancient Greeks. Colours in and of themselves were thought
to contain magical properties. Snapdragons may contain more than one colour. New varieties are being developed all the time.
Purple: This is a colour associated with spirituality and those who have learned about spiritual (or magical) mysteries.
Red: Passion, love, giving positive energy to the receiver.
Yellow: This sunshine colour means smiles, happiness and overall good luck.
White: White symbolizes purity, grace, innocence and also good magic.
MEANINGFUL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SNAPDRAGON FLOWER
Snapdragons aren’t just valued for their pretty, squeezable blossoms. They also provide other benefits.
•Snapdragon seeds make cooking oil which is sometimes sold as a herbal remedy to reduce bodily swellings.
•The ancient historian Pliny wrote people could make themselves more attractive merely by rubbing
snapdragon blossoms over their bodies. Sadly, this has never been proved to work.
•Pliny also wrote that wearing a bracelet made of snapdragons was once thought to make the wearer immune
to poisons.
•Snapdragons are not poisonous to children or pets.
•According to European folklore, stepping on snapdragons can break black magic spells. However, this and
the existence of black magic has never been proven in a clinical trial.
The most crucial symbolism associated with a dragon
flower is grace, thereby being associated with the
grace exhibited by a lady. In addition to that, some
sources also state that this flower possesses the
power to restore beauty and youth of a woman.
Some sources state that in the ancient time, if a person
concealed a snapdragon, the act gave him/her an
impression of being highly fascinating and cordial.
It is said that during the Middle Ages, women weaved
this flower on their hair to put across the message that
they are not interested in any 'unwanted attention' from
men. This brings about another meaning of this
flower―deception and denial.
This flower is believed to have power to ward off evil, Supposedly, in
Germany, it was hung above a baby's bed to ward off evil spirits and even
witches!
It is assumed that when women wore this flower, it was presumed that
they are not up for any advances. Also, sending this flower to a person
connoted that the recipient is attractive, but deceptive and somewhat
dangerous.
This flower is also a popular choice for bridal bouquets and affectionate
bouquets. In such circumstances, one must not link the meaning to a
negative angle. As mentioned earlier, a snapdragon widely signifies
graciousness and benevolence, this flower would also do well to ward off
any evil from the holy event.