Morning Glory Flower Meaning: A Symbol of Love And Resilience

The morning glory is a flower that captures the beauty of a fresh start. It is well-known for unravelling its petals with the morning sun and closing them by the afternoon. This bloom symbolises resilience, the fleeting nature of life, and unrequited love. It serves as the birth flower for September and is often associated with the 11th wedding anniversary. 

Whether displayed in a vase to brighten a living room or given as a thoughtful gift, the morning glory carries a deep message to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones. Read on to learn more about this glorious bloom.

The Symbolism of the Morning Glory Flower

When you look at a bouquet containing morning glories, you are seeing more than just a splash of colour. These flowers carry a history of meaning that spans across different cultures and centuries. For the women of Singapore who manage busy households, this flower resonates deeply because of what it represents.

Resilience and Strength

One of the most powerful meanings behind this flower is resilience. The morning glory gets its name because it blooms fresh every single morning. It does not matter what happened the day before; when the sun rises, the flower opens up to face the new day.

This can be a beautiful metaphor for our daily lives. As mothers and homemakers, we often face long days filled with chores, work, and caring for children. The morning glory reminds us that we have the strength to wake up and start fresh every morning. It symbolises the quiet power of simply keeping going and finding beauty in a new day. Placing a vase of these flowers on the dining table can serve as a gentle morning reminder to face the day with energy and hope.

The Fleeting Nature of Life

The beauty of the morning glory is intense but short-lived. Each individual bloom usually lasts for only a single day. It opens in the early hours, shows off its brilliant colours, and then fades as the afternoon heat sets in.

This fleeting nature symbolises the importance of the present moment. It teaches us that time passes quickly, especially when we are watching our children grow up. The flower encourages us to seize the day and appreciate the beauty right in front of us before it changes. In the language of flowers, gifting this bloom tells the recipient to cherish the memories being made right now. It is a poignant reminder that while life is short, it can still be incredibly beautiful.

Unrequited Love and Affection

Historically, the morning glory has been linked to unrequited love. This refers to love that is not returned or love that must be kept secret. In the past, if someone sent a bouquet of morning glories, it might have meant they were longing for someone they could not have.

However, in modern times, the meaning has softened. Today, it is often seen as a symbol of deep affection and emotional attachment. It represents a love that is persistent, just like the flower that blooms repeatedly. It can be a romantic gesture between husband and wife, signifying that even after many years of marriage, the affection remains fresh and renews itself every day.

Morning Glory Meaning by Colour

Like many other blooms we see at the florist, the specific colour of a morning glory changes its message. If you are choosing a bouquet for a friend, a parent, or your spouse, knowing the colour meanings can help you send the right sentiment.

Blue Morning Glory Meaning

The blue morning glory is perhaps the most iconic shade. In the world of flowers, blue is a rare and special colour. It symbolises peace, calm, and enduring trust.

A bouquet of blue morning glories is perfect for a home that feels a bit chaotic. The cool tones bring a sense of tranquillity to a room. It suggests a deep, spiritual bond between two people. If you give this to a partner, you are telling them that your trust in them is deep and that they bring peace to your life. It is also a wonderful colour to gift to a friend who might be going through a stressful time, offering them a visual wish for serenity.

Purple Morning Glory Meaning

Purple has always been the colour of royalty, nobility, and elegance. A purple morning glory carries these same connotations but adds a touch of mystery and charm.

In a vase arrangement, purple blooms stand out and draw the eye. They symbolise beauty and grace. If you are looking for flowers to decorate your home for a dinner party or a special family gathering, purple morning glories add a sophisticated touch. They suggest that the recipient—or the home they are displayed in—has a noble spirit. It is a colour of respect and admiration.

White Morning Glory Meaning

White flowers almost always represent purity, and the morning glory is no exception. The white morning glory symbolises innocence, spirituality, and honesty.

