Evidence & Historical Context
Editorially reviewedDocumented identification
The subject is myrtle, an evergreen shrub of the genus Myrtus, represented here as a simplified leafy botanical sprig rather than a reproduction of a particular historical plate.
Historical meaning
Period language-of-flowers sources explicitly identify myrtle with love. Bridal and marriage associations form an important related tradition but should be distinguished from the primary dictionary label.
Scholarly interpretation
Myrtle demonstrates how nineteenth-century floriography could preserve much older classical symbolism while Victorian social practice added further associations, particularly around weddings and marriage.
Modern associations
Myrtle continues to evoke love, marriage, fidelity and bridal tradition, with these later and ceremonial associations closely aligned with its nineteenth-century symbolism.
Research warning
Myrtle's history extends far beyond Victorian flower dictionaries. Claims about marriage, chastity or specific bridal customs should be dated and sourced separately from the dictionary meaning of love.
Provenance: This original Sanctum Hex myrtle silhouette is informed by nineteenth-century botanical-emblem aesthetics. Its interpretation follows cited historical sources and does not reproduce a specific period illustration.
Context note: Myrtle appears in several religious, classical and regional traditions. This entry focuses on nineteenth-century English-language floriography while acknowledging its older Mediterranean symbolic background.
Research status: reviewed · reviewed 20/08/2026
Sources
2 referencesThe Language of Flowers: The Floral Offering; a Token of Affection and Esteem
Henrietta Dumont, The Floral Offering (1851), “Myrtle — Love,” with discussion of the plant's association with Venus. (Project Gutenberg / H. C. Peck & Theo. Bliss)
Supports: Primary nineteenth-century source explicitly assigning love to myrtle and connecting that symbolism with the plant's classical association with Venus.
Kate Greenaway, Language of Flowers, late nineteenth century, entry “Myrtle — Love.” (Project Gutenberg)
Supports: Late-Victorian primary source independently corroborating love as myrtle's floral meaning.
How to cite this page
Myrtle. Sanctum Hex Vault. Reviewed 20/08/2026. https://vault.sanctumhex.com/symbols/botanical-silhouettes-myrtle
https://vault.sanctumhex.com/symbols/botanical-silhouettes-myrtleBotanical & Thornwork
Myrtle
Myrtle was a well-established nineteenth-century floral emblem of love, reinforced by older associations with Venus and by its prominent place in Victorian bridal tradition.
Own this Symbol
£0.99
Final price payable in GBP.
Commercial Licence Included · Lifetime file updates
Associated meanings
Purchase & Download
Purchase this symbol or a collection containing it to unlock the downloadable files.
