The Meaning of Peonies

The peony grows 2 to 3 feet tall and produces large, heavy flowers on a single stalk. The colorful peony is a flower that has meaning to people all over the world.

In the Language of Flowers
The Victorians used different flowers to signify different things, to the point where whole messages could be sent in a bouquet. Depending on the code used, the Texas A&M University states that peonies can represent a happy marriage, a happy life or shame.

Peonies in China
The peony is known as the queen of flowers in China, symbolizing wealth and elegance. An omen of good fortune, peonies may also be used to symbolize love and affection.

Chinese Peony

Peonies in Europe
In Europe, peonies were thought to be tokens that could protect the bearer from curses and demonic possession. Washington State University reports that peonies were placed in walkways leading to the entry doors of homes.