The Origin of Flower Giving: What are you REALLY saying?


Flowers are always fun to give or receive. They can act as gestures of love, friendship or sympathy. But did you know the type of flower you send may be relaying a different message than you'd like? Looks like my thoughtfulness can use an extra boost!

Although flower gifting dates back to the Middle Ages, it was during the Victorian era, this tradition became a world wide phenomenon because of the first language flower dictionary: the Floriography. Because of cultural expectations of proper etiquette and modesty, people often sent flowers as secretive messages of affection. Most messages were positive, but some bundles of flowers could even relay passive-aggressive notions. Mixing certain flowers together could complete the expression of very specific messages. What a beautiful language it has become!


Below is a list of popular flowers, their colors, and their meanings. This list was complied from The Society of American Florists. Take a look!

Alstroemeria

aspiring

Amaryllis

dramatic

Anemone

fragile

Apple Blossom

promise

Aster

contentment

Azalea

abundance

Baby's Breath

festivity

Bachelor Button

anticipation

Begonia

deep thoughts

Black-Eyed Susan

encouragement

Camellia

graciousness

Carnation

pink

gratitude

red

flashy

striped

refusal

white

remembrance

yellow

cheerful

Chrysanthemum

bronze

excitement

white

truth

red

sharing

yellow

secret admirer

Cosmos

peaceful

Crocus

foresight

Daffodil

chivalry

Delphinium

boldness

Daisy

innocence

Freesia

spirited

Forget-Me-Not

remember me forever

Gardenia

joy

Geranium

comfort

Ginger

proud

Gladiolus

strength of character

Heather

solitude

Hibiscus

delