This is a part of my notes on the Mythology behind the Flower
Notes on the Mythology behind The Flowers
The Baobab Tree
Gladiolus
Wawa Seeds
Imphepho
Wild Dagga
Imphepho
Gladiolus
The Baobab Tree
In my last post, I recited the poem Flowers for Her Hair, a piece dedicated to the grandmothers who whispered little gems of wisdom into Heaven. As I continue developing this project, I know that flowers will be an important part of my final piece. I often incorporate flowers into my paintings because I feel they bring an added sense of beauty and symbolism.
One day, I decided to look up the meanings behind some of my favorite flowers, knowing I would include them in my final work. I also explored their mythological significance and was pleasantly surprised by how deeply some of them connected to my theme of Discovering the Hero Within. In the process, I also came across herbs and flowers used in African cultures, which opened up a new world of inspiration for me.
Above are some line drawings I created of the flowers I plan to include in my final piece. My ultimate favorite flower is the Gladiolus, also known as Glads.
Gladiolus
The gladiolus is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Some African tribes and communities traditionally use the flower for its healing properties.
African Folklore: In African folklore, wearing gladiolus petals was believed to ward off evil spirits and offer blessings of fertility.
Greek Mythology: Known as Sword Lilies, the name comes from the Latin word gladius, meaning sword.
Symbolism:
The gladiolus’s sword-like shape and long stem symbolize strength, courage, and valor—qualities that perfectly align with the essence of discovering My inner hero.
Imphepho
One of the things I love most about this residency is how my research has introduced me to so many African plants, flowers, and herbs. It’s made me want to dive deeper into my lineage and learn more about African medicine.
Imphepho is one such plant I had never heard of before but was so glad to discover. It holds great spiritual significance among many African healers, especially in South Africa, where it’s used for cleansing and protection rituals. I also learned that there are many different types of Imphepho, so it’s important to know which one you’re using.
Wawa Seeds
These seeds come from the Wawa tree and are connected to the Adinkra symbol used by the Akan people of Ghana. The symbol represents hardiness, toughness, and perseverance—qualities that speak deeply to the journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Wild Dagga
Used by some South African healers, Wild Dagga is known for its subtle psychoactive properties, which are believed to induce visions and support prophecy. Its role in spiritual work intrigued me and added another layer to my understanding of healing traditions.
The Baobab Tree
Revered across Africa as the Tree of Life, the Baobab Tree is known for its longevity and ability to thrive in harsh, dry climates.
Folklore: Many African legends refer to it as the “upside-down tree,” claiming it was planted this way by angry gods or a mischievous hyena as punishment for its pride. The tree’s roots appear to reach toward the sky, creating its iconic, inverted shape.
Symbolism: The Baobab is not only a source of shelter, food, and water but also holds deep spiritual meaning. It’s often seen as a sacred tree, a communal gathering place, and a living symbol of resilience and wisdom.
Other Plants I Discovered:
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African Marigold – Often used in Ghanaian ceremonies, it represents the cycle of life and death.
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Desert Rose – Thrives in harsh conditions; a powerful metaphor for resilience and beauty in the face of adversity.
- Lotus Flower – In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the goddess Isis was said to be born from the lotus flower. Across cultures, it symbolizes rebirth, spiritual enlightenment, purity, and creation. Its daily blooming from muddy waters represents emerging from darkness into clarity and perfection.
Doing this research has deeply inspired me—not only in how I want to shape my final piece but also in a personal desire to explore African healing traditions further. I may not use all of these flowers in the final artwork, but right now, I’m leaning toward incorporating the Gladiolus and Imphepho. As the process continues, I’m open to adding or changing elements as new inspiration comes.
Thank you for reading my post.
