What Is the Symbolism of Lavender?

Lavender most commonly symbolizes love, devotion and purity. It is a commonly used color for weddings, and, when given as a gift, lavender represents opportunity and promises new adventure. The color purple has a history of association with royalty, so lavender suggests splendor and regal majesty. For centuries, lavender was used to scent love letters and was combined with rosemary during the Renaissance to secure a woman’s chastity.

The lavender rose symbolizes love-at-first-sight and is often sent by individuals who wish to express feelings of adoration. Lavender roses share symbolism with fabled blue roses, which have not been found to exist in nature. Since the quest for a truly blue rose is ongoing, much of its fabricated symbolism, such as wonder and a magical aura of impossibility, has become linked to the lavender rose. Long-stemmed lavender roses are used in bouquets and carry the greatest symbolic significance.

In aromatherapy, lavender is an essential oil known for its light aroma and a yin-yang balance pointing to femininity and an inward sense of awareness. Spiritual symbolism of lavender resides in the realms of healing, easing of tension, higher consciousness and the release of energy blockages. Lavender is popular as an accent color in Feng Shui meditation rooms.