Amaranth flowers are largely used as ornamental plants in gardens, thanks to their gorgeous pendant flowers in bright colors.
But did you know that these flowers also have a lot of symbolism, too? Amaranth flowers signify immortality, but there are other meanings worth exploring, too.
Let’s take a look.
At A Glance: What You Should Know About Amaranth
Amaranth is technically a genus of flowering plants, and the name may refer to any plant within the genus.
Some species of amaranth have been used as food crops for hundreds of years, grown as leaf vegetables and grains as far back as the Aztecs, while other species have been used for their ornamental value in gardens.
The most notable feature of amaranth plants is the pendant clusters of flowers, which appear in summer or fall.
The plants themselves can grow about 6 feet tall and are often mistaken for red-rooted pigweed, which is a relative of these plants.
Amaranth plants come in both annual and perennial forms, and flower colors range from red, purple, pink, and white.
The name Amaranth comes from the Greek words amárantos and ánthos, which mean ‘unfading flower’, as the flowers last an unusually long time on the plant.
If they are dried properly, they also make long-lasting dried flowers, too, keeping their color and form for a lot longer than other flowers used in dried arrangements.
The Meaning Behind Amaranth Flowers
Amaranth flowers add a wealth of vibrancy and color to any green space, even working well as dried flowers, but something that fewer people consider is the meaning behind the flowers themselves.
As the Greek name suggests, these flowers are associated with immortality, as they take a very long time to fade, and also represent a love that endures all the trials of time, and things that death cannot part.
These flowers also signify rebirth, the cycle of life and death, passion, and purity, depending on the context of the gift, and any other flowers they might be given with.
Amaranth Flowers In Different Cultures
Some cultures view the amaranth flowers as a sign of immortality, as the flowers take a very long time to fade, even when cut from the plant.
Amaranth was part of the festivals for the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli, during the month of Panquetzaliztli (or December in modern calendars), where amaranth was used to create a statue of the god using honey.
During this time, they would hold many dances, processions, races, and prayers, and human sacrifices would be made. People fasted until the end of the month when they would eat a piece of the god.
In Greek mythology, amaranth garlands were used to mourn the death of Achilles, the greatest of the Greek warriors.
In Paradise Lost, Milton describes an amaranth plant as being part of the Garden of Eden and how it is immortal as the flowers don’t wither even when they are dead.
What Does An Amaranth Flower Tattoo Mean?
As with all tattoos, the meaning depends on the wearer’s wishes. An amaranth tattoo may represent resilience and strength to some, while to others, it can signify a love that will never fade, and celebrate those parts of life that don’t fade after death.
Amaranth flowers represent a constant in your life, whether that’s a certain mindset or ideal you hold yourself to, or someone whose love will never fade.
The Best Time To Give Someone Amaranthus Flowers
Amaranth flowers are perfect for many occasions, but as there are a lot of associations with immortality and hope, these flowers are often given during weddings to symbolize everlasting love.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t give them to someone for other reasons. They make a good gesture of faith, trust, love, friendship, and admiration for someone.
Some people also give amaranth flowers as a celebration of a new start, chapter, or milestone in someone’s life.
They represent the hope that this happy period will endure, thanks to the long-lasting display these flowers put on, even when dried and cut from the plant.
You can give these flowers to someone as a fresh bouquet, as a nearly-everlasting dried flower arrangement, or even as a whole plant.
