Bird of paradise Meaning — Symbolism, Colours & Gifting
What do bird of paradises symbolise? Their meaning in the language of flowers, colour by colour, plus when to give them — a florist's gifting guide.
The bird of paradise is instantly recognisable — an orange-and-blue bird-shaped inflorescence that has become the visual shorthand for tropical floristry. One stem carries multiple 'birds' that emerge in sequence over 2-3 weeks, giving unusually long display value. The signature flower of Hawaiian and California modernist arrangements.
TL;DR. Bird of paradises stand for magnificence, freedom and paradise in the language of flowers. Colour shifts the message — red for love, white for purity, pink for gratitude.
What Bird of paradises symbolise
In the language of flowers bird of paradises carry meanings of magnificence, freedom and paradise. A bouquet is never only decorative — the flower you choose, and the colour you choose it in, is a message. That is what makes bird of paradises such a considered gift: they say something the card alone cannot.
For the botany, varieties and full profile, see the Bird of paradise encyclopedia entry.
Bird of paradises by colour — what each shade says
Bird of paradises come in several colours, and each one tilts the meaning:
- Orange bird of paradises — energy and enthusiasm.
- White bird of paradises — purity, sympathy and fresh starts.
- Blue bird of paradises — calm, trust and the rare and hard-to-find.
Browse arrangements and pairings by shade in the flowers by colour guide.
Bird of paradises in a meaningful bouquet
Meaning works best when it is intentional. Choose the colour for the message, keep the number of stems in mind (in many traditions odd numbers are for joy), and let the recipient know what the flowers say. Then give them the care they deserve — see how to keep bird of paradises fresh — so the message lasts as long as possible.
From the Lacy Bird studio. This guide is written by our florists. We deliver seasonal flowers across the UAE — see flower delivery in Dubai — and we teach floristry, from a first bouquet to running your own shop, at the Lacy Bird Academy.
Related reading:
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
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