Sweet Pea Flower Meaning And Symbolism

The sweet pea is a delicate and fragrant bloom that holds a special place in the world of flowers. Known scientifically as Lathyrus odoratus, this flower is adored in Singapore for its ruffled petals and sweet perfume. Its primary meanings are blissful pleasure, gratitude, and goodbyes. 

As the birth flower for April, it also represents youthful optimism. Whether you are bidding farewell to a colleague or thanking a friend for a lovely dinner, the sweet pea is the perfect messenger for your emotions.

The History and Origins of the Sweet Pea

To truly understand the sweet pea flower meaning, we must look back at its fascinating history. Unlike many other blooms that have been cultivated for thousands of years, the sweet pea is a relatively new discovery in the world of botany. Its journey from a wild island flower to a staple in Singaporean floral arrangements is a story of discovery and refinement.

Mediterranean Roots

The story of the sweet pea begins in the late 17th century. It was not originally found in the manicured gardens of England, but rather on the rugged island of Sicily in Italy. A Sicilian monk named Franciscus Cupani is credited with discovering this wild flower in 1695. He was captivated by the unique shape of the petals and the intense fragrance of the small purple blooms.

Father Cupani was a devout man who loved nature. He recognised that this flower was special. He sent seeds of this wild plant to botanists in England and Holland. This act of sharing seeds marked the beginning of the sweet pea’s global journey. 

The name Lathyrus odoratus was given to the plant, which is derived from Greek and Latin. Lathyrus refers to the pea or pulse family, and odoratus simply means fragrant or perfumed. This name perfectly captures the essence of the flower: a pea plant with a scent that captures the heart.

The Poet’s Flower

It was the famous Romantic poet John Keats who is said to have first used the common name "sweet pea." In one of his poems, he described them as growing "on tiptoe for a flight." This beautiful imagery perfectly describes the way the flowers look on their stems. 

They appear as if they are butterflies ready to take off into the air. This association with poetry adds a layer of artistic beauty to the sweet pea flower meaning. It suggests that these flowers are not just plants, but a source of inspiration for artists and writers.

Victorian Era Popularity

While the flower arrived in England in the late 1600s, it did not become a sensation immediately. It was during the Victorian era that the sweet pea truly found its fame. The Victorians were obsessed with the "Language of Flowers," also known as floriography. They used flowers to send secret messages that could not be spoken aloud in polite society.

In the late 19th century, a Scottish nurseryman named Henry Eckford began to breed sweet peas. He took the relatively simple wild flower and developed it into the "Grandiflora" varieties. He created larger blooms with a wider range of colours. 

Eckford turned the sweet pea from a simple wildflower into a fashion icon. By the Edwardian era, sweet peas were the most popular flower in England. They were used in every floral decoration, from dinner parties to weddings. Today, when we see these flowers in a bouquet in Singapore, we are looking at the result of centuries of love and careful breeding.

General Sweet Pea Flower Meaning and Symbolism

The sweet pea is rich in symbolism. It is not just a pretty face; it carries deep emotional weight. In Singapore, where we often look for meaningful gifts, understanding these symbols can help you choose the right bouquet for the right moment.

Blissful Pleasure

The most common meaning associated with the sweet pea is "blissful pleasure." This interpretation comes directly from the flower’s intoxicating scent and its cheerful appearance. When you look at a bunch of sweet peas, their ruffled petals look soft and inviting. The fragrance is sweet, like honey and orange blossoms.

This meaning makes the sweet pea an excellent choice for celebrations. It represents the enjoyment of the moment. It is about finding joy in the simple things in life. If you want to wish someone happiness or tell them that their company brings you joy, this is the flower to use. It suggests a sense of delight that is pure and uncomplicated.

Goodbyes and Farewells

Interestingly, the sweet pea is also the official flower of goodbyes. However, this is not a sad or bitter goodbye. In the Victorian language of flowers, sending sweet peas meant "Thank you for a lovely time." It is a positive farewell. It signifies that although you are parting ways, the memories you shared are sweet and treasured.

This symbolism is particularly relevant in Singapore’s expat community or in the corporate world. When a colleague is leaving for a new job or a friend is moving to another country, a bouquet of sweet peas is the perfect gift. It says, "I will miss you, but I am happy we met." It is a gentle way to bid adieu without the heaviness of mourning. It bridges the gap between sadness and gratitude.

Gratitude and Thanks

Following closely on the meaning of "goodbyes," the sweet pea is a strong symbol of gratitude. It is the ultimate "thank you" flower. This creates a wonderful opportunity for social gifting. If you have been invited to a friend’s house for a dinner party or a festive celebration, bringing sweet peas is a thoughtful gesture.

The message conveyed is one of appreciation for hospitality. It shows the host that you valued their effort and enjoyed the event. Unlike red roses, which can be heavy with romantic meaning, sweet peas are light and friendly. They are appropriate for friends, family, neighbours, and business associates. They communicate thanks in a polite and elegant manner.

