| Author |
Message |
< The Library ~ Flower Names for Female Characters |
| elireeseadams |
 Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 12:03 am |
 |
|
|
Joined: 29 May 2005
Posts: 3
|
I was wondering if anyone out there has heard something about the use of flower names for many female characters in the books (ex.: Lily, Petunia, Poppy, Pansy, Lavendar, Padma (just found out it means lotus), Narcissa and Fleur). Does JK just like these names, or are they significant in some way?
It would be interesting to hear theories about this. |
|
|
| Back to top |
 
|
| Sparrow |
| Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 12:19 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 05 Feb 2005
Posts: 13
Location: The Wheat Fields of Kansas
|
I've noticed this also. The Victorians had a meaning to go with every flower. Please don't ask me to remember them right now, I haven't had enough coffee yet. In modern practices lavender is used in protection and purification rituals. If you bath with it it should purify you so you can get a restfull sleep.
As for the other names I have no clue. Better with herbs than flowers. I'll see what I can find. |
_________________
Hurt heals, chicks dig scars and glory is forever. KKJ |
|
| Back to top |
|
| elireeseadams |
| Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 1:56 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 29 May 2005
Posts: 3
|
Hmmm. What was I saying before my computer decided to cut off on me...
I have found a two decent pages describing some meanings.
http://www.clareflorist.co.uk/meanings.asp
http://www.babynames.com.au/search-categories-flowers-plants.htm
Most fit the characters' personality. Pansy, in the first link, is a sign of thoughtful reflection and merriment. This doesn't seem to describe the Pansy from the books. However, if Pansy is referring instead to her lack of bravery, then perhaps her name does fit.
Looking at name meanings is immensely fun, but I actually had a different sort of question than that. I was wondering instead if the fact that these particular characters had names that were related to each other (by being flower names) would give them some sort of link to each other. Maybe Pansy and Narcissa going to Harry's side with the rest of the flower ladies. Or maybe they are for balance. Or maybe they are just names that describe their personalities.
Basically, does anyone think that there is any link between these characters because of their names. Perhaps JK just likes flower names.
Just thought that would be interesting. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| Fionnait NíPheadar |
| Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 2:19 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 06 Dec 2004
Posts: 13
Location: Germany
|
I believe I once read in a JKR-interview that Narcissa is not connected with Lily or Petunia, although she has a flower-name. Don't ask me where though...
Fionnait |
|
|
| Back to top |
 
|
| Sparrow |
| Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 1:01 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 05 Feb 2005
Posts: 13
Location: The Wheat Fields of Kansas
|
I have done some reading, and only two flower names seem to have spacific meaning: Lily and Narcissa.
Lily - Castity, virtue, purity and faith.
Narcisssa - Egoism and formality.
All the rest of the names don't match their meanings, yet. On JKR's website she talks about the wood each wand is made out of, and how this reflects either a birthday or character traits. She said that she used the Gaelic lore. Just someting to think about.  |
_________________
Hurt heals, chicks dig scars and glory is forever. KKJ |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