These blooms are simple yet stunning. They represent a heart that is open and truthful. In a bouquet, white morning glories can represent a new beginning, making them a lovely gift for a bridal shower or for a couple who has just moved into a new HDB flat or condo. They bring a sense of freshness and light into a space. They are also appropriate for sympathy arrangements, offering a message of peace and pure remembrance.

Pink Morning Glory Meaning

Pink is the universal colour of gentle romance and thoughtfulness. Pink morning glories represent affection, gratitude, and refined love.

Unlike the intense passion of red flowers, pink is softer. It is the kind of love that is nurturing and kind. This makes pink morning glories an excellent choice for Mother’s Day or for gifting to a close female friend. It says, "I care about you," in a sweet and gentle way. For a husband gifting his wife, pink morning glories symbolise a tender love that is appreciative of everything she does for the family.

Red Morning Glory Meaning

While less common than the blue or purple varieties, red morning glories make a bold statement. They symbolise passion, a strong heart, and energy.

The red morning glory is for when you want to express intense feelings. It represents a heart that beats strong and true. In a mixed bouquet, adding a few red morning glories can spice up the arrangement and add a pop of vibrant energy. It is a symbol of courage and a zest for life, perfect for celebrating a personal achievement or a romantic milestone.

Cultural Significance of Morning Glories

The morning glory is not just a pretty face; it holds a significant place in the folklore and traditions of many cultures, particularly in Asia. For us in Singapore, these stories often feel close to home.

Morning Glory Meaning in Chinese Culture

In Chinese culture, the morning glory is deeply tied to the Qixi Festival, often called the Chinese Valentine’s Day. There is a famous legend associated with this flower involving the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.

The story goes that the two lovers were separated by the Milky Way and were only allowed to meet once a year. The morning glory, which blooms for just one day, became a symbol of this fleeting annual meeting. It represents the preciousness of the time lovers spend together.

For Singaporean Chinese families, this story adds a layer of romance and longing to the flower. It reminds couples not to take their time together for granted. Even though work and daily responsibilities can keep us apart or distracted, the morning glory reminds us to make the most of the moments when we are reunited at the end of the day.

Morning Glory Meaning in Japanese Culture

In Japan, the morning glory is known as "Asagao," which translates to "Morning Face." It is a beloved flower during the summer months and is treated with great respect.

The Japanese view the morning glory as a symbol of innocence and the brief beauty of youth. Because the flower wilts so quickly after being cut or after the sun hits it, it serves as a reminder of the Buddhist concept of impermanence. 

However, this is not seen as sad; rather, it is viewed as beautiful. It teaches appreciation. In Japanese art and fabrics, you will often see morning glories depicted to evoke a cool, refreshing feeling during the hot summer. Displaying them in the home brings a touch of this refined Japanese aesthetic of appreciating simple, natural beauty.

Victorian Language of Flowers (Floriography)

During the Victorian era in England, social etiquette was very strict. People often could not speak their minds openly, so they used flowers to send coded messages. This was known as Floriography.

In this "language," the morning glory had a specific meaning. It could represent "Love in Vain" or "Coquetry" (flirting). If a suitor sent a bouquet of morning glories, he might have been complaining that the lady was playing hard to get. Alternatively, it could mean that he loved her, but he knew it was hopeless.

Today, we focus less on the negative "vain" aspect and more on the romantic devotion. However, knowing this history adds a bit of old-world charm to the flower. It transforms a simple bouquet into a conversation piece about history and romance.

Spiritual Meanings and Associations

Beyond culture and romance, the morning glory has spiritual connotations that resonate with many people who seek mindfulness and balance in their lives.

Renewal and Rebirth

The daily cycle of the morning glory is a perfect symbol of spiritual renewal. Every morning, the flower opens fresh petals to the world. It does not hoard its beauty; it gives it freely and then lets it go.

