What do violets represent

The most common being the blue-violet Viola sororia , which grows wild along the East Coast from Maine to Florida. Despite the name, African violets are not part of the violet species. Sweet violets Viola odorata are recognized for their sweet scent. Bedding and sweet violets are the most popular varieties sold at nurseries. Violets can be identified by their bluish-purple blooms and heart-shaped leaves with scalloped or saw-toothed edges.

In general, violets are recognized by their five-petal blossom shape. These feature two at the top, two on the sides and a small one in the bottom center. Most violets are small perennial plants, but a few are annuals. Both the leaves and blooms are edible.

Since they are edible flowers, violets often are coated in sugar and used as edible decorations on cakes and other sweet treats.

The plant also is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A , particularly in the petals and stems. Vitamin C is known as antioxidant that boosts immunity. Some claim that violet can be used similar to aspirin to relieve inflammation and aches.

However, large dose of violet preparation can cause vomiting and digestive disorders. Just as you take in the first whiff of aroma, your nose briefly dysfunctions, and the scent is gone! The scent, however you describe it, is a popular addition to breath fresheners, perfumes, oils, and lotions. Common violet flower meanings include innocence, everlasting love, modesty, spiritual wisdom, faithfulness, mysticism, and remembrance.

In Christian writings, the violet flower is often seen as a symbolic emblem of humility. These blossomed when the angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would be her baby. In the world of religious art, the violet flower meanings are often portrayed as a symbol of modesty and humbleness. For instance, in many paintings of the Renaissance era, the Virgin Mary is often seen with baby Jesus in her arms with purple flowers, in symbolic reference to her modesty.

Violets had many uses throughout history. Greeks and Romans were said to use violets as funeral decorations. Roman and Greek myths recount a tragic story of one of the goddess Diana's Artemis nymph companions, all of whom had sworn to stay maidens. The nymph was unrelentingly chased by Diana's twin brother, Apollo, so that Diana changed the nymph into a violet to protect her.

The modesty of the nymph is attributed to the violet. Violets, both the flower and the color inspired by it, have much meaning in Christianity. One important meaning associates the violet with Mary and modesty. Indeed, the religious name of Viola odorata is Our Lady's Modesty. Violets also denote spiritual wisdom, humility and faithfulness.

These meanings make violets, along with yellow roses, the flower to give for a 50th wedding anniversary. Religious art uses violets in paintings to denote humility. Inspired by mythology, Victorian floriography—the language of flowers—assigns to the violet a meaning of retiring modesty. The white violet, in the Victorian mind, means candor; innocence, too. It was much the same during the Renaissance, when the meanings of flowers were not just simple assigned values, but reflected an essence that led to an understanding of the Divine.

Greeks and Romans used Violets at funerals , while Persians used them to calm anger and to heal headache. In Ancient Rome, they made wine from Violet flowers which was very popular and wanted. Romans believed that these flowers could prevent drunkenness.

These plants are medicinal. They contain antioxidants and are good as diuretic and anti-inflammatory. The plant is sometimes used as a laxative for infants and children.

Violet tea has also been used as a headache remedy. Violets are often used in the perfume industry. In culinary Violas are used to decorate salads, but some species can also be cooked.

They are considered a leafy vegetable and may be an underrated food resource. As their name suggests, many species are violet in color, but can also be blue, white, yellow and cream. Some blooms have two or even three colors.