In some texts she is depicted wearing a coat of many colors. As a goddess, Iris is associated with communication, messages, the rainbow and new endeavors. Iris is often pictured with a staff known as a kerykeion (similar to a caduceus) or an oinochoe (water pitcher). 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. If her wings were missing in the artistic representations, she was pictured holding a caduceus, which was also a symbol of hers. ris symbolizes good news and luck. Depictions of the goddess Isis show her wearing an empty throne on her head. Irises may also express courage and admiration. This personification of a rainbow was once described as being a link to the heavens and earth. Also, the Greek goddess Iris is associated with both the iris and rainbows. Iris is represented either as a rainbow, or as a beautiful young maiden with wings on her shoulders. It is also said the its three upright petals symbolize faith, valor, and wisdom. 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. Iris flower meaning is highly associated with heroism, valor, and prowess, which is also adopted in many cultures around the world. Iris was the messenger of the Olympian gods and personifies the rainbow, therefore being its goddess. By some accounts, the ancient Greeks believed the rainbow was actually the … The iris got its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. See Article History. Depending on factors such as color and region, irises may bear additional meanings as well. She was usually depicted standing beside Zeus or Hera, sometimes serving nectar from her jug. This goddess used rainbows as a bridge to allow her to move between realms. 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. 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. She had gold wings attached to her shoulders and winged sandals on her feet. Its looped form bears a resemblance to an Ankh. Iris is a champion show-off when it comes to color. Etymological Meaning of the Iris Flower. 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. In fact, the word iridescence means rainbow. Iris, in Greek mythology, the personification of the rainbow and (in Homer’s Iliad, for example) a messenger of the gods. It was believed that Iris was responsible for replenishing rain clouds from seawater to provide bountiful rainfall. 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