This behaviour encourages us to let go of yesterday’s mistakes and worries. Spiritually, it teaches us that every sunrise is a chance to be born again, to start over with a clean slate. For women navigating the complexities of modern life, this is a comforting message. It suggests that we can always reset our mood and our intentions. Having these flowers in a space where you pray or meditate can enhance that feeling of new beginnings.

Connection to the Divine

Because the morning glory reaches towards the sun and relies on the light to open, it has often been seen as a symbol of seeking the divine. In some traditions, the short lifespan of the flower represents the bridge between the mortal world and the spiritual realm. It is here for a moment—a flash of divine beauty—and then it is gone.

This makes the flower a meaningful gift for someone who is spiritual. It acknowledges that they look towards the "light" in their life. It also serves as a reminder that the soul, like the flower, is always reaching upwards for growth and enlightenment.

The Morning Glory as the September Birth Flower

If you or a loved one were born in September, the morning glory is your birth flower (along with the Aster). Sharing a birth month with this bloom says a lot about a person’s character.

Traits of September-Born Individuals

People born in September are often said to be affectionate, humble, and charming—much like the morning glory itself. Just as the flower is resilient and greets the day with energy, September babies are known for their hard work and dedication.

They are often the people who "show up" for their friends and family. They may not always seek the spotlight (like a flashy rose might), but their presence is consistent and brings joy. A bouquet of morning glories is the most personalised birthday gift you can give to a September-born friend. It shows you have put thought into what represents them best. It honours their ability to bounce back from challenges and their warm, loving nature.

Pairing Morning Glories with Asters

Since September has two birth flowers, a mixed bouquet of Morning Glories and Asters is a powerful combination. Asters symbolise wisdom, valour, and faith.

When you combine the resilience of the morning glory with the wisdom of the aster, you get a bouquet that represents a strong, wise, and loving person. This combination looks stunning in a vase. The star-shaped asters complement the trumpet shape of the morning glories. Together, they create a textured, vibrant display that celebrates a September birthday perfectly. It is a sophisticated choice that moves beyond the standard supermarket bouquet.

Occasions to Gift or Display Morning Glories

While you can enjoy fresh flowers any day of the year, there are specific occasions where the morning glory is the most appropriate choice.

Celebrating 11th Wedding Anniversaries

The morning glory is the official flower of the 11th wedding anniversary. By the time a couple reaches 11 years, they have moved past the "honeymoon" phase and are deep into the reality of building a life together.

The morning glory is perfect for this milestone because it represents love that renews itself every day. It acknowledges that marriage requires the choice to love each other every single morning, just as the flower chooses to bloom. If you are celebrating your 11th anniversary, asking your florist to include morning glories in your arrangement adds a layer of deep, symbolic meaning to the celebration.

Encouragement and Get Well Soon

Because of the flower’s association with resilience and new days, it is an excellent "Get Well Soon" flower.

When someone is recovering from an illness, they need hope. They need to be reminded that each day brings a little more strength. A vase of morning glories on a bedside table offers a cheerful, bright greeting when the patient wakes up. It symbolises the return of energy and the promise of recovery. The gentle colours like blue and pink are soothing to the eyes and not overpowering, which is ideal for someone resting.

Romantic Gestures

While red roses are the standard for romance, morning glories offer a different kind of romantic message. They are for the couple who values deep emotional connection and "everyday" love.

Giving morning glories is a way of saying, "I love waking up to you." It is less about grand, dramatic gestures and more about the steady, reliable comfort of a shared life. It is a perfect "just because" gift for a husband to give his wife, or vice versa, to acknowledge the beauty of their daily routine together.

The Art of Displaying Morning Glories in the Home

Since we are focusing on these blooms as cut flowers, it is important to understand how they fit into our home decor. Morning glories have a unique shape—a trumpet or funnel—that makes them distinct from standard flat flowers like daisies.

Choosing the Right Vase

Because morning glories often grow on vines, even when cut, they have a natural curve and flow. They look stunning in tall, clear glass vases where their stems can be seen. The trumpet shape draws the eye upwards, so they work well in narrow-necked vases that keep the blooms clustered together.

