The Language of Flowers

If you’re anything like me and are obsessed with nature, flowers, and all things botanical, you enjoy going down the rabbit hole and learning anything and everything you can about them from botany to the Victorian language of flowers and history.

The language of flowers, also known as floriography, is a symbolic communication method in which different flowers and their colors convey specific messages and emotions. For instance, the color of a rose represents different meanings. A bright red rose says I love you, while a dark red one signifies mourning. Pink roses can represent perfect happiness, and yellow ones convey friendship, joy, and happiness.

Historically, the use of flower symbolism dates all the way back to ancient civilizations like Greece, Rome, and China, where flowers played roles in mythology, folklore, and rituals. However, it was during the 19th century in England that floriography saw its peak popularity.

It became especially prominent during the Victorian era when social etiquette and decorum restricted open expression of feelings. People used carefully selected bouquets to send coded messages and express feelings that could not be spoken aloud. For example, the violet symbolized modesty and faithfulness, while the lily represented purity and refined beauty. The daisy stood for innocence and loyal love, making it a popular choice for tokens between friends and sweethearts. Meanwhile, the forget-me-not conveyed true love and remembrance, often given as a keepsake for loved ones.

Other notable Victorian flower meanings include the peony, which signified bashfulness and compassion; the camellia, expressing admiration and perfection; and the marigold, which represented grief or jealousy. Bouquets were thoughtfully arranged to combine multiple messages, making each floral gift a personalized expression of emotion and intention. Books and guides were published to decode the meanings behind each bloom, and the practice became a complex and fascinating form of social art.

Over time, the meanings of flowers have evolved and with the influence of different cultures, the language became both rich and varied. Today, the language of flowers still inspires artists, writers, and those who wish to add deeper meaning to their floral gifts.

A few recommended books, both fiction and non-fiction, to read to dive deeper, learn more, and just enjoy a good book:

• The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
• The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland
• The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page
• Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers by Jessica Roux
• Flowers and Their Meanings: The Secret Language and History of Over 600 Blooms by Karen Azoulay

Happy Discovery and Reading!