The Language of Flowers

Did you get flowers for Valentines Day? Do you know that traditionally lovers sent flowers that conveyed messages depending what was in the bouquet?

Although it was popular in Victorian times the use of flowers to convey messages is thought to have also been part of medieval and renaissance culture. Saints are often depicted in works of art with flowers depicting their virtues. The Turkish use “Salem” which is a method of communication using objects to convey messages without the need to write anything down. In Japan ‘hanakotoba’ is a flower language.

So what messages does your bouquet have for you??

Lilies

General meaning – Purity

White – Purity, It’s heavenly to be with you

Yellow – False

Orange – Hatred

Lily of the Valley – Perfect Purity, Sweetness

Roses

Red – I Love You

White – Eternal love, Secrecy and silence

Pink – Please believe me

Yellow – Jealousy

Daffodils – Unrequited love, Respect

Tulips

General Meaning – Charity, Declaration of Love

Red – Believe me, Declaration of love

Yellow – Hopeless love

Chrysanthemums

General – You are a wonderful friend

White – Truth

Red – I love you

Yellow – Slighted Love

** Chrysanthemums in France are only used for Funerals **

Carnations

General – Bonds of affection, Health & Energy

Pink – I’ll never forget you

Red – My heart aches for you

White – Innocence, Pure Love

Striped – I can’t be with you

Gladioli – Love at first sight, Strength of Character

Hyacinth

General – Sorrow, Rashness

White – Loveliness

Blue – Constancy

Pink – Play

Iris – Hope, Wisdom

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_of_flowers

http://www.thegardener.btinternet.co.uk/flowerlanguage.html