Who doesn't admire the sensual beauty of the orchid or ponder orchid symbolism? The amazing flowers may have entranced early human beings, as the orchid plant evolved long before mankind appeared on earth.
Orchid Symbolism
Like many flowers, orchids' meanings have changed over the eons. Ancient Greeks believed that women who ate small, new tubers of the orchid plant would have girls. However, if men ate large, new tubers, the mothers would have boys. By the way, the word "orchid" is derived from "orchis," which means "testicle" in Greek.
The ancients explained that orchids originated from Orchis. Orchis was a man of beauty, beauty which he received from his mother, a nymph. Orchis was also lustful, a quality which he got from his father, who was a satyr. Orchis attended a feast for Bachus, the god of wine and intoxication. Orchis, unable to control his baser instincts, attacked a priestess during the celebration, attempting to rape her. The Fates punished Orchis with a death sentence. He was ripped apart by beasts. From his death arose orchids, which included a testament to the male reproductive organs.
The Totonacas were Indians who lived in what is now Veracruz, Mexico. Their legend about the origins of the vanilla orchid talks of a beautiful young woman whose life was dedicated to the goddess of crops, Tonoacayohua. The young woman, Tzacopontziza, spent her days offering food and flowers to the goddess. A young prince, Zkatan-Oxga, spied on her during on her trips to Tonoacayohua's temple and fell deeply in love. One day, he caught Tzacopontziza and persuaded her to run away with him. Tonoacayohua's priests, intercepted them, cut off their heads and took their hearts. The first vanilla orchid flowers sprouted where the young lovers had died. Vanilla orchids, and vanilla beans, were used as gifts to the goddess.
The Aztecs conquered the Tonoacas in 1427. The Aztecs forced the Tonoacas to give them vanilla as tribute. The spice became a part of their chocolate drink, cacahuatl. Cacahuatl gave its drinkers strength and power.
Virility was not high on the list of proper topics of conversation during the Victorian era in England. However, the Victorians did love orchids. Orchids came to be associated with luxury during this time period.
Today, the orchid means refinement as well as beauty and wisdom. Orchids also represent the innocence of small children.
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