The Language Of Flowers – With Valentine’s just around the corner, most women can expect to receive a welcome bouquet from their loved one but as Lilly Light discovered when your flowers arrive there could there be a secret message behind the obvious sentiments?
I love all flowers; in fact, I don’t know what gives me the biggest thrill; sending or receiving them!
The language of flowers is as old as civilisation itself and is sometimes called floriography (meaning communication). Flowers have been used as an expression of emotion for centuries and this language was most commonly communicated through ‘tussie-mussies’ (a posy of flowers and herbs). And as any born romantic will tell you, it is a tradition which has followed through the ages to present-day society.
The language of flowers permeated most early cultures. The Romans honoured their heroes with laurel wreaths and the Ancient Greeks adorned their palaces with flowers.
In the Middle East, where secrecy between lovers was essential, each flower had a special meaning and secret messages could be exchanged via this medium.
The Victorians took this language to their hearts and produced several dictionaries on the language of flowers.
For instance, most of us probably know that a dozen red roses mean, “Be mine”. However, did you know that a primrose means, “I can’t live without you,” or that a purple hyacinth means, “Please forgive me”?
So in an effort to ensure that all you ladies and gents out there remain well informed when it comes to what you give and what you receive this February 14th, I’ve put together a list of some of the more commonly available flowers so that you get exactly the right message across to that special person you love.
ACACIA: Concealed love, chaste love.
AMBROSIA: Love is reciprocated.
ASTILBE: I’ll still be waiting.
AZALEA: Love, romance, first love, fragile passion, temperance. It is also the Chinese symbol of womanhood.
CAMELLIA: Gratitude, loveliness.
CARNATION: Fascination, distinction, divine love.
CHRYSANTHEMUM, RED: I love you.
CHRYSANTHEMUM, WHITE: Truth, loyal love.
DAFFODIL: Regard, rebirth, new beginnings, unrequited love, you’re the only one.
DAISY: Innocence, loyal love, I’ll never tell, purity, love that conquers all.
DANDELION: Faithfulness, happiness, love’s oracle.
FORGET-ME-NOT: True love, hope, remembrance, memories.
GLOXINA: Love at first sight.
HONEYSUCKLE: Bonds of love, generous, devoted affection.
IRIS, YELLOW: Passion.
IXIA: Happiness.
LARKSPUR, PURPLE: First love.
LEMON BLOSSOMS: Faithful love.
LILY, WHITE: Purity, modesty, virginity, majesty, it’s heavenly to be with you.
ORCHID: Rare beauty, love, refinement, beautiful lady.
PHLOX: Unanimity, united hearts, united souls.
PRIMROSE: Happiness, satisfaction, I can’t live without you.
ROSE: Love, passion, perfection. The rose was named for the Latin word rosa which means red. It has been a symbol of love since ancient times.
ROSE, RED: Love, passion, respect, courage, I love you, beauty, pure and lovely, prosperity.
ROSE, WHITE: Innocence, purity, secrecy, I am worthy of you, silence, friendship, truth, virtue, girlhood, humility spiritual love, but of the soul, reverence, charm, happy love.
ROSE, YELLOW: Joy, friendship, true love, a decrease of love, jealousy, try to care, freedom, slighted love, shows “I care”, gladness.
TULIP, RED: Believe me, declaration of love, fame.
With this in mind, there should be no excuses this year, ladies and gents to tell that special person exactly how and why you love them!
Lilly Light