Flowers are colorful, wonderful gifts and certainly a staple of spring. But what if there was a hidden meaning behind each petal? Might the flowers have deeper roots? In the Victorian era, they certainly did. Floriography is the language of flowers, and they can signify different things based on their types, colors, and sizes. While floriography is largely a lost art, it does not have to be. The next time you shop for flowers, consider their possible meanings! In 1884, Kate Greenway published The Language of Flowers, giving meanings and reasons for different flowers. You can find a purpose behind the petals.
Love: Traditionally, a common reason for giving flowers is love. Whether it’s romantic, platonic, or familial, flowers are a great way to show that you love someone. Tulips can represent a declaration of abundant love, or an embrace of love because of their open shape. Red roses mean, “I love you.” Sunflowers represent both love and loyalty, as well as strength and admiration. Carnations represent undying love and devotion, while red chrysanthemums symbolize love and passion. Orchids mean exotic beauty and strength, and lilies can mean that someone is beloved to you. Peonies can represent wealth and flourishing love, and daffodils represent the sunshine of love, which made them a popular tenth anniversary present. There are endless combinations of flowers and colors that can mean so many different things. A declaration of love, a reassurance of love, a new love, and old love, love for your family and friends: there is always a flower to represent what you mean.
Meanings: There are endless meanings in floriography, beyond just love. Flowers can be given as a show of support, friendship, understanding, welcome, goodbye, etc. Iris flowers show friendship, admiration, and trust. Goldenrod is for encouragement, lavender for devotion and virtue. Orange and yellow daisies mean friendship, and freesia is for trust and thoughtfulness. Poppies are a sign of remembrance for those lost during war. Floriography can extend so much further beyond love.
Color: The color of flowers can also change their meaning. Lilies are a good example of this.
White: Purity and innocence
Red: Passion and love
Yellow: Happiness and friendship
Orange: Energy and enthusiasm
Pink: Gratitude and admiration
Blue: Rebirth and new beginnings
This theory is true for many types of flowers. The color of a bouquet can represent just as much as the colors themselves. Look for someone’s favorite color to see what message you might also be giving!
History: Floriography has a rich history, particularly in the Victorian era. It allowed people to express themselves before it was normalized to display feelings. Arrangements had many meanings, and it was a way for people to show love and communicate with each other.
