Mainly covered in purple hue, an iris is the symbol of royalty and it’s full of enchanting stories of gods and legends and myths. It is also associated with resurrection and eternal life. It is also said the its three upright petals symbolize faith, valor, and wisdom. According to the Greek poet Hesiod, she was the daughter of Thaumas and the ocean nymph Electra. Iris is depicted in ancient Greek vase painting as a beautiful young woman with golden wings, a herald's rod ( kerykeion ), and sometimes a water-pitcher ( oinochoe) in her hand. In some parts of the world, the dark blue or purple iris can denote royalty, whereas the yellow iris can be a symbol of passion. Iris, in Greek mythology, the personification of the rainbow and (in Homer’s Iliad, for example) a messenger of the gods. She was usually depicted standing beside Zeus or Hera, sometimes serving nectar from her jug. If her wings were missing in the artistic representations, she was pictured holding a caduceus, which was also a symbol of hers. Iris always wore splendid dresses with bewitching colors. Iris is represented either as a rainbow, or as a beautiful young maiden with wings on her shoulders. As a goddess, Iris is associated with communication, messages, the rainbow and new endeavors. In some texts she is depicted wearing a coat of many colors. Its looped form bears a resemblance to an Ankh. See Article History. In fact, the word iridescence means rainbow. The iris got its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. She had gold wings attached to her shoulders and winged sandals on her feet. The iris earned its name from the ancient Greek Goddess Iris, a messenger to the gods who was thought to use the rainbow as a bridge between heaven and earth. ris symbolizes good news and luck. Iris was the messenger of the Olympian gods and personifies the rainbow, therefore being its goddess. In Hesiod’s works, at least, she had the additional duty of carrying water from the River Styx in a ewer whenever the gods had to take a solemn oath. Iris is often pictured with a staff known as a kerykeion (similar to a caduceus) or an oinochoe (water pitcher). Depictions of the goddess Isis show her wearing an empty throne on her head. Etymological Meaning of the Iris Flower. Iris flower meaning is highly associated with heroism, valor, and prowess, which is also adopted in many cultures around the world. Irises may also express courage and admiration. It was believed that Iris was responsible for replenishing rain clouds from seawater to provide bountiful rainfall. Depending on factors such as color and region, irises may bear additional meanings as well. The rainbow is a symbol for many cultures and peoples; Iris has a counterpart in Zulu mythology, who is known as Mba ba Mw ana Mar esa, and I x C h e l in Mayan tradition. 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