The heliotrope, a plant belonging to the genus Heliotropium, is a richly fragrant flower recognized for its dense clusters of small, five-petalled blossoms, most often appearing in shades of purple and violet. Its name is derived from the Greek words helios (sun) and tropein (to turn), referencing the plant’s characteristic of facing the sun throughout the day. This action forms the basis of the heliotrope’s symbolism, positioning it as an icon of intense, perpetual devotion and unwavering adoration. Its history is deeply intertwined with ancient myth, which established its primary meaning.
The Mythological Origin of Devotion
The heliotrope’s most profound meaning originates in the tragic Greek myth of Clytie, an Oceanid nymph who fell passionately in love with Helios, the Olympian god of the Sun. Helios did not return her affection, having turned his attention to the mortal Leucothoe. Consumed by jealousy, Clytie exposed the affair to Leucothoe’s father, who punished his daughter with death.
This betrayal caused Helios to reject Clytie entirely. Distraught, she sat on the bare earth for nine days without food or water, gazing longingly at Helios as he made his daily journey across the heavens. The myth, recounted in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, describes how she turned her head to follow the sun’s path from sunrise to sunset, her body slowly withering.
The gods, taking pity on her desolate state, transformed Clytie into a heliotrope flower, or “turnsole,” immortalizing her unyielding fixation. This transformation permanently linked the flower to the nymph’s story. The flower’s physical behavior—turning its blooms to track the sun—perfectly mirrors Clytie’s final act of loyalty. This narrative cemented the heliotrope’s symbolism as unyielding love and devotion, a loyalty so powerful it transcended death and transformation.
Core Meanings in the Language of Flowers
The powerful mythological foundation of the heliotrope translated directly into its core meanings within the 19th-century Language of Flowers, or Floriography. The flower was assigned the meanings of “Eternal Love,” “Adoration,” and “Faithfulness,” serving as a potent message. Because social etiquette often restricted open expressions of affection during the Victorian era, the exchange of flowers became a discreet method for conveying deep personal feelings.
Presenting a bouquet containing heliotrope served as a silent declaration of unwavering commitment. The giver used the flower to convey a message of lasting attachment that would endure regardless of circumstances. This symbolism extended beyond romantic love, encompassing the steadfast loyalty of friendship and deep familial bonds.
The heliotrope became a quintessential Victorian flower, used to express emotional depth that could not be spoken aloud. By representing the mythological narrative of the nymph who never stopped watching her beloved sun god, the flower communicated a promise of perpetual devotion.
Symbolism of Color and Secondary Associations
While devotion is the heliotrope’s primary meaning, its common deep purple coloration adds layers of secondary symbolism. The rich, violet-blue hue, which gave its name to the color “heliotrope,” historically links the flower to concepts of spirituality, royalty, and mystery. Purple shades are associated with spiritual enlightenment and higher thought, connecting the flower to a transcendent form of love and adoration.
The flower’s characteristic fragrance, often described as a blend of cherry pie, vanilla, and almond, contributes to its unique appeal, earning it the common name “cherry pie plant.” This sweet aroma is frequently used in perfumery, which connects the heliotrope to an association of intense desire and allure.
In folklore and esoteric practices, the heliotrope has also been linked to fostering vivid dreams and providing spiritual protection. The color itself is sometimes seen as inspiring creativity and intrigue. These deeper meanings complement the core idea of devotion, suggesting that the adoration conveyed by the heliotrope is not only faithful but also passionate and enduringly captivating.