Language of flowers
The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, was a Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. This language was most commonly communicated through Tussie-Mussies, an art which has a following today. King Charles II brought the art to Sweden from Persia in the 17th Century, but it originated in two places: first the antiquated floral symbology which had filtered down from antiquity and secondly from the Turkish Salem, or language of objects, developed to communicate any message without the need to write. The Japanese flower language is called Hanakotoba.[1]
The nuances of the language are now mostly forgotten, but red roses still imply passionate, romantic love; pink roses a lesser affection; white roses still suggest virtue and chastity; and yellow roses still stand for friendship or devotion. While these may not be the exact translations of the Victorian sentiments, the flowers still hold meaning.
Also commonly known meanings are sunflowers, which can mean either haughtiness or respect – they were the favorite flower of St. Julie Billiart for this reason. Gerbera (Daisy) means innocence or purity. The iris, being named for the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, still represents a message being sent. A pansy means thoughts, a daffodil regard, and a string of ivy signifies fidelity.
Symbolic meaning of some common flowers
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Notes
- ^ Peterson, Coral (2006-10-10). "Kawaii Culture: The Language of Flowers". Tokyopop.com. Retrieved 2007-03-21.
Many flowers have secret meanings and in Japan the language of flowers is called hanakotoba.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Most of the meanings are taken from the book: The Complete Guide to Calligraphy: the Essential Reference for all Calligraphers. Oceana, Quantum Publishing. ISBN 0681288647.
See also
External links
- Flowers ebook: The Flowers Personified, 1847
- Chapter Excerpts: History of the Language of Flowers
- Flower Language Bibliography (archive link, was dead)
- Flower Language Bibliography Current version of same authour's page