Flowers meanings
Speaking in Flora: Flowers Meanings and Symbolism…
Since ancient times the romantic beauty of fresh flowers has held a certain fascination for people. Today most of us give little thought to specific flowers meanings, though we instinctively understand they convey emotion in a way simple words can’t. We use flowers to say I love you to a mate, or show respect for a departed friend. The cheerful faces of brightly colored flowers in the front yard seem to shout “welcome to my home”. In the Victorian Era, the refined language of flowers was a means of much more specific communication. When creating a bouquet of flowers meanings combine to create a special message.
- Say I Love You: Romance always has been, and probably always will be the most popular subject in any kind of flower communion. The Jonquil says “Return my affection” and the Ambrosia says “Love is reciprocated.” A red rose or forget-me-not means true love; gardenia sweet love; primrose is eternal love and a white carnation spells pure love.
- When Love Goes Wrong: Be careful when choosing flowers for your sweetheart, they can send the wrong message. Lavender conveys mistrust, and hydrangea is the symbol of heartlessness. A striped carnation says “I can’t be with you”; the eglantine rose means there is a wound that must heal; and morning glory means that love is in vain.
- Saying Hello: Flowers meanings convey warm greetings to friends and guests as well as lovers. The mayflower is used to say welcome; Lily of the Valley means happiness is returning; and the Azeala simply says “Take Care”.
- Saying Goodbye: Flowers are eternally popular as a way of saying farewell. Choose appropriate flowers to send just the message you intend. Rosemary is for remembrance; Marigold is the symbol of grief; and asphodel will say “my regrets follow you to the grave”.
- Just Say You’re Sorry: An apology always seems more heartfelt when delivered with flowers. Rue is the symbol of regret; yellow roses are an apology for betrayal; and broom conveys humility.
- Lets Celebrate: Flowers are ever-popular congratulations gifts and party decorations. A few of them seem to laugh right along with you. Use a bay wreath to symbolize glory; yellow poppies for success; gardenia to wish one luck; nasturtium for patriotic celebrations; and coreopsis is always cheerful.
- You Said What: To those well versed in this romantic language of flowers, the most innocent seeming selections can send an anything but innocent message. The yellow carnation says “you disappointed me”, and a yellow rose symbolizes dying love. The peony represents shame; mint means shame; and hydrangea is for the heartless.
- What Else is There to Say: Here are a few random flowers meanings that don’t fit well into a category. Acanthus means art; bumblebee orchid or red clover for industry; oats for music; chestnut says “do me justice”; red and white roses combined represent unity; white violets symbolize modesty; hollyhock means ambition; witch-hazel speaks of a magic spell; and any kind of winged seeds included in an arrangement symbolize messengers.
The next time you decide to say it with flowers, think carefully about those flowers meanings. Send your message in the lovely Victorian language of flowers!