For a more rustic or vintage look, placing them in a ceramic pitcher or a white jug complements their old-world charm. This style fits perfectly in a cosy Singaporean kitchen or on a wooden dining table. The contrast between the delicate petals and a sturdy ceramic vase highlights the flower’s fragility.

Placement for Visual Impact

To truly enjoy the "morning" aspect of these flowers, place the vase in a part of the home that gets natural morning light. Seeing the sun hit the petals while you are having your morning coffee is a delightful experience.

They are excellent centrepieces for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Because they close up later in the day, they are best used for events that happen in the first half of the day. If you are hosting a morning tea for friends, a bouquet of morning glories is the most thematically appropriate decoration you could choose. It sets a tone of freshness and alertness.

Combining with Other Flowers

Morning glories are beautiful on their own, but they also play well with others. Their soft petals contrast nicely with more structured flowers.

• With Baby’s Breath: Adding sprigs of white Baby’s Breath makes the morning glories look like they are floating in clouds. This enhances the "dreamy" and romantic vibe.
• With Ferns: Singapore has plenty of lush greenery. Mixing morning glories with green ferns highlights the bright colours of the blooms. The green foliage provides a strong backdrop that makes the blues and pinks pop.
• With Lilies: For a more formal look, pairing them with white lilies creates an elegant and tall arrangement suitable for an entryway or a formal living room.

Conclusion On The Morning Glory Flower Meaning

The morning glory is far more than just a fleeting splash of colour. It is a profound symbol of resilience, reminding us to face each new day with hope and strength. Whether representing the deep bonds of the 11th wedding anniversary, the affectionate nature of those born in September, or the beautiful impermanence of life, this flower carries a message that speaks to the heart. Its presence in a home serves as a daily reminder to cherish the present moment and the loved ones we share it with.

If you have any questions or want to order a bouquet of flowers, please contact us. Visit Singapore Florist to find beautiful flowers and bouquets for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Morning Glory Flower Meaning

What Does A Morning Glory Symbolize?

A morning glory generally symbolises resilience, strength, and the power of a fresh start because it blooms anew every morning. It also represents the fleeting nature of life and beauty, reminding us to appreciate the present moment. In terms of love, it can symbolise deep affection, unrequited love, or a bond that renews itself daily.

What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of The Morning Glory Flower?

Spiritually, the morning glory represents renewal and rebirth. Its habit of opening with the sunrise is seen as a metaphor for spiritual awakening and receiving light. It encourages letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. It is also sometimes viewed as a bridge between the mortal and spiritual realms due to its short lifespan.

Is Morning Glory A Symbol Of Death?

Generally, no, it is not a symbol of death in a negative sense. However, because each flower dies within a day, it is associated with the concept of mortality and the impermanence of life. In Victorian times, it could symbolise a love that has ended, but today it is viewed more as a celebration of life’s brief, beautiful moments rather than a bad omen.

What Does The Morning Glory Mean In Love?

In love, the morning glory represents a deep, enduring affection that persists despite challenges. It is the official flower of the 11th wedding anniversary, symbolising a marriage that starts fresh every day. Historically, it also represented unrequited or silent love, making it a symbol of longing and devotion from afar.

What Is The Chinese Meaning Of Morning Glory?

In Chinese culture, the morning glory is linked to the Qixi Festival and the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. It symbolises the one day a year these lovers can meet. Therefore, it represents diligent love, the pain of separation, and the precious value of the time that lovers get to spend together.

Why Is The Morning Glory The Birth Flower Of September?

The morning glory is the September birth flower because it blooms prolifically during this transition from summer to autumn (in seasonal climates). It represents the traits of September-born people, such as resilience, humility, and affection. It shares this title with the Aster, and together they celebrate the wisdom and loving nature of those born in this month.