Clematis Flower Meaning, Symbolism, Mythology & Folklore

Clematis flower meanings include mental acuity, wisdom, aspiration, travel and mischief. In this post, you will learn more about the meaning of clematis, color symbolism, and what these meandering plants can mean on a spiritual level.

There are over 300 species of this climber, with flowers that come in a range of vibrant and bright colors. Because of their diversity, clematis plants have had a number of nicknames, including old man’s beard, maiden’s bower, peppervine, climbing queen, and devil’s darning needle. (This last nickname is reminiscent of a name the ancient Swedes gave to dragonflies: “Devil’s Steel Court”. Apparently, the dragonfly’s body reminded them of a weighing instrument believed to measure the weight of a person’s soul!)

What does the clematis flower symbolize?

sharpness of mind

wisdom

aspiration

Travel

nonsense

sharpness of mind

In Victorian England, floral symbolism was a popular pastime. The Victorians associated clematis with spiritual acuity for its versatility and ability to climb and wrap around surfaces. It was as if the clematis showed a thought process to circumvent a problem in order to understand it.

wisdom

Another flower meaning applied to the clematis is wisdom. The long, winding tendrils are sometimes referred to as the old man’s beard—a symbol denoting the kind of magical intelligence that can only be acquired through experience. Unlike tulips, which bloom and then die, clematis becomes more complex and beautiful with age.

aspiration

Since they are climbing plants, the clematis also symbolizes ambition and striving. Not content with simply sprouting and growing a few inches, the clematis continues to branch out, seeking new heights and new directions. In fact, the clematis will climb as high and as far as opportunity allows.

Travel

The clematis is not content to stay in one place. These plants are seekers with wanderlust. So they are also symbols of travel. The clematis should appeal to the travelers among us who have an innate need to branch out and explore.

nonsense

With a nickname like Devil’s Darning Needle, the clematis can cause a bit of trouble. In fact, these plants are quite toxic to both humans and pets. Though beautiful and alluring, as its nickname suggests, there is something devilish about clematis.

Spiritual Significance of Clematis

On a spiritual level, clematis encourages you to explore various devotional philosophies. Clematis shows that there is more than one way to connect with the divine. Clematis shows you that being a constant seeker and student of the universe will increase your awareness and understanding of the different beliefs of the world.

Associated power animals

The clematis shares some characteristics and symbiosis with certain wild animals and insects. For example, artificial walls and fences harm wildlife and insects because they create unnatural barriers in ecosystems. However, climbing plants like the clematis can provide both a bridge and a haven for wildlife. For example, they can serve as ladders for insects and nesting sites for birds.

In the clematis ecosystem, these flowering vines have a symbiotic relationship with insects like ladybugs, which protect the plant by eating pests. Clematis also serves as a food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

In addition to the animals mentioned above, the clematis is symbolically associated with certain spirit animals, including the snake spirit animal and the deer spirit animal. Just as the snake can wrap itself around a tree or other surface, so does the clematis.

In addition, the climbing and striving style of this clematis is reminiscent of the complex antler crown of the deer. Like the clematis, the deer symbolizes wisdom. He didn’t let his antlers grow overnight. They are a sign of a mature and healthy animal that has endured life’s challenges and the test of time.

Clematis color meanings

Clematis flowers come in a rainbow of colors and some even have patterns. Here are some of the qualities these colors represent.

Blue clematis

Clematis flowers come in a variety of shades of blue, from ice blue to turquoise to indigo. The color blue symbolizes trust, faith, serenity and wisdom. It also symbolizes loyalty, as with a “true blue” friend.

Because clematis is a perennial vine, it is a powerful symbol of the kind of wisdom that comes from life experiences as well as trusting, long-lasting relationships.

Light blue and turquoise are also the colors that represent the fifth chakra. It is Vishuddha in Sanskrit. Your fifth chakra governs your ability to communicate and express yourself. So, a blue clematis expresses your faith and belief in communicating the truth.

Darker blues and indigo are the colors of the sixth chakra, or ajna in Sanskrit. This chakra rules your mind, your third eye, and your intuition. Because the clematis symbolizes mental acuity, a blue clematis is especially powerful for expanding your consciousness through study toward greater understanding and universal wisdom.

Purple Clematis Flower Meaning

The purple clematis flower meaning is representative of royalty and living in a lofty state. Just as the clematis climbs, the purple clematis represents striving and reaching for the stars – goals that go beyond what you think you are capable of. Clematis vine symbolism represents a ladder to help you achieve dreams.

Purple is a special color that combines the coolness of blue with the warmth of red. So, a purple clematis is also a symbol of balance and finding beautiful harmony in differences.

Both the sixth and seventh chakra have shades of purple. (Although the seventh chakra is also sometimes depicted as white.) The seventh chakra is Sahasrara in Sanskrit. This chakra governs your super consciousness and your connection to the divine. So, a purple clematis is a beautiful symbol of striving for a higher spiritual vibration.

Red clematis meaning

Red is the color of passion, energy and romantic love. It is also a symbol of good luck and prosperity. In addition, red is associated with the first or “root” chakra, ie Muladhara in Sanskrit. Your root chakra governs the fundamentals of your life: your security, your zest for action and your physical vitality as well as your courage.

Red clematis flowers make wonderful gifts for a romantic partner. You are showing your partner that you want your relationship to grow, develop and stand the test of time. At the same time, they show that you still have the same passion for your partner that you always had.

Pink clematis meaning

A pink clematis also symbolizes love. However, it’s more the kind of love we have for friends and family. A pink clematis symbolizes caring and the power of long-standing friendships and deep family ties.

Orange clematis

The color orange represents the second or sacral chakra. It’s called Swadhisthana in Sanskrit. This chakra governs your health and vitality as well as your gut feeling. An orange clematis makes a sweet gift for someone you wish for long-term health and well-being.

Yellow clematis meaning

Yellow clematis flowers represent sunshine and happiness. They are also symbols of good luck in life, especially for long-term investments.

Yellow is the color of your third chakra which is called manipura in Sanskrit. manipura governs your self-esteem and how you assert yourself in the world. Thus, a yellow clematis is a symbol of good luck that comes from the rewards of personal success.

White clematis

Like a white butterfly, a white clematis flower symbolizes purity, innocence, simplicity, clarity of thought, and angels. White is also associated with the seventh chakra, which governs your superconscious and connection to the divine. As a symbol of striving, then, a white clematis is a powerful symbol of striving for a heightened level of consciousness and a connection with the divine.

Black clematis

There are some types of clematis flowers that are so dark they almost look black. A particular color, black, symbolizes mystery, formality, elegance and rebellion. A black clematis is a suitable plant for the non-conformists among us. It is a flower for those who avoid the straight and narrow path and go their own way in life. It is also a flower for those who like to get into trouble.

Sweet-striped Clematis

Candy-striped clematis flowers symbolize fun, flirtation, and parties. These flowers like to be unconventional. They also symbolize branching out and breaking with tradition as they bring their own special zest to the garden.

Clematis tattoo meaning

Like other flowering vines, the clematis flower is an ideal subject for a tattoo to wrap around your arm or leg. A clematis can say a lot to the world. For example, it can mean that you are a spiritual seeker. Or it can mean that you are slightly mischievous and a rebellious troublemaker. While tattoos are very personal to each person, hopefully understanding clematis symbolism, including aspiration, wisdom, and other qualities, can give your tattoo special meaning.