Many cultures around the world have used plants and flowers as symbols; they represented gods, spirits, important landmarks in life, religious occasions, and so on. During the years leading up to the Victorian era, they took on a different sort of symbolism. They became almost a language unto themselves, allowing people – particularly young men and women, who the protocol at the time kept from expressing themselves openly – to communicate by sending either a single flower, or a carefully selected bouquet. Many online florists, such as FTD florists, allow you to order flowers individually to be made into a bouquet for a flower delivery; choosing flowers to convey a particular message adds a nicely personal touch.
Table of Contents
As with many flowers, the overtone of azaleas has to do with love, but it is a message of fragile passion, temperance, and a subtle plea to take care of one’s self for the sender. They are also a symbol of womanhood in China.
Just looking at this tiny, delicate white flower and at its name gives a good hint as to its meaning. Although it is now commonly used as a ‘filler’ for bouquets and other arrangements, it has its meaning in and of itself. It symbolizes purity of heart and innocence.
There are several flowers who have an overall meaning, and then a separate meaning for individual colors; the carnation is one such. The overall meanings include fascination, distinction, impulsiveness, joy, and divine or devoted love. It is also the birth flower for January.
The birth flower of November, the chrysanthemum’s overall message is one of happiness, cheerfulness, joy, and optimism. Like carnations, there are subtler meanings to some of the colors.
These native flowers of the Mediterranean area, with their bowed heads, also hold physical hints as to their meaning. The symbolism of the cyclamen is resignation or farewell.
The birth flower of March, the daffodil has several possible meanings to choose from. Rebirth and new beginnings are perhaps the most obvious for this early-blooming flower. Also included are regard, chivalry, unrequited love, and eternal life. A single daffodil can also carry a message of misfortune.
Daisies signify purity, innocence, loyalty (especially in love), beauty, simplicity and patience. There are also overtones of love conquering all.
Named for their leaves which resemble swords, or “gladius” in Latin; one of its meanings is also based on this, telling the recipient that she pierces the heart like a sword. It also represents strength of character, preparedness, sincerity, and love at first sight.
In the language of flowers, hyacinths have a decidedly playful overtone. They represent games, playful joy, rashness, and sport. They can also show an apology, particularly purple hyacinths.
Irises have a very noble symbolism; they represent wisdom, faith, hope, valor, and valued friendship. They can also mean ‘my compliments’, or a promise in love.
Lilies can convey a whole host of messages, depending on their type and color. The overall message, however, is one of chastity, virtue, majesty, beauty, faith, wisdom, pride and chivalry.
Orange blossoms have long been popular in wedding flower arrangements, and for good reason; the symbolism behind them are messages of purity, eternal love, innocence, marriage and fruitfulness.
One can hardly discuss flower meanings without a discussion of the many varied meanings in roses. As with several others, roses can mean a whole host of things depending on color and other factors. Although known for being a symbol of love, passion and perfection, many other overtones and meanings can be conveyed.
The primary messages of tulips are of fame and perfect love. As with other flowers, the colors each have their emphasis.
Violets represent modesty, faithfulness, understated beauty, affection, “you’re in my thoughts”, innocence. they can also be a sort of plea, to take a chance on happiness.
Most homeowners have probably spent hours looking at the different types of garden seeders. You may have even come across…
When it comes to vehicle lovers, cleaning their cars on a regular basis is essential to maintaining the paint job's…
Gas chainsaws are the perfect tool for a variety of outdoor tasks, including chopping up logs for firewood, clearing brush…
A home can be a daunting project, one that takes some time and energy to maintain. With hard work, determination,…
Today ginger is grown all over tropical and subtropical regions in Asia, in parts of Africa and South America, and…
Onions are one of the most popular vegetables in the world, and growing onions is a snap in the home…