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The name "gladiolus" is derived from
the Latin word gladius, meaning "sword," for the shape of its
leaves. An ancient name for the gladiolus was "xiphium," from the
Greek word xiphos, also meaning sword. African gladioli were
imported in large quantities to Europe from South Africa during the 18thcentury.
Sentiment & Symbolism
The gladiolus flower is the birth flower for
August; it also represented the Roman gladiators. Before the African
gladioli became popular in the West, the Mediterranean and British
gladiolus flowers were used to treat physical ailments. The English
used the gladiolus flower's stem base (corms) as a poultice and for
drawing out thorns and splinters; powdered corms mixed with goat's
milk was commonly used to soothe the symptoms of colic.
Color Messages
The gladiolus flower signifies remembrance.
It also expresses infatuation, telling the receiver that he or she
"pierces the heart." |
