The Language and Meaning of Flowers

Sweet flowers alone can say what passion fears revealing
Thomas Hood poem, The Language of Flowers

Flowers and bouquets of flowers have a meaning of their own. Most of us know that a dozen red roses means, "Be mine." But did you know, for example, that a primrose means, "I can't live without you," or that a purple hyacinth means, "Please forgive me," or that a pink carnation means, "I'll never forget you," or that a gladiolus means, "Give me a break?"

Flower meanings have been used to convey ideas, feelings and messages for centuries. The word, floriography, has been coined for the assignment of meaning to flowers. There is a meaning to colors of flowers, to numbers of flowers, and to groups of flowers. It is a silent language that has been largely lost to us through lack of use.

In addition to the obvious choices of color and variety, the language of flowers also includes the way flowers are worn or presented. Presenting flowers upright conveys a positive meaning, but if they are presented upside down the meaning is the opposite. If a ribbon is included with the flowers and is tied to the left then the meaning of the flowers refers to the giver, but if the ribbon is tied to the right then the meaning refers to the recipient. Also, flowers can be used to answer questions. When they are presented with the right hand the answer is "yes," but when presented with the left hand the answer is "no."

History

The Turks in the 17th century seemed to develop flower meanings. In 1718 the wife of the British ambassador to Constantinople, Lady Mary Wortley, wrote a letter expounding on the "Secret Language of Flowers" that she had discovered during her visits to Turkey. Europe quickly picked up on the concept.

In 1819 Louise Cortambert, under the pen name, Madame Charlotte de la Tour, wrote and published what seems to have been the first dictionary of the flower language entitled, Le Language des Fleurs. It was a small book, but it became a popular reference on the subject.

During the Victorian era, the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, the meaning and language of flowers became increasingly popular. Victorian women especially picked up the silent language that allowed them to communicate feelings and meanings that the strict propriety of the times would not allow. Tussie-mussies, a bouquet of flowers wrapped with a lace doily and tied with a satin ribbon became a popular and valued gift of the times.

In 1884 a whole book on the subject and entitled, The Language of Flowers, by Jean Marsh and illustrated by Kate Greenaway, was published in London. It became popular and respected and has been the standard source for Victorian flower meaning ever since.

Selected Flower Meanings

Here are some selected flowers and their meanings, a short dictionary.

Almond flowers -- Hope
Anemone -- Forsaken
Aster -- Symbol of love
Balm -- Sympathy
Basil -- Best wishes
Bay leaf -- "I change but in death"
Bell flower, white -- Gratitude
Bergamot -- Irresistible
Bluebell -- Constancy
Borage -- Courage
Broom -- Humility
Campanula -- Gratitude
Carnation, pink -- I'll never forget you
Carnation, red -- My poor heart aches for you
Carnation, striped -- Refusal
China rose -- Beauty always new
Chrysanthemum -- Love
Clover, four leaved -- "Be mine"
Coreopsis -- Love at first sight
Cuckoo pint -- Ardor
Daffodil -- Regard
Daisy -- Innocence, new-born, "I share your sentiment"
Fennel -- Flattery
Fern -- Sincerity
Forget-Me-Not -- True love
Furze or Gorse -- Enduring affection
French Marigold -- Jealousy
Gardenia -- Ecstasy
Gentian -- Loveliness
Geranium -- "You are childish"
Hare bell -- Grief
Heartsease -- "I am always thinking of you"
Honeysuckle -- Bonds of love
Heather -- Admiration
Hyacinth -- I am sorry, Please forgive me
Ice Plant -- "Your appearance freezes me"
Ivy -- Fidelity, friendship, marriage
Jasmine -- Grace
Jonquil -- "I hope for return of affection"
Lavender -- Luck, devotion
Lemon Balm -- Sympathy
Lilac -- First love
Lily -- Purity, modesty
Lily of the Valley -- Purity, the return of happiness
Lily, Calla -- Beauty
Marigold -- Health, grief or despair
Marjoram -- Kindness, courtesy
Myrtle -- Fidelity
Oregano -- Joy
Orchid -- Love, beauty, refinement
Pansy -- Loving thoughts
Periwinkle -- Happy memory
Phlox -- Agreement
Poppy, red -- Consolation
Primrose -- I can't live without you
Rose, cabbage -- Ambassador of love
Rose, red -- Love
Rose, pink -- Grace, beauty
Rose, yellow -- Friendship
Rosemary -- Remembrance, constancy
Rue -- Contrition
Sage -- Gratitude, domestic virtue
Snowdrop -- Hope
Star of Bethlehem -- Purity
Sweet Pea -- Departure, tender memory
Sweet William -- Gallantry
Tuberose -- Voluptuousness
Tulip, red -- My perfect lover, Reclamation of love
Violet -- Loyalty, modesty, humility
Violet, blue -- Faithfulness
Wormwood -- Grief
Wheat -- Riches of the continuation of life
Willow, weeping -- Mourning
Wallflower -- Fidelity
Yew -- Sorrow

The Rose

The Rose is the flower whose meaning we most understand, but here are some details of the meaning of the Rose that may be of further interest.

