The sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is an annual climbing ornamental garden plant in the legume family (Fabaceae) that is native to Italy and the Aegean region.
It is similar in appearance to its pea like relatives, but it is toxic. The sweet pea is best known for its fragrance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Sweet peas have a rich history dating back to the 17th century, where they were first cultivated for their fragrant blossoms and were considered a symbol of delicate pleasures.
Cultivating sweet peas requires attention to their unique needs, such as well-drained soil and ample sunlight.
Sweet peas hold various magical correspondences, with their energies aligned with Venus, love, and protection, making them a popular choice for love spells and charms.
The diverse colors of sweet peas carry specific magical meanings, with white representing purity, pink symbolizing romance, and purple embodying spiritual growth and transformation.
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The Sweet Pea in History and Folklore
The sweet pea was developed in England from seeds received from Italy by Henry Eckford specifically for the garden trade during the Victorian era.
In the language of flowers, the sweet pea means “farewell and thank you for a lovely time”.
Folklore and Symbolism of Sweet Pea
| Folklore Belief | Description |
|---|---|
| Delicate Beauty | Sweet Pea is often associated with delicate beauty and is admired for its vibrant, fragrant flowers. It symbolizes charm, grace, and pleasure. |
| Victorian Flower Language | In the Victorian era, Sweet Pea was used to convey messages and sentiments through the language of flowers. Different colors and varieties were assigned specific meanings, such as blissful pleasure, gratitude, or tender memory. |
| Nurturing Love | Sweet Pea has a long history of symbolizing nurturing and affectionate love. It is often associated with maternal love, friendship, and gentle emotions. |
| Springtime Blooms | Sweet Pea’s appearance during the spring season is seen as a symbol of new beginnings, renewal, and the arrival of warmer weather. |
Growing Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are easy to grow in a sunny spot provided they don’t get too hot. They like to climb and look nice dressing up a fence.
Don’t try to eat these like peas. They are not edible and are moderately toxic.
Magical Correspondences
The sweet pea isn’t a very ancient plant, so it doesn’t have a lot of magical history behind it. However, its fragrance and airy nature correspond to the air element and its fragrance is said to inspire loyalty and affection.
| Magical Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Love and Friendship | Sweet Pea is believed to possess magical properties related to love and friendship. It can be used in spells or rituals to attract or enhance love, foster strong friendships, or bring harmony to relationships. |
| Beauty and Glamour | The enchanting beauty of Sweet Pea is associated with enhancing personal charm, grace, and attractiveness. It can be used in glamour spells or rituals to amplify one’s natural beauty and magnetism. |
| Joy and Happiness | Sweet Pea is thought to bring joy, happiness, and positive energy. It can be used in spells or rituals to uplift the mood, promote optimism, and attract happiness into one’s life. |
| Creativity and Inspiration | Sweet Pea is believed to stimulate creativity and inspire artistic endeavors. It can be used as a magical tool to unlock artistic potential, overcome creative blocks, or enhance imaginative abilities. |
| Protection and Healing | Some practitioners associate Sweet Pea with protective energies and healing properties. It can be used in rituals or charms to provide spiritual protection, promote emotional well-being, or aid in healing processes. |
Colors and Magical Meanings
| Color | Magical Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pink | Love, romance, affection, gentle emotions |
| Purple | Spiritual growth, intuition, mysticism |
| White | Purity, innocence, spiritual connection |
| Red | Passion, desire, strength, vitality |
| Mixed Colors | Harmony, diverse energies coming together, celebration of life |
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