Known for its plentiful rays of sunny blooms, the mimosa was first discovered in Africa and Asia.
It needs a warm climate to thrive, and it has become more widespread since then, growing in Australia, and the warmer parts of the United States.
It may not come as a surprise that this lovely plant is associated with joy and positivity, but that only scrapes the surface of the symbolism this plant holds.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about mimosa flowers.
What does ‘Mimosa’ Mean?
The word Mimosa is the name of a genus which contains around 400 species of herbs and shrubs. The name comes from Greek mimos, which translates to “actor” or “mime” while -osa refers to “resembling”.
This refers to how the leaves mimic “conscious life”.
This might not seem obvious at first, but it references one particularly peculiar characteristic of some of these plants, especially mimosa pudica. You might or might not guess what this might be, with its common name: touch-me-not.
If you touch the leaves of the plant, they will curl inward to avoid you! This plant also folds its leaves when it senses a lot of heat.
This plant produces its gorgeously bright blooms in winter. The scientific name is Acacia dealbata, but the mimosa is also known as the silver or blue wattle.
What is the Significance of the Mimosa Flower?
The mimosa flower represents the sun, the life and happiness it provides, and also a secret love, and the thrill of the secrecy.
Because of species like the touch-me-not plant, there are connotations of safety, security, and sensitivity. It can signify that you know exactly what you want, and you won’t settle for less.
Your “leaves” or strong will, will curl away from the prospect of less. That’s not the extent of your potential, and you’re well aware of it.
Mimosas can also symbolize good sense, and how you wish to improve your life in one area or many. You may want to expand your perspective through new experiences, further or completely change your career path, or travel to the far corners of the world.
To many, the mimosa bloom is tied to emotional sensitivity and turbulent times of unsettled emotion, so it’s often used as a flower for mourning.
In the US, mimosa flowers are a symbol of Women’s Day.
What’s the Cultural Significance Behind the Mimosa?
For centuries, mimosa flowers have been used as part of traditional Chinese medicine. The flower is thought to provide a spiritual boost, but it’s not the only part of the plant that is used.
The bark and the leaves are also incredibly useful, and the bark is used as a tonic to help clean the heart and the liver.
To the ancient Mayans, the mimosa flowers were helpful in treating injuries and burns, as they sped up the healing process.
In modern day homeopathy, the bark is used to treat colds, coughs, and inflammation.
What does a Mimosa Tattoo Mean?
As mimosa flowers are closely linked to the sun, they represent the strength of life, especially over death. The flowers symbolize the sun, wealth, and an incredibly positive mindset which helps carry you through life and the worst times it has to offer.
It can also embody someone within your life who is incredibly positive or even sensitive to life’s many twists and turns. Or, you may just get a mimosa tattoo because of the flower’s incredible beauty as a testament to nature and its aesthetic value.
When Should You Give Someone Mimosa Flowers?
Mimosa flowers can be given at any time, and they can have completely polar-opposite symbolism, such as positivity for the best things in life, and sympathy at someone’s passing or a time of mourning.
They are appropriate flowers for any occasion, simply to brighten up anyone’s day, or to give to someone to show how much you care for them, and the wealth of support that your connection with them offers the both of you in times of trouble or in need.
They can also be given to represent the person themselves, who brings a plethora of color and positivity into your life.
