Categories: Flower Gardens

The Language of Flowers

Throughout the years, and across the world, flowers have signified a variety of feelings. Bishop Arthur Coxe said in his poem, The Singing of Birds, ‚”Flowers are words which even a babe may understand.” Different meanings often depend on the unique characteristics of the flower or plant. The amaranth is said to signify immortality because of its long life. The poppy denotes forgetfulness because the drug opium is made from its seeds. The brier signifies insult because of its thorns. Even the same type of plant or flower may have a different meaning depending on color or shape.

Artists and poets have attributed meanings to many blossoms, beginning a custom of expressing thoughts and feelings by means of flowers. Even Napoleon’s words regarding the subject have been recorded in history,”Where flowers degenerate, man cannot live.”

History

Among the Greeks and Romans, the language of flowers was the trendy. Many events of interest or large gatherings were represented by flowers or leaves, which were used for fashion, adornment and as a status symbol. The olive was the token of peace; the bay was the poet’s crown; the myrtle was the crown for beauty; and the oak was the patriot’s crown. A laurel wreath marked success and high achievement. Affectionate messages were conveyed through beautiful bouquets, a custom that still exists. Whether a first date or anniversary, men and even women use flowers to show interest and love. Every February 14th, florists prepare weeks in advance for the certain rush of orders.

National Flowers

Several countries have chosen national flowers to speak for their land. Japan claims the chrysanthemum, and the country is referred to as the ‚”Land of Chrysanthemums.” Greece chose the violet, Italy the white lily and Switzerland the edelweiss. The emblem of England is the rose and brings to mind the War of the Roses. Ireland is well-knonw for the shamrock, which is synonomous with Saint Patrick’s Day. Germany adopted the cornflower, China the narcissus and Egypt the lotus. Even the United States has adopted the American rose.

Meanings

Here are some plants and flowers, whose meanings have been established through the poetry, literature and national usage. Meanings vary by country, and some plants may be obscure: