Dating back to ancient times, flowers have been used as a profession of kindness. We usually present them to those we love and care for. We send flowers to show them how special they are, to show admiration, to celebrate an occasion, or even to sympathize. What we don't know is that sending certain types of flowers, and even their colors, actually have meanings of their own.
Floriography: (Language Of Flowers)
During Renaissance and medieval times, flowers were often given moral meanings. This is apparent 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," says Liana DeGirolami Cheney in an edition of Sixteenth Century Journal.
Back in the Victorian era, flowers began to create or add emotion. The language of flowers, sometimes 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 flower arrangement was sent to announce feelings of attraction, even love.
Back in 1819, a book entirely about interpretations 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."
Well-Known Meanings Of Flowers
Buy or borrow a dictionary of flowers to see the different interpretations and meanings of flowers. Some very well-known flowers and their corresponding meanings are listed 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 - 32376
Floriography: (Language Of Flowers)
During Renaissance and medieval times, flowers were often given moral meanings. This is apparent 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," says Liana DeGirolami Cheney in an edition of Sixteenth Century Journal.
Back in the Victorian era, flowers began to create or add emotion. The language of flowers, sometimes 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 flower arrangement was sent to announce feelings of attraction, even love.
Back in 1819, a book entirely about interpretations 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."
Well-Known Meanings Of Flowers
Buy or borrow a dictionary of flowers to see the different interpretations and meanings of flowers. Some very well-known flowers and their corresponding meanings are listed 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 - 32376
