Sweet flowers alone can say what passion fears revealingThomas Hood poem, The Language of FlowersFlowers and bouquets of flowers have a meaning of their own. Most of us know that a dozen red roses means, “Be mine.” But did you know, for example, that a primrose means, “I can’t live without you,” or that a purple hyacinth means, “Please forgive me,” or that a pink carnation means, “I’ll never forget you,” or that a gladiolus means, “Give me a break?”Flower meanings have been used to convey ideas, feelings and messages for centuries. The word, floriography, has been coined for the assignment of meaning to flowers. There is a meaning to colors of flowers, to numbers of flowers, and to groups of flowers. It is a silent language that has been largely lost to us through lack of use.In addition to the obvious choices of color and variety, the language of flowers also includes the way flowers are worn or presented. Presenting flowers upright conveys a positive meaning, but if they are presented upside down the meaning is the opposite. If a ribbon is included with the flowers and is tied to the left then the meaning of the flowers refers to the giver, but if the ribbon is tied to the right then the meaning refers to the recipient. Also, flowers can be used to answer questions. When they are presented with the right hand the answer is “yes,” but when presented with the left hand the answer is “no.”HistoryThe Turks in the 17th century seemed to develop flower meanings. In 1718 the wife of the British ambassador to Constantinople, Lady Mary Wortley, wrote a letter expounding on the “Secret Language of Flowers” that she had discovered during her visits to Turkey. Europe quickly picked up on the concept.
In 1819 Louise Cortambert, under the pen name, Madame Charlotte de la Tour, wrote and published what seems to have been the first dictionary of the flower language entitled, Le Language des Fleurs. It was a small book, but it became a popular reference on the subject.During the Victorian era, the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, the meaning and language of flowers became increasingly popular. Victorian women especially picked up the silent language that allowed them to communicate feelings and meanings that the strict propriety of the times would not allow. Tussie-mussies, a bouquet of flowers wrapped with a lace doily and tied with a satin ribbon became a popular and valued gift of the times.In 1884 a whole book on the subject and entitled, The Language of Flowers, by Jean Marsh and illustrated by Kate Greenaway, was published in London. It became popular and respected and has been the standard source for Victorian flower meaning ever since.Selected Flower MeaningsHere are some selected flowers and their meanings, a short dictionary.Almond flowers -- HopeAnemone -- ForsakenAster -- Symbol of loveBalm -- SympathyBasil -- Best wishesBay leaf -- "I change but in death"Bell flower, white -- GratitudeBergamot -- IrresistibleBluebell -- ConstancyBorage -- CourageBroom -- HumilityCampanula -- GratitudeCarnation, pink -- I'll never forget youCarnation, red -- My poor heart aches for youCarnation, striped -- RefusalChina rose -- Beauty always newChrysanthemum -- LoveClover, four leaved -- "Be mine"Coreopsis -- Love at first sightCuckoo pint -- ArdorDaffodil -- RegardDaisy -- Innocence, new-born, "I share your sentiment"Fennel -- FlatteryFern -- SincerityForget-Me-Not -- True loveFurze or Gorse -- Enduring affectionFrench Marigold -- JealousyGardenia -- EcstasyGentian -- LovelinessGeranium -- "You are childish"Hare bell -- GriefHeartsease -- "I am always thinking of you"Honeysuckle -- Bonds of loveHeather -- AdmirationHyacinth -- I am sorry, Please forgive meIce Plant -- "Your appearance freezes me"Ivy -- Fidelity, friendship, marriageJasmine -- GraceJonquil -- "I hope for return of affection"Lavender -- Luck, devotionLemon Balm -- SympathyLilac -- First loveLily -- Purity, modestyLily of the Valley -- Purity, the return of happinessLily, Calla -- BeautyMarigold -- Health, grief or despairMarjoram -- Kindness, courtesyMyrtle -- FidelityOregano -- JoyOrchid -- Love, beauty, refinementPansy -- Loving thoughtsPeriwinkle -- Happy memoryPhlox -- AgreementPoppy, red -- ConsolationPrimrose -- I can't live without youRose, cabbage -- Ambassador of loveRose, red -- LoveRose, pink -- Grace, beautyRose, yellow -- FriendshipRosemary -- Remembrance, constancyRue -- ContritionSage -- Gratitude, domestic virtueSnowdrop -- HopeStar of Bethlehem -- PuritySweet Pea -- Departure, tender memorySweet William -- GallantryTuberose -- VoluptuousnessTulip, red -- My perfect lover, Reclamation of loveViolet -- Loyalty, modesty, humilityViolet, blue -- FaithfulnessWormwood -- GriefWheat -- Riches of the continuation of lifeWillow, weeping -- MourningWallflower -- FidelityYew -- SorrowThe RoseThe Rose is the flower whose meaning we most understand, but here are some details of the meaning of the Rose that may be of further interest.Rose, Black – You are my obsessionRose, Champagne – You are tender and lovingRose, Leonidas – Sweet loveRose, Nicole – You are graceful and elegant, aristocraticRose, Orange – You are my secret loveRose, Pink – Brilliant complexion; the glow of your smile; perfect happinessRose, Red – Passionate love; I love youRose, Single Stems – SimplicityRose, White – I am worthy of you; spiritual love; Innocence and Purity; Secrecy and SilenceRose, White and Red – We are inseparableRose, White and Red Mixed – Unity; Flower emblem of EnglandRose, White, Dried – Death is preferable to loss of virtueRose, Yellow – Friendship; Jealousy; I am not worthyRose, Bridal – Happy LoveRose, Dark Crimson – MourningRose, Hibiscus – Delicate beautyRose, Tea – I’ll remember alwaysRose, Thornless – Love at first sightRoses, Bouquet of Mature Blooms – GratitudeMultiple RosesSingle bloom red Rose – Love at first sight or I still love youSingle Rose, any color – Gratitude or simplicity2 Roses – Mutual feelings3 Roses – I love you7 Roses – I’m infatuated with you9 Roses – We’ll be together forever10 Roses – You are perfect11 Roses – You are my treasured one12 Roses – Be mine13 Roses – Friends forever15 Roses – I’m truly sorry20 Roses – I’m truly sincere towards you21 Roses – I’m dedicated to you24 Roses – Forever yours25 Roses – Congratulations50 Roses – Unconditional love99 Roses – I will love you all the days of my life108 Roses – Will you marry me?999 Roses – I love you till the end of timeWhat To DoWith the lists above you should be able to assemble a meaningful gift of flowers or a bouquet that conveys a complex thought. Wrap the flowers appropriately and present them in a significant manner. Then, just to be certain that your efforts are not misinterpreted, include a card that fully explains the meaning of your flowers.After a few flower presentations you should be able to drop the explanatory notes and begin enjoying and sharing the silent language of flowers. By Garry Gamber
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