Aster Flower Symbolism: Mythology and Color Meanings
Discover the nuanced symbolism of the aster flower. Its meaning is shaped by its celestial form, its varied colors, and its deep roots in mythology.
As one of the last vibrant blooms before winter, the aster holds a special place in the autumn landscape. Its name, from the ancient Greek word for “star,” describes its radiating, star-like flower heads that dot gardens with color. Beyond this visual charm, the aster carries significant meaning, with a history of symbolism stretching through myths and across cultures.
Core Symbolism of the Aster Flower
The aster is a symbol of powerful and enduring love. Unlike the fleeting passion of other flowers, asters convey steadfast appreciation and loyal affection, making them suitable for partners, friends, and family. This symbolism is reinforced by the plant’s perennial nature, as it returns year after year to represent a love that is long-lasting and resilient.
Its connection to celestial bodies, suggested by its star shape, has also imbued the aster with meanings of wisdom, faith, and hope. The flower’s appearance late in the growing season contributes to its association with patience and the wisdom that comes with time. The aster serves as a reminder of light and guidance during darker times and a symbol of hope against the coming cold.
The Meaning Behind Aster Colors
The general symbolism of the aster is refined by the specific color of its petals, allowing for more nuanced expressions.
- Purple asters are strongly linked to royalty, dignity, and admiration. This regal connotation makes them a flower of respect, often used to signify wisdom and spiritual attainment.
- White asters carry the universal symbols of purity, innocence, and new beginnings. These flowers are often chosen for events that mark a fresh start, embodying virtue and untainted beauty.
- Pink asters speak to a gentler, more affectionate type of love, representing kindness, sensitivity, and romantic sentiment. They are a gesture of gratitude and elegant grace.
- Blue asters are tied to concepts of faith, stability, and calmness. Their cool tones evoke serenity, making them a symbol of faithfulness and reliability.
- Red asters are the most direct in their expression of intense emotion. They symbolize undying devotion and deep, unwavering passion, making them a strong choice for declaring profound love.
Cultural and Mythological Roots
The symbolism of the aster is deeply rooted in history and mythology. According to ancient Greek legend, the flower was created from the tears of the goddess Astraea. As she wept for the earth, which was cloaked in darkness, her tears fell and blossomed into the star-shaped flowers, linking them to the celestial and the divine. The Greeks also burned aster leaves to ward off malevolent spirits and snakes.
This flower is the birth flower for September, aligning with its late-season blooming period. Its arrival marks the transition from summer to autumn. In some European traditions, asters were placed on the graves of soldiers to symbolize valor and to wish that things had turned out differently.
During the Victorian era, flowers were used to send complex messages in a practice known as floriography. Within this “language of flowers,” the aster was a symbol of charm, daintiness, and patience, serving as a talisman of love and a representation of elegance.