The Dandelion plant with bright yellow flowers is a versatile and nutritious plant spreading positive energy. It is thought of as a weed and grows all over the earth, except in Antarctica. The toughness and survival capabilities of the Dandelion are remarkable and add to its spiritual message of enduring hardships victoriously.
Dandelion flowers signify health, happiness, and wishes come true. It belongs to the genus Taraxacum in the Daisy family. Dandelion comes from the French for “lion’s teeth,” referring to the plant’s serrated leaves. The Dandelion’s flowers, leaves, and roots are edible, nutritious, and beneficial.
This is a magical plant with much folklore and symbolic meanings. The Dandelion plant announces Spring with its early flowers after winter; as such, it symbolizes death, life, rebirth, and the sun itself. Dandelions evolved millions of years ago and have superior value for the survival of humans and pollinating insects all over the world.
The History Of Dandelion Flowers
Dandelion Flowers were used by the early Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians, as far back as recorded history allows. The evidence of fossilized seeds suggests that Dandelions have flourished for the last 30 million years. This humble backyard flower is a symbol of longevity.
All parts of the Dandelion plant have been used historically as food and medicine.
The ancient Inca and Aztec cultures used Dandelions for dental health. Chinese traditional medicine uses this plant for detoxing the blood and the body.
Native American tribes utilized the Dandelion plant long before the first Europeans arrived. According to Daniel E. Moerman of the Michigan University, the Dandelion served as an essential food plant for 17 American Indian tribes and herbal medicine for 16 different tribes.
In old Ireland, the 1st of February (Spring Day) was the festival of Saint Brigid of Kildare. The Dandelion (‘caisearbhán’ in Gaelic) and the lamb were her personal symbols. Old English names for the Dandelion include blowball, milk-witch, and piss-a-bed. This last one refers to the diuretic effects of medicine made from Dandelion roots.
The Mythology And Symbolism Of Dandelion Flowers
The symbolism of the Dandelion flower varies in different parts of the world. In Eastern countries, Dandelions signify courage because they grow in the most barren places. The cheerful yellow flowers symbolize positive energy, balance, and strength. In Christian traditions, Dandelions represent endurance.
In Greek Mythology, the hero Theseus ate an overdose of Dandelion flowers for thirty days to prepare for his fight with the Minotaur. True to what we know today of this plant’s nutritional superiority, it gave Theseus the strength and endurance needed to win the battle against the bull and escape from the maze.
Aphrodite, the Greek love goddess, is associated with Dandelion flowers and honey bees. Dandelions are also connected with Hecate, the goddess of the underworld. Dandelion plants have deep taproots, and even tiny bits of root left in the ground can keep growing. This signifies the importance of standing firm in your convictions.
The old Norwegian name for Dandelion is ‘The sunshine of Balder.’ This harks back to Norse mythology and the death of Odin’s son, Balder. He was synonymous with peace, warmth, and light, and his death was mourned by all living things. The gnomes shared their sorrow with Odin, and he gifted them with Balder’s sunshine, Dandelion flowers.
Folklore And Traditional Meaning Of Dandelion Flowers
A single Dandelion flower is composed of many tiny florets that grow into seeds that make up the soft, white puffball. Dandelion seeds are scattered by the wind and can fly great distances. In folklore and modern times, it is believed that blowing the seeds into the air while making a wish will result in your desire coming true.
The tradition of blowing the Dandelion puffball is found worldwide. It asserts the Dandelion as the flower of optimism, hope, and dreams. The spiritual message in this childlike act is to dream big and not limit your joy or hope for the future.
The Dandelion is a perfect symbol of the sun (male energy) in balance with the moon (feminine energy). The yellow flower is the bright sun that fades when the moon, a white seed ball, appears. The individual seeds flying into the sky can be thought of as the stars drifting through space.
Fortune-telling is another folkloric association with Dandelions. It is believed that tea or coffee brewed from Dandelion roots sharpens your ability to peer into the future. Modern witchcraft uses Dandelions to banish negative energies and spirits and conjure creativity, inspiration, and bravery.
Dream Symbolism Of The Dandelion Flower
Dreaming of Dandelions represents happiness, positivity, and enlightenment. The color symbolism in the dream is always telling. Yellow flowers are linked to spiritual growth, strength, and bravery. White Dandelion flowers show the way to introspection with clarity and purity. Additional associations with Dandelion dreams are:
- Be aware of your true worth.
- Cherish your inner-child or playful nature.
- Let go of old issues and start anew.
- Be courageous and determined in difficult times.
- Keep growing and improving your skills.
- Find joy and delight in the place where you are now.
The Current Medicinal Uses Of The Dandelion Flower
Dandelion flowers, leaves, roots, and milk sap are extensively used in herbal medicines. The whole plant is high in various trace elements, vitamins, and minerals and should be included in a healthy diet. Dandelion greens contain rich amounts of calcium, iron, and Vitamin A and C.
For an in-depth study on the outstanding qualities of Dandelions, find Katrina Blair’s book titled: The wild wisdom of weeds. Some of the medical benefits this queen of all weeds exhibit is:
- Dandelion is used as a blood cleanser and liver tonic.
- It is used as a digestive tonic.
- It reduces anxiety, stress, and irritability.
- Dandelion has anti-inflammatory effects.
- It Stimulates the flow of mother’s milk.
- It helps with gallbladder issues.
- It facilitates the clearing of energy blockages from the body.
- Dandelion is beneficial for those with arthritis, diabetes, and blood-sugar problems.
Conclusion
The message in a bunch of brilliant Dandelion flowers and their puffball seed heads is to stand firm and rely on your inner wisdom and strength of mind, body, and spirit.
Invite a friend or lover to blow the Dandelion seeds into the heavens with you, and expect magic to enter your lives.
