Gladiolus impress with their upright, sword-shaped growth and the beautiful flowers. Like many other flowers, the gladiolus has a special meaning that we would like to explain in more detail here.
Among other things, gladioli stand for love
The Latin plant name
The Roman short sword was called a gladius, and the smaller form of the weapon was called a gladiolus. The erect habit of the gladiolus and its pointed petals are reminiscent of these dangerous weapons and helped give the gladiolus its heroic name. The gladiolus was a symbol of power and victory. In ancient Rome, the heroes of the arena were therefore pelted with gladiolus blossoms by the audience.
The Siegwort
Magical powers were also attributed to gladiolus bulbs in earlier times. The soldiers wore the tuber, known as Siegwurz in the Alemannic region, around their necks as a talisman. They believed that the onion would make them invulnerable and invincible. This myth stems from the appearance of the onion, which is surrounded by a fine, fibrous sheath that looks like a suit of armor.
The gladiolus as a token of love
In earlier centuries it was extremely improper to spontaneously declare your love for a lady. Then as now, gentlemen let flowers speak to express their feelings. Alongside the rose, the gladiolus was a great token of love. If the adored gladioli was given, it was less about expressing a love of life and death. Rather, the admiration for a person and the pride of being allowed to know and honor them should be symbolically revealed through the flower.
tips
Since gladioli last a long time in the vase, they are ideal as cut flowers. Even today, the attractive floral swords speak their own language that hardly any lady can escape.