Sweet Pea Meaning by Colour

While the general meanings of the sweet pea apply to all varieties, the specific colour of the petals can change the message. Just like roses, the colour of a sweet pea adds nuance to its symbolism. Here is what the different hues represent when you select them for a bouquet.

White Sweet Peas

White is the colour of purity, innocence, and reverence. White sweet peas are often used in weddings and bridal bouquets. They symbolise a pure heart and a new beginning. The delicate nature of the white petals looks incredibly soft, often resembling fine silk or lace.

In a non-wedding context, white sweet peas can represent sincerity. If you need to apologise or show that your intentions are true, white blooms are a good choice. They are simple, elegant, and free from the distraction of bright colours. They speak to the soul with a quiet whisper of peace.

Pink Sweet Peas

Pink is perhaps the most popular colour for sweet peas. It ranges from very pale, baby pink to hot, vibrant magenta. Pink sweet peas symbolise happiness, grace, and joy. They are the embodiment of "blissful pleasure."

These are the perfect flowers for friendship. They do not carry the heavy romantic weight of red flowers, making them safe to give to almost anyone. A bouquet of pink sweet peas is ideal for a mother, a sister, or a best friend. It represents non-romantic love and affection. It says, "You make me smile." In the context of a "thank you" gift, pink is the most versatile colour to choose.

Red and Purple Sweet Peas

Darker colours like red and purple carry stronger, more intense meanings. Red sweet peas, like red roses, can symbolise love and passion. However, because the flower itself is modest and sweet, the passion is viewed as tender rather than overwhelming. It is a "sweet love" rather than a "burning desire."

Purple sweet peas represent royalty, admiration, and pride. In the past, purple dye was expensive and rare, so it was reserved for kings and queens. Today, giving purple sweet peas can show that you admire someone greatly. They are excellent for congratulating someone on a promotion or a graduation. They say, "I am proud of you" and "You are unique."

Blue and Lavender Sweet Peas

Blue is a rare colour in the floral world. Sweet peas offer beautiful shades of soft blue and lavender. These colours symbolise calmness, clarity, and specialness. Because blue flowers are not common, giving them suggests that the recipient is extraordinary.

Lavender sweet peas are often associated with femininity and grace. They are very popular in Singapore for Mother’s Day or for celebrating the women in your life. The cool tones of blue and lavender also bring a sense of peace to a room. They are perfect for saying "Relax and enjoy your day."

Sweet Peas as the April Birth Flower

If you or a loved one were born in April, the sweet pea is your birth flower. It shares this title with the Daisy. Being an April birth flower adds another layer of meaning to this bloom. It is deeply connected to the season of spring (even though we have tropical weather in Singapore, we follow the global calendar for birth flowers).

Traits of the April Flower

The sweet pea represents the personality traits of those born in April. It suggests that April babies are:

• Optimistic: Just as the flower looks like a butterfly taking flight, April people are seen as looking forward to the future.
• Pleasure-seeking: They enjoy the finer things in life and bring joy to others.
• Loyal: Connected to the meaning of "goodbye" and "remembrance," April-born individuals are thought to be loyal friends who cherish memories.

Giving a bouquet of sweet peas to someone celebrating a birthday in April is a very personal and thoughtful gift. It shows that you know the significance of their birth month. It is a custom gift that feels much more tailored than a generic bunch of flowers.

The Victorian Language of Flowers

To truly appreciate the sweet pea, one must dive deeper into the Victorian obsession with Floriography. In the 19th century, strict social rules in England meant that people could not always say what they felt. A young man could not simply walk up to a young woman and tell her he liked her. It was considered improper.

So, they used flowers. Every flower had a specific meaning, and the way they were combined in a bouquet created a sentence. The sweet pea was a crucial part of this language. Because it meant "blissful pleasure," it was often tucked into bouquets to tell the recipient that their presence was a delight.

If a suitor sent a bouquet of sweet peas mixed with other flowers, he was sending a coded message. For example, if he sent sweet peas (pleasure) with a red tulip (declaration of love), he was saying, "I love you and you bring me joy." If he sent sweet peas with a yellow carnation (rejection), the message was confusing—perhaps "I enjoy your company, but I do not love you."

This historical context adds a romantic and mysterious vibe to the flower. When you buy sweet peas in Singapore today, you are participating in a centuries-old tradition of secret communication. You are using a language that transcends words.

Giving Sweet Peas as a Gift in Singapore

The sweet pea is incredibly versatile for gifting. Here are specific occasions where this flower is the best choice.

Romantic Occasions

While roses are the standard for romance, sweet peas offer a different kind of romantic message. They are perfect for a new relationship like gifts for your girlfriend or boyfriend. If you have just started dating someone, a massive bouquet of red roses might feel too intense or "too much, too soon."

