Some People wonder why I SO strongly believe in the Dandelion.
The following article “touches” upon my reasons.
You might curse it as a weed when it pops up in your lawn, but the Dandelion is, nonetheless, beautiful and full of symbolism
This cheerful little flower can grow practically anywhere there is a pinch of soil or a crack in the sidewalk. Even if you think of the plant as nothing more than a pest, understanding some of its use as a symbol could give you a new appreciation for those flowers you keep pulling up as you weed.
WHAT DOES THE
DANDELION FLOWER MEAN?
The common and humble Dandelion has a surprising amount of different meanings. The Dandelion means:
• Healing from emotional pain and physical injury alike
• Intelligence, especially in an emotional and spiritual sense
• The warmth and power of the rising Sun
• Surviving through all challenges and difficulties
• Long lasting happiness and youthful joy
• Getting your wish fulfilled.
Since the Dandelion can thrive in difficult conditions, it is no wonder that people say the flower symbolizes the ability to rise above Life’s challenges.
WHAT DOES THE
DANDELION’S NAME MEAN?
The Dandelion name first developed in the 15th century. It was derived from the Medieval Latin phrase “dens lionis,” which refers to the jagged shape of the leaves by calling them a “lion’s tooth”.
This transformed into “dent-de-lion” in French, and then became Dandelion in Middle English.
We still use the same name today because it’s easy to remember, and definitely still applies as a description of how the plant looks.
WHAT DOES THE
DANDELION SYMBOLIZE?
Viewed as a common weed, the Dandelion didn’t even merit a mention in the language of flowers during the Victorian Era. That didn’t stop Medieval peasants and modern Spiritualists from considering it a symbolic flower.
Most modern admirers consider it a symbol of fighting through the challenges of Life and emerging victorious on the other side.
Others use it as a visual reminder of the Sun’s power, especially when depression or grief makes it hard to stay sunny. Of course, there is a long running folk belief that blowing out the white puffball of seeds that the flowers turns into will grant you a wish. Others use it as a reminder to use intelligence in dealing with every kind of situation.
Finally, most people agree that the Dandelion looks so cheerful and happy, even when it is taking over a sidewalk or shading out grass in a lawn.
WHERE DID IT FIRST START?
The Dandelion grows across North America and Europe, and was introduced into many other continents as well.
The leaves and flowers are both edible and quite healthy, with the flowers tasting less bitter than the leaves. Many rural people still use the flowers for making Dandelion Wine in the Summer. The root of the plant also contains compounds believed to relieve kidney and bladder problems when drunk as a tea.
USE DANDELIONS FOR
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Gather up a small informal bouquet of Dandelions from your yard for occasions like:
• Celebrating the return of Summer
• Overcoming an obstacle, especially by using your innate intelligence
• Trying to connect with the Sun and its power
• Celebrating any event that brings joy and the energy of youth into your Life
THE DANDELION’S
MESSAGE
The Dandelion flower’s message is:
“ Do not give up… even if those around you keep trying to. AND…remember the cheerfulness of a sunny Summer’s day, even when things seem bleak or dark. NEVER stop believing!”
Along with the BRASS RING gifted to me by Eternity back in the early 70’s, the Dandelion is the Essence of HOPE and ETERNITY.
TO A DANDELION
- by Helen M. Johnson
Blessings on thy sunny face,
In my heart thou hast a place,
Humble Dandelion!
Forms more lovely are
around thee,
Purple violets surround thee,—
But I know thy honest heart
Never felt a moment’s smart
At another’s good or beauty,—
Ever at thy post of duty,
Smiling on the great and small,
Rich and poor, and wishing all
Health, and happiness,
and pleasure,
Oh, thou art a golden treasure!
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