While many people think of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed, it is chock full of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals, such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas.
With their golden flowers in the early spring, dandelions represent the return of life, the rebirth of growth and green after a harsh winter, and a display of abundant strength and power.
Where did we get the idea of making a wish on dandelions? The story goes, if you blew all of the seeds of a dandelion at once, the person you loved would love you back. Each time you wish upon a dandelion you are sending anywhere from 54-172 seeds into the air.
Legend has it that, if you can blow all the seeds off a dandelion with a single breath, then the person you love will love you back. If seeds remain, then the object of your affection may have reservations about their feelings toward you. Still others believe dandelions may help you tell the time or even the weather.
The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system. Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to help kidney function.
The dandelion is a symbol of strength, resilience, perseverance and sticking it out when times are tough. It is a perfect visual to carry with us each day.
Dandelion is a flowering plant of the Taraxacum officinale species with bright yellow flowers symbolising optimism, growth, and good luck.
If you rub a dandelion under your chin and your skin turns yellow, you like butter -- at least according to an old wives tale found in cultures worldwide. Blow away the dandelion seeds and you can tell the future by counting how many seeds are left, according to other superstitions.
Dandelions — this type of person is less sensitive and is strong minded and can grow anywhere, in the harshest of environments and can essentially “bounce back” easily.
Dandelions have been called lion's-tooth, cankerwort, Irish daisy, monk's-head, priest's-crown, puffball, blowball, and milk-, witch-, or yellow-gowan (3).
The common name dandelion comes from the French 'dent de lion' which translates to "lion's tooth" referring to the deep green leaves that are toothed.
Eventually, all those beautiful flowers turn into white globes of exposed seeds that are often called "puffballs."
1. Bitter Leaves. The bitter-tasting leaves of the dandelion plant recall the bitter suffering the Israelites endured as slaves in Egypt. God delivered his people from ruthless treatment in a dramatic way, to be remembered and celebrated in the Passover meal each spring.
Petunia. Petunias are colorful flowers that have been associated with hope, healing, and well-being for a long time.
Dandelion leaves have been used to cure many illnesses and pains, but as a flower symbol, the dandelion is the symbol of emotional healing. Since they can endure almost any living condition, they represent overcoming every hardship by standing strong and proud.
Dandelion Greens
Just like superfood leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, dandelion greens contain lutein, a neuroprotective. Lutein is believed to support brain structure and neural membrane structure, reinforcing the strength and function of these membranes.
Dandelion leaves are also believed to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system due to their high potassium content (397 mg potassium/100 g) [19,23]; indeed, increased potassium intake with food (about 3500 mg/day for an adult) has been found to lower blood pressure [23].
"In Chinese culture, the chrysanthemum is offered to elders as a symbol of longevity and good luck," Enfield says. Gold chrysanthemums may be especially auspicious, as they are said to represent wealth and prosperity.
October - Marigold / Cosmos. November - Chrysanthemum. December - Narcissus / Holly / Poinsettia / Dandelion.
These tattoo designs can also represent resilience and rebirth. Whether they're a golden yellow or a fluffy white, dandelions are undoubtedly a flower rich in symbolism. Some represent purity and innocence, recalling our childhood memories, and others symbolize the desire to move on from the past.
Blowing Dandelion Tattoo Meaning
A tattoo of a dandelion blowing in the wind is one of the more popular dandelion tattoos. It symbolizes pure joy and bliss. This tattoo means that you desire more happiness in your life. A blowing dandelion tattoo also has the power to bring more joy!
The dandelion is a symbol of hope, love, and happiness. Its yellow petals represent the sun shining on all the good deeds in your life. The black seeds of this plant are said to carry wishes for prosperity and new beginnings with them as they fly away into the sky.
Dandelions are both male and female at the same time. For most hermaphroditic flowers, the genders develop at slightly different times to avoid inbreeding. Inbreeding allows negative traits that are normally recessive to become physical traits, which isn't good.
Dandelion is a typical photosynthetic autotroph. It acquires carbon dioxide from the air and 14 mineral elements from the soil in order to grow. Energy from the growth process comes from cellular respiration where the plant oxidizes the carbohydrates formed in photosynthesis in order to acquire energy as ATP.