Have you ever given someone flowers? Maybe you received them from someone else? Well, did you know those flowers are actually saying something to the recipient? That’s right, flowers actually have their own language, otherwise known as floriography. 

Beginning in the Middle East during the 17th century, this language started its path to popularity. Reaching its peak in the West during the Victorian era, suitors and lovers followed this practice religiously. Nearly all Victorian homes at the time had at least one guidebook to decipher this language. The authors of these guidebooks used visual analogies, folkloric and mythic connections, and the botanical attributes of each species to attribute different associations with each species. These flowers helped them communicate feelings that could not be openly expressed due to the strict etiquette of the era.

Nearly every sentiment can be expressed with flowers. They can even be used to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions based on how the flowers are handed over to the recipient (‘yes’ if the flowers were handed over with the right hand and a ‘no’ if the left hand was used).

Some meanings have changed over time, and different cultures have taken liberties to assign varying ideas to the same flower species. Some flowers, however, have retained the same concept throughout the eras, like red roses. Thanks to Valentine’s day, the meaning of these flowers must be the most well-known when compared to any other flower. 

Red roses are commonly given to partners as a sign of love and affection. Did you know, however, the number of red roses has its own meaning as well? For example, a single rose symbolizes love at first sight; however, 15 roses are given to say sorry. Six roses are meant to express infatuation and desire for the recipient to be yours, whereas 12 roses, the classic bouquet size, are actually meant to ask the recipient to be yours. So for future reference, if you decide to abide by flowery language, watch out for the number of roses to properly deliver your message!

Back in the Victorian era, individuals could also use flowers to respond to a suitor’s advances. For instance, if a suitor presented a lady with a rose declaring “devotion” or an apple blossom to express “preference,” one might return a yellow carnation to the suitor to express romantic rejection and disdain.

Thus being said, while the type of flowers individually have their own meanings, the color of said flower also contributes to their symbolic message. Understandably, red often represents feelings of love and infatuation, although crimson red represents mourning. Like red flowers, the color pink has also grown to symbolize love while also expressing happiness and femininity. White flowers range in meaning from innocence to sympathy, explaining white lilies are often present at funeral processions. Blue flowers are known to represent relaxation and peace, whereas orange symbolizes excitement and enthusiasm. Yellow flowers express friendship and trust. Imagine getting one of those as a suitor trying to pursue a potential partner!

With all this in mind, watch out for potential messages being sent your way or maybe ones you would like to send yourself!

 

 

 

(Peonies = Good Luck)