Sep 16, 2025—Purple iris doesn’t just bloom, it rises with presence. Every time I see one, I have to stop and behold. The domestic iris in today’s painting are growing in woodlands near my home, the only trace of a long-ago household. It’s an odd feeling to see them holding court in the rough and tumble of the woods.
A Royal Presence
Purple has been associated for most of history with power. Until fairly recently, purple dye was rare and expensive so only heads of church and state and the elite wore purple. In many cultures, wearing purple was a punishable crime if you weren’t part of the elite. This history of power and forbidden fruit still clings to the color. A purple iris stands tall, regal, and fascinating: I like to think they carry the energy of the Round Table.
A Bridge Between Worlds
In Greek mythology, the goddess Iris is the personification of the rainbow. This goddess travels on rainbows between heaven and earth in order to bring messages from the gods to mortals. (Can you imagine a culture that invented a goddess with this role and mode of transport?!) The flower named after her holds that same energy of divine inspiration.
Hope in Bloom
The symbolism of irises also includes resilience. Irises are among the first flowers to appear in spring. Their return after winter is a reassuring promise that strength and beauty are returning. The turquoise leaves rise like a fortress of swords from the cold earth. From that strong base, the blossoms reach heavenward.
A Symbol of Respect
Purple iris also symbolizes wisdom and admiration. Because of that, they make fitting gifts for honoring strength or dignity in others.
Mystery and Creativity
Purple blends the fire of red with the calm of blue, making it a color of imagination. Sit near a purple iris and ideas begin to flow—whether it’s writing, painting, creating, or personal insights. The flower helps opens something.
More Than a Flower
Purple iris symbolism gathers royalty, divinity, wisdom, hope, respect, and creativity in a single bloom. It doesn’t simply decorate a garden—it reflects admirable soul qualities. For me, the turquoise foliage is as powerful as the flower. The blue-green leaves always remind me of Van Gogh. I still remember standing in front of his paintings in San Francisco when I was seven years old and feeling moved even at that young age. This one’s for you, Vincent.
Your Brain on Art – The Flow Effect
Immersing yourself in art can bring on “flow”—a state where focus, reward, and self-reflection networks synchronize (BrainFacts.org, 2023). In flow, rumination drops, clarity rises, and the mind resets—an antidote to the mental clutter of modern life. Amen to that! I hope “Purple Iris” resets your day.
Purple Iris, 30 x 30 in, 2025, oil on canvas by Lauren Forcella
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