Floriography: The Secret Language of Flower

When you receive a bouquet of blooming flowers from a lover, family, friend or a colleague, you are also receiving a hidden message of the sentiments behind the beauty. Let’s explore a bit before you put a pretty vase to display the blossoms.

Red Tulip whispers “I declare my love”

Honeysuckle echoes with “devoted affection”

History is riddled with stories utilizing flowers to pass messages. It’s been documented that harem women employed “Floriography” in order to communicate without their guards’ knowledge. By 1810, French publishers began putting together flower dictionaries that epitomized a wide variety of floral codes collected over the years.

What’s puzzling is the origin of these meanings.

Some of the hidden meanings come directly from the roots which was sometimes based on mythology, I.e “ narcissus” would correspond to self-centeredness and egotism. Other meanings came from the flower itself. The colors, medial properties and even “magical” superstition surrounding these flowers helped with this hidden language. For example:

Pennyroyal, rue and Tansy, often used in teas as abortifacients; the flower in a bouquet often symbolized “ you must leave”, disdain or even “war”

However, not all the meanings were easy to derive. Some of the following make less sense:

Azelea – Take Care of Yourself

Buttercup – Childishness

Camellia (pink) – longing for you

Camellia (white) – adorable

Carnation – fascination, Women love

Green Carnations – homosexuality

Daffodil – unequalled love

Forget-Me-Not – True love, memories

Iris – Fleur-de-lis, compliments

Lily (white) – virginity, purity

How mesmerizing it is to delve into the language of flower and get a glimpse into what the flowers secretly talk to you.