You have definitely picked a dandelion from the garden next to your house! Hasn’t it? Dandelions are one of the most well-known flowering plants. It related part of this knowledge to the medicinal use of this flower.
This flower plant, which is sometimes classified as a weed, has spiritual meanings. In fact, some see it as a symbol of beauty, healing, light, and hope. So, it cannot be just a weed.
Today we are going to talk about this beautiful and symbolic flower, its symbols, meanings of colors and everything that makes it better known. Let’s get to know the Dandelion closely!
- What kind of flower is a dandelion?
- What does the dandelion symbolize?
- What is the cultural meaning of dandelion?
- What is the type of dandelions? What color does each type have?
- What is the color code of the Yellow Dandelion?
- What colors go with Yellow Dandelion?
- Why are dandelions important?
- When can you give dandelions as a gift to others?
- What is the meaning of a dandelion tattoo?
- Last word
What kind of flower is a dandelion?
Dandelions are the flowering plants of the genus Taraxacum. Indeed, the root of the word Taraxacum is Greek and in the Persian language in the Middle Ages, it meant medicine. These flowers, which are in the Asteraceae family, have flowers that are mostly considered by some as weeds.
It derived the origin of the word Dandelion itself from a French expression “dent de lion” which means lion’s tooth in English. The reason for this name is the big leaves of the plant.
Other names of dandelion
In fact, dandelions are known as blowball, doon-head-clock, cankerworm, milk witch, witch’s gowan, yellow gowan, Irish daisy, priests’-crown, puff-ball, priest’s crown, white endive, swine’s snout, wild endive, face clock, wet-a-bed, pee-a-bed, and piss-a-bed.
The reason for naming the last three names is that, first, consuming the roots of this flower has a natural diuretic effect. Second, this flower mostly grows on the edge of sidewalks and pavements, where dogs may urinate!
What does the dandelion symbolize?
According to an old belief that comes from ancient times, if you blow dandelion seeds and make a wish, Zeus will fulfill your wishes. For this reason, dandelions are called “Pissant”. There is also this flower in the bride’s bouquet and it also given them to those who are newly married. For this reason, they are a symbol of prosperity and wealth. In Japan, the dandelion symbolizes the harmony between nature, child, human, and spirit.
In addition, it is common for those who have dandelions to have the ability to gain strength and emotional intelligence. Dandelions are also a symbol of sunshine, love and happiness that will bring growth to your life. Dandelions thrive when under the influence of adversity. For this reason, they can be a symbol of hope. Even in the movie series “The Hunger Games”, for the character Katniss, the dandelion was a symbol of hope.
What is the cultural meaning of dandelion?
Dandelions also have multiple meanings depending on the culture in which they exist. As I said before, in Chinese culture, they represent courage, because it can grow them in any conditions and any place. Dandelions are a modern symbol of perseverance for Christians.
Also, in Europe, these flowers are a symbol of hope for the future, love and loyalty. Also, Chinese and Europeans used dandelions in the past for medicinal purposes and animal feed.
The Egyptians were the first to use them to brew wine, and later, other cultures used them to make beer. The French call dandelions “Pissenlit”. This word means wetting the bed. Because dandelions bloom after rainstorms.
In some regions, the flower root of this plant is used to heal the stomach and liver. Dandelion can be used to treat acne, diabetes, high cholesterol, heartburn and many other cases.
There is a famous Greek story that illustrates the important role of dandelions in Greek culture. In this story, it is said that a Greek person named Theseus must prepare for an important battle for 30 days. For this, he ate as many dandelions as he could. Because the dandelions gave him the necessary strength and energy.
Finally, in some cultures, there is a word called the dandelion word. When a person promises a dandelion, it means that he should never forget that promise. Sometimes, people use dandelions for meditation and ritual magic.
What is the type of dandelions? What color does each type have?
Dandelions come in many colors. That the difference in colors has diversified them. Let’s see the type of dandelions:
Yellow dandelions:
The first type of them is the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), which is bright yellow. It is also one of the most common dandelions. This dandelion is a symbolic type. Because in Japan and other Asian countries, bright yellow dandelions are a symbol of positivity and strength. Hardiness zones for growing this species are USDA 3-10.
Among other yellow species, California dandelion (Taraxacum californicum) is also among the most known species. In fact, this species only grows in California and is now, unfortunately, on the verge of extinction. Also, hardiness zones for growing this species are USDA 8-9.
The third type of yellow dandelion is the Russian dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz). The life of these types of dandelions exists throughout the Pacific Ocean. They also grow in Kazakhstan. At first glance, the appearance of this type is very close to ordinary dandelions. But the growth of Russian dandelions is less. This species grows in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
The last type, the yellow dandelions, is the rock dandelion (Taraxacum laevigatum), which grows in USDA hardiness zones 3-10. In fact, we found it all over the United States. Another name of this species is Dandelion with red seeds, and it is completely edible due to its deep leaf blades.
