Eleanor Medhurst, a lesbian fashion historian, states: "Violets became a lesbian symbol because they appear multiple times across Sappho's poetry, alongside declarations of love for women." This connection to Sappho underlines the cultural and historical significance of violets in expressing sapphic identity.
In the early 20th century, members of Paris' thriving lesbian scene wore violets to honour Sappho's work, often giving them to women as a silent signal of attraction. This flower was not just a fashion choice; it was a form of coded expression.
The Captive, a play that debuted in 1926, further cemented the relationship between lesbians and violets, with plot lines centered on giving and receiving flowers, which prompted many to wear violets on their lapels.
The symbolism of violets extends beyond just a flower; the phrase ‘lavender lads’ used during the Lavender Scare illustrates how color-coded terms have historically shaped the understanding of sexual orientation within societal contexts.
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