Since ancient times, flowers have been used as a profession of kindness. We usually gift them to those we love and care about. We give flowers to let them find out how special they are, to show admiration, to celebrate occasions, or even to sympathize. What we don’t know is that sending certain kinds of flowers, and even their colors, actually have significances of their own.
The Language Of Flowers
During medieval and Renaissance times, flowers were often given moral meanings. This is evident in art where saints are often portrayed with flowers that symbolize the saints’ virtues. “Some of the Christian symbols for Virginity or Chastity are the white rose, the myrtle, a vessel or vase, the lily, and the unicorn,” according to Liana DeGirolami Cheney in an edition of Sixteenth Century Journal.
During the Victorian era, flowers began to create or add emotion. The language of flowers, often called floriography, began being used as a discreet form of communication. In the 18th century, sending coded messages using flowers became popular. Based on Persian Salaam, a Turkish secret language of flowers, a coded bouquet was sent to profess feelings of attraction, even love.
Back in 1819, a book entirely about meanings of flowers called “Le Language des Fleurs,” was written by Madame Charlotte de la Tour. A similar book, “Language of Flowers” by Kate Greenaway, was written in 1884 and is still being used today.
Japan also has their version of floriography, called “Hanakotoba.” Greeting cards in Japan use the Hanakotoba code, and still use the flower-language in popular culture such as in films and cartoons, like the anime series “Wei Kreuz.”
Favorite Flower Meanings
Buy or borrow a dictionary of flowers to see the several interpretations and meanings of flowers. Some very popular flowers and their significances are written below:
Buttercup – riches Pink carnations – a woman’s love Chrysanthemum – love in general Forget-me-not – true love Lavender – devotion, distrust Purple lilac – first emotion of love White lily – purity Peach blossom- long-life Red rose – true love Sunflower – pure and noble thoughts Yellow tulip – hopeless love
Find out the the best bouquets from Online Singapore flower shop.
