The meaning of the Greek word Iris means, rainbow. The plant of iris is named after the goddess 'Iris' because of its beauty and because of the varied colors in the flowers of this genus. In Greek legends and mythology, the goddess 'Iris' was the messenger who traveled on the rainbow between the lands of Human beings and the Gods. The flower of iris implies a message and a promise of hope. Iris flower meaning is often associated with valor and wisdom. Iris belongs to the iris family of flowers, which includes more than 300 species of similar flowers, that are commonly found in most regions of the world as wild plants and decorative plants as well. With that much of variety found all over the world, the iris flower meaning obviously differs from region to region and depending on the color of iris flower. The general iris flower meaning states the three leaves of iris as symbols of faith, valor and wisdom. Let us take a look at the history of iris flower meaning. History and Meanings of Iris Flower Greek mythology had it that, Iris is the goddess of the rainbow and the daughter of Thaumas and Electra. She was represented as messenger of Hera and Zeus. sympathy flowers Ever since the ancient times, the royal flower of Iris symbolized power and majesty. Iris flower was dedicated to Juno - Roman deity, which was surprisingly thought to be the origin of the scepter. The people of Egypt placed an iris flower on the brow of the Sphinx and on the scepter of the Egyptian kings which identified three leaves of its blossoms as symbols of valor, wisdom and faith. During the medieval ages, before the Italian Renaissance, iris flower meaning was associated with the French monarchy. Ever since then, Fleur de lys became the national symbol of France. In few languages in the world, iris flowers are called flags or swords, implying iris flower meaning as symbolic flowers of royalty, heritage and heraldry. sympathy flowers In Japan, the iris flower meaning has been interpreted as an expression of heroic deeds. The blue color of Japanese iris symbolizes blue blood. This is why iris flowers are used extensively in the Japanese spring festival for boys. Iris flowers were used in making perfumes, fragrances and as a medicinal herb too. Today, you can find irises in gardens, yards, bouquets and even in the forests throughout the world. Read more on iris flower information. What is the Meaning of the Iris Flower The intricate history behind the iris flower meaning has made us include wisdom, hope, trust and valor. The iris flower symbolism may differ depending on the color of the flower and the region. It may also involve additional meanings from the history of that particular region where it is grown. Iris flower meaning also implies courage, fondness and admiration. In some parts of the world, iris flower meaning of the dark blue or the purple iris is royalty. Yellow iris symbolizes passion. Basically, iris flower meaning symbolizes eloquence. Purple colored iris symbolizes wisdom and compliments. Blue iris implies hope and faith. Yellow iris flower meaning indicates passion, while the white iris is symbolic of purity. Read on list of flower names with meanings and pictures. The several meanings of the iris flower make it a lovely choice for gifting, for many different occasions like thinking of you, birthdays and anniversaries, sympathy, recovery and even for corporate gifting. If you have iris plants in your yard, you may like to read on iris flower care. The flower of iris is the state flower of Tennessee and as Fleur-de-lis, makes an emblem for the city of New Orleans. Irises are cultivated throughout the world and can be popularly found in Europe, Middle East, Asia, North America and Northern Africa as well.