Blooming first in the early spring, the primrose is a lovely flower that can be found in shades like yellow, blue, white, pink, and purple. What do all primrose flowers have in common? A delicate, yellow-tinged center that looks not unlike an eye.
For all the beauty of this plant, though, it also has some deep symbolism. If you’re planning on giving someone a primrose flower, read this article first – it’s sure to open your eyes.
What Does Primrose Mean?
The word “primrose” comes from the Latin word, “primus.” This word means “first,” which makes sense if you consider that the primrose flower typically is the first flower to bloom in the early spring.
Because of this etymology, primrose flowers are often seen as representations of youth and everlasting existence.
What Do Primrose Flowers Symbolize? 
In addition to the connection of this flower to youth and longevity, it has many other meanings, too. Usually, primrose flowers are seen as representations of young love and of feeling as though you can’t live without your lover.
Primrose flowers are often viewed as holistic symbols of femininity, too. The petals on the blossoms can stand for all of the various stages of life, including birth, life itself, consummation, and of course, death.
These flowers can stand for neglected merit, inconstancy, and even bashfulness, but usually, they are given to show someone that you can’t live without them.
What Does a White Primrose Mean?
White primrose flowers are usually given to symbolize sadness and mourning.
What Does a Red Primrose Symbolize?
Red primrose flowers are usually given to others to symbolize passion, as is the case with many common red flowers.
What is the Cultural Significance of a Primrose?
The primrose flower is a bloom with plenty of cultural connotations. In Norse folklore, Freya is the goddess of love and the primrose is her sacred bloom. When ceremonies and rituals were held to honor her, petals of these flowers were displayed on her altars.
There are some superstitions around this flower, too. The English believe that, if you bring these blossoms home, you need to do so in groups of 13. Any more or any less can lead to bad luck.
However, the primrose has some medicinal benefits. It is believed to help cure symptoms like migraine, headaches, cough, congestion, and more.
In years past, particularly in England, primrose flowers (also referred to as cowslip flowers) were called “Key FlowerS” because they looked like hanging bundles of keys.
What is the Symbolism of a Primrose Tattoo?
Get a primrose tattoo, and you’ll have chosen to ink yourself with quite a unique symbol. This flower is usually meant to symbolize that you can’t live without someone or something, and can be inked in a wide array of pale and brighter shades.
When Should You Give Someone a Primrose?
Primrose flowers are wonderful blooms when given among lovers. Giving your beloved a primrose flower will show him or her that you cannot live with them.
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