Sweet peas strike the perfect balance. They are romantic and pretty, but they are also lighthearted. They signal "I like you" and "I enjoy being with you" without putting pressure on the relationship. The intoxicating scent also adds a layer of sensuality. A small posy of sweet peas given before a date is a charming gesture that will be remembered.

Corporate and Friendship Gifting

In the business world, it can be hard to find a gift that is professional yet personal. Sweet peas are an excellent solution. Their meaning of "gratitude" and "thank you" makes them ideal for corporate gifting.

You might send them to a client who has just signed a contract, or to a partner who helped with a project. They are not overly intimate, so they do not cross any professional boundaries. For friendships, they are the go-to flower for dinner parties. In Singapore, where food and gathering are central to our culture, bringing a host bouquet is common. Sweet peas show that you have good taste and good manners.

Weddings and Anniversaries

Sweet peas have a long history in weddings. Their ruffled texture contrasts beautifully with the sleek fabric of wedding dresses. For brides, the sweet pea brings the symbolism of "good luck" and "blissful pleasure" to the marriage.

They are also appropriate for anniversaries. Since they represent lasting pleasure and sweet memories, they are a wonderful way to mark the passing of another year together. They remind the couple of the joy they have found in each other’s company.

The Sensory Experience of Sweet Peas

One cannot write about the meaning of sweet peas without emphasising the sensory experience. The meaning of "blissful pleasure" is not just an abstract concept; it is a physical reaction to the flower.

The fragrance of the sweet pea is legendary. It is often described as a mix of jasmine, honey, and orange. It is a clean, sweet scent that is never cloying. In a humid climate like Singapore, this fresh scent is particularly refreshing. Having a bouquet of sweet peas in your living room transforms the atmosphere. It makes the space feel cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming.

Visually, the sweet pea is unique. Most flowers have symmetrical petals. The sweet pea has a unique structure with a large upright petal called the "banner," two side petals called "wings," and two lower petals fused together called the "keel." This complexity catches the eye. The petals are often ruffled or wavy, catching the light in interesting ways. This visual beauty contributes to the feeling of delight and pleasure associated with the flower.

Sweet Peas in Literature and Art

The meaning of the sweet pea has been solidified through its presence in art and culture. Beyond John Keats, many artists have been drawn to this flower. In the world of botanical art, the sweet pea is a favourite subject because of its vibrant colours and complex shape.

In literature, the sweet pea often appears in scenes of domestic happiness or countryside idylls. It represents a simpler time, free from the stress of modern city life. For people living in busy cities like Singapore, the sweet pea offers a connection to nature and a slower pace of life. It reminds us to stop and smell the flowers—literally. The flower serves as a symbol of mindfulness, encouraging us to pause and appreciate the beauty around us.

Conclusion On Sweet Pea Flower Meaning

The sweet pea is a flower that packs a lot of meaning into a small, delicate package. From its origins on an Italian island to its status as a beloved bouquet flower in Singapore, it has always been associated with positive emotions. Its primary meanings of blissful pleasure, heartfelt goodbyes, and sincere gratitude make it one of the most versatile flowers you can choose.

 Whether you are celebrating an April birthday, thanking a hostess, or bidding farewell to a friend, the sweet pea conveys your message with elegance and grace. Its exquisite fragrance and butterfly-like petals ensure that it brings joy to anyone who receives it.

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 Sweet Pea Flower Meaning

What Does The Sweet Pea Flower Symbolise?

The sweet pea flower primarily symbolises blissful pleasure, gratitude, and goodbyes. It is used to say "thank you for a lovely time" and represents the enjoyment of the moment. It is also associated with departure, making it a sweet farewell flower.

What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of A Sweet Pea?

Spiritually, the sweet pea is often associated with spiritual strength and the ability to bring joy to others. It is seen as a flower that encourages optimism and finding happiness in the simple things in life. It can also represent the bittersweet nature of parting ways with loved ones.

Why Are Sweet Peas The Flower Of Goodbyes?

Sweet peas became the flower of goodbyes during the Victorian era. They were given to people when they were leaving to signify that the time spent together was delightful. The message is not of permanent loss, but rather a grateful acknowledgment of shared memories and a wish for a safe journey.

What Do The Different Colours Of Sweet Peas Mean?

White sweet peas symbolise innocence and gratitude. Pink represents joy, happiness, and friendship. Red implies love and mild passion. Purple signifies royalty and admiration. Blue and lavender varieties represent calmness and are often used to show someone they are extraordinary.

Are Sweet Pea Flowers Poisonous To Humans?

Yes, the seeds of the sweet pea plant contain mild toxins. While the flowers are beautiful and smell sweet, they should not be eaten. The seeds contain a neurotoxin that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. It is important to keep them away from small children and pets who might try to eat them.

Is The Sweet Pea A Birth Flower?

Yes, the sweet pea is the birth flower for the month of April. It shares this honour with the Daisy. It represents the youthful, happy, and optimistic nature of people born in this month. It is a symbol of spring and new beginnings.