White Dandelions:
The first type of white dandelion is the Japanese white dandelion (Taraxacum albidum), which grows natively in East, South, and Central Asia and in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. White dandelions are usually a symbol of innocence and freedom.
In addition, there is another type of white dandelion known as miniature white dandelion (Taraxacum pamiricum) that grows in USDA hardiness zone 5. As the name of this white dandelion suggests, this species is smaller than the previous species. In fact, they have one-inch white flowers that have two petals with a yellow center. However, these flowers are stronger than other types.
Pink Dandelions:
Pink dandelions (Taraxacum carneocoloratum), also known as fleshy dandelions, is a perennial plant that produces pink or pale purple flowers in summer. Also, this species is native to Alaska and Canada and grows in USDA hardiness zones 1-4. The pink color of dandelions is a symbol of endurance and beauty.
There is another type of pink dandelion (Taraxacum pseudoroseum) that has pastel pink petals. This species is resistant and capable of growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 and above. It is also completely edible. For this reason, its cultivation is really suitable for vegetable gardens.
Purple Dandelion:
The unique color among dandelions is purple. This color belongs to a species of dandelion called purple leaf dandelion (Taraxacum rubifolium). The flowers of this species are still yellow, but as it grows, the colors of the petals go towards the spectrum of purple, wine, ruby red, dark purple or yellowish brown!
What is the color code of the Yellow Dandelion?
Indeed, there is one type of color whose name and color it derived from dandelions. You can find its code below!
Yellow Dandelion color code (#F5BB00) ⬈
Yellow Dandelion color with hex code #F5BB00 is one of the colors that takes its name and color from the most common dandelion flower. In fact, this color is one of the shades of the yellow family. The RGB values for this color include 57%, 43%, and 0%, respectively. Also, its CMYK values include 0, 24, 100, and 4. In addition, the saturation of dandelion yellow is 100% and its brightness is 96%.
What colors go with Yellow Dandelion?
Complementary palette:
It complemented the yellow Dandelion by blue (#003AF5). Since complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, they have the greatest amount of contrast. The same thing makes it attract everyone’s attention by putting these colors together.
Split-Complementary Palette:
This three-color palette for Dandelion Yellow includes Blue Bolt (#00B5F5) and Electric Ultramarine (#4100F5). The best use of this palette is for graphic designs and websites. Because this design is pleasing to the viewer.
Analogous palette:
The colors of this palette are next to each other in the color wheel. So, this palette for Yellow Dandelion includes Bitter Lime (#B5F500) and Red Orange (X11) (#F54100). In fact, the colors of this palette are very calm and sometimes even include pastel and soft colors.
Square Palette:
The square palette has 4 colors that are placed at the same distance from each other. The three colors that are next to Yellow Dandelion in this palette are Malachite (#00F541), Blue (#003AF5) and Shocking Pink (#F500B5). Also, using the colors of this palette is better than the tetradic palette.
Tetradic Palette:
Sea Green (#00F5BB), Blue (#003AF5) and Red (#F5003A) along with Yellow Dandelion make up the tetradic palette. Due to the complexity of the color combination of this palette, it is rarely used.
Triadic palette:
In this palette, like the square palette, the colors are at the same distance from each other. The two colors next to the Yellow Dandelion are Sea Green (#00F5BB) and Electric Purple (#BB00F5). Actually, the colors of this palette also have a lot of contrast.
Why are dandelions important?
Dandelions are very important for several reasons. First, dandelion seeds grow in almost any type of soil and can even grow in unusual places such as the side of the street pavement. Most importantly, their roots can be used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Additionally, dandelions are commonly used in salads and many other recipes around the world.
Besides, dandelions are the only flower that is a sign of the sun, moon, and stars. In general, dandelions, according to their colors, symbolically refer to various concepts such as friendship, growth, health, peace, innocence, healing and youth.
When can you give dandelions as a gift to others?
When you want to make someone happy or give a gift to someone you love a lot, giving dandelion flowers is the best thing to do. In addition, if you know someone around you who is feeling hopeless, needs the courage to start a new life or even has started a new life, giving a bouquet of dandelion flowers is the best choice.
In addition to the above, if you go to the patient who is recovering or even surprise him/her, giving a bouquet of dandelion flowers will make your decision easier.
What is the meaning of a dandelion tattoo?
So far, we have understood that dandelions can symbolize many things. However, we are sure that dandelions are a symbol of positive things.
In general, the dandelion tattoo is a symbol of hope and freedom. Because it scattered dandelion seeds in the air and, by falling in different parts, they make a new life. We also said that dandelions are a symbol of courage, happiness, and love. So, people who have dandelion tattoos have these traits or want these traits.
Last word
The importance of dandelions varies from culture to culture. Dandelions may be associated with different meanings and symbols in a culture. In another culture, they consider it a weed. Maybe even after reading this article, it has inspired you to plant dandelions in your garden? Isn’t it?
Is Dandelion so worth having symbols? Do you believe in its meaning, or do you think it is a weed?
