Balsam flowers, commonly known by their scientific genus name Impatiens, are popular garden plants cherished for their vibrant blooms. Beyond their visual appeal, flowers often carry deeper symbolic meanings within floriography, also known as the language of flowers. This historical tradition assigns specific sentiments to different blossoms, allowing them to convey unspoken messages. This article explores the unique meanings associated with the balsam flower.
The Primary Symbolism of Balsam
The most widely recognized symbolic meanings of the balsam flower are “impatience” and “touch-me-not.” These associations directly stem from a remarkable characteristic of the plant’s mature seed pods. When ripe, these pods exhibit a mechanism known as explosive dehiscence, where they burst open suddenly upon the slightest touch, ejecting their seeds.
This rapid and forceful seed dispersal is a defense mechanism and a means of propagation, propelling seeds up to 24 inches away from the parent plant. The swift, almost impatient, reaction of the seed pod to contact inspired the symbolism of “impatience.” It also led to the common name “touch-me-not,” serving as a literal warning about the pod’s surprising behavior.
Historical and Etymological Context
The symbolic meanings attributed to the balsam flower are deeply rooted in its botanical nomenclature. The genus name Impatiens originates from the Latin word “impatiens,” which translates to “impatient” or “not enduring.” This scientific naming directly references the plant’s characteristic seed dispersal. Botanists observed how the ripe seed pods seemed eager to open, solidifying this association.
The common name “touch-me-not” directly describes the physical attribute of the seed pods. This descriptive name, along with the Latin Impatiens, reinforced the primary symbolic meaning over time.
Cultural and Regional Interpretations
The meaning of balsam has been interpreted through the lens of floriography, particularly during the Victorian era. In this context, where flowers were used to convey coded messages, balsam could signify “ill temper” or “impatient resolves.” This aligns with its primary symbolism of impatience derived from its explosive seed pods.
Beyond Western floriography, balsam holds cultural significance in various Asian traditions. In Korea, for instance, crushed balsam flowers were historically mixed with alum to create a natural orange dye used for coloring fingernails. In some Asian cultures, garden balsam, Impatiens balsamina, symbolizes purity and devotion, and its resilience has made it a representation of enduring beauty. It has also been associated with feminine beauty and strength in Chinese art and folklore.
Symbolic Meanings by Color
While balsam’s primary symbolism is tied to its unique physical characteristic, different colors carry additional associations. Red balsam flowers often symbolize ardent love, courage, or passion. Pink varieties are frequently linked to kindness, affection, friendship, and inner peace.
White balsam flowers typically represent purity and innocence. Orange hues can symbolize joy, warmth, and sunshine, along with encouragement and creativity. Purple balsam flowers are often associated with wisdom, bravery, and spirituality.