The Language of Flowers .

If flowers could talk, what would they say? What does their language consist of? Well, we will probably never know. However, we can know what we think they are saying. Here are just a few of the things you can say when you give flowers as a gift.

During the Victorian era, people gave bundles of flowers as gifts. These flowers were used to send messages. What the message said depended on which flowers were used. These bundles of flowers were called tussie-mussies. Both men and women carried them.

This language of flowers was not simple. If the bundle was received upside down, it meant the message was the opposite of the usual meaning. A bow or flower bent to the left means you have beautiful eyes. To say I send loving thoughts, a flower or bow must be bent to the right. To signal hope, add leaves to the bundle of flowers. To warn of danger thorns must be present.

To make a tussie-mussie, you only need a few things. You need some floral tape, your choice of flowers, and some greenery. Begin by striping the leaves from the bottom of each stem. Then, tape two bunches together with floral tape about an inch or two from the bottom of the stem, add 2 or 3 more stems around these and wind the tape around the addition. Keep adding stems and tape until you get the size you desire.

To tell someone they are your first love use Azaleas in your bouquet. If your affection is lively and pure, a gift of Red Dianthus will impart your message. Ivy signifies friendship. Warmth of feeling can be conveyed with Mint. Rosemary or Lavender will tell your sweetheart you are devoted to them. To let them know you are faithful, give them violets. If a friend needs healing or felicity, a gift of cornflowers will help them feel better. Happy thoughts are imparted with Johnny Jump-ups.

To help a loved one return to a state of happiness, give them a gift of Lilies of the Valley. To show preference to your sweetheart, send them some Apple Blossoms or Scented Geraniums. Joy can be passed along with blossoms from the Oregano plant. Loving thoughts are represented by Pansies.
Most people, especially women, enjoy getting flowers. What better way to send a poem to someone special than in the language of flowers? Of course, they need to understand what you are saying. So, a little card explaining the loving meaning would probably not go amiss in this situation. Give your sweetheart a beautiful bouquet and make their day a little brighter.



By Cheryl Dennett