Rose, Black ? You are my obsession
Rose, Champagne ? You are tender and loving
Rose, Leonidas ? Sweet love
Rose, Nicole ? You are graceful and elegant, aristocratic
Rose, Orange ? You are my secret love
Rose, Pink ? Brilliant complexion; the glow of your smile; perfect happiness
Rose, Red ? Passionate love; I love you
Rose, Single Stems ? Simplicity
Rose, White ? I am worthy of you; spiritual love; Innocence and Purity; Secrecy and Silence
Rose, White and Red ? We are inseparable
Rose, White and Red Mixed ? Unity; Flower emblem of England
Rose, White, Dried ? Death is preferable to loss of virtue
Rose, Yellow ? Friendship; Jealousy; I am not worthy
Rose, Bridal ? Happy Love
Rose, Dark Crimson ? Mourning
Rose, Hibiscus ? Delicate beauty
Rose, Tea ? I'll remember always
Rose, Thornless ? Love at first sight
Roses, Bouquet of Mature Blooms ? Gratitude

Multiple Roses

Single bloom red Rose ? Love at first sight or I still love you
Single Rose, any color ? Gratitude or simplicity
2 Roses ? Mutual feelings
3 Roses ? I love you
7 Roses ? I'm infatuated with you
9 Roses ? We'll be together forever
10 Roses ? You are perfect
11 Roses ? You are my treasured one
12 Roses ? Be mine
13 Roses ? Friends forever
15 Roses ? I'm truly sorry
20 Roses ? I'm truly sincere towards you
21 Roses ? I'm dedicated to you
24 Roses ? Forever yours
25 Roses ? Congratulations
50 Roses ? Unconditional love
99 Roses ? I will love you all the days of my life
108 Roses ? Will you marry me?
999 Roses ? I love you till the end of time

What To Do

With the lists above you should be able to assemble a meaningful gift of flowers or a bouquet that conveys a complex thought. Wrap the flowers appropriately and present them in a significant manner. Then, just to be certain that your efforts are not misinterpreted, include a card that fully explains the meaning of your flowers.

After a few flower presentations you should be able to drop the explanatory notes and begin enjoying and sharing the silent language of flowers.

***************

Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of http://www.Anchorage-Homes.com and http://www.TheDatingAdvisor.com.

---

5 Quick Ways to Find Your Next Date

Overwhelmed with family, school, work and volunteer obligations, woman are... Read More

I Found Love On a Online Dating Site

Over the past few years, I discovered a few personality... Read More

Got a Blind Date Right Around the Corner?

Got a case of the blind date? Oh yes we... Read More

Men On Dating- Timing, Turn-offs and Keepers

Dear Relationship Coach-"We met online and seemed to hit it... Read More

First Date ? Tips for Men

You are on your way to your first date with... Read More

Who Says Online Datings Only For Losers?

I let that friend talk me into browsing some pictures... Read More

7 Habits of Highly Successful Dating

1) Don't look at other womenWhile dating, focus your attention... Read More

Love Could Be An Errand Away

You have signed up on several large dating sites and... Read More

Online Dating - 8 Sizzling Tips To Make Your Profile Standout!

We know one of the hardest part of creating your... Read More

10 Tips for Succeding in Dating!

Generally the most important step when dating someone is the... Read More

The Magic of Flirting

Flirting is the way most people determine whether or not... Read More

Online Dating Beginners Quiz

Free dating online-you've heard about it, you've read about it,... Read More

Dating Tips from Hollywood

Halle Berry voted as one of the most beautiful women... Read More

How to Overcome The Fear of Rejection

Feeling uncomfortable in the stomach, cold sweaty palm, trembling of... Read More

Have You Lost That Loving Feeling?

Would you like to discover Easy and Creative ideas to... Read More

Do Men Want Classy Women?

Ladies, this one is for you. Your mother always told... Read More

If You Really Need A Dating Quiz, Maybe You Shouldnt Be Dating

Q. My boyfriend failed a dating quiz. Should I dump... Read More

Finding Fun Date Ideas

The three most usual choices for what to do on... Read More

Help! Im Single for the First Time in Years!

You're back on the dating scene. But you're worried as... Read More

Online Dating For Dummies

Whether you have been dating for years, getting back in... Read More

Win Her Heart With Romantic Gift Ideas

Does your significant other cry at goofy commercials? Does she... Read More

Why Date Someone You Wouldnt Have As Your Friend?

Sometimes in dating we so often settle for people that... Read More

The Law of Large Numbers

It is often said that sales is a numbers game.... Read More

1 Step You Should Take to Alleviate Anxiety When Meeting Women

Has a similar scenario like this one ever happened to... Read More

Should You Consider an Internet Romance?

Carly's quest in finding a suitable partner for marriage seemed... Read More

Creating a Great Online Dating Profile

First impressions are important, which is why it is essential... Read More

Top 10 Photo Blunders

The following no-nonsense list was compiled from interviews with long-time... Read More

Avoiding the Grand Manipulator

Let's face it...some women can be ruthless. There are certain... Read More

Dating: How & Where To Meet Single, Alluring, Sexy & Beautiful Women Of Your Dreams

Are you a lonely man?When was the last time you... Read More

Great Dating Advice: 7 Universal Laws for Singles

The Law of the Right PersonWhile most of us put... Read More

How to Tell if a Single Woman is Really Interested in You

It's very important to learn how a single woman acts,... Read More

Online Dating Tips ? Creating Personal Ads

Creating a personal ad for online dating services is not... Read More

Selecting an Online Dating Site

So you are thinking of giving online dating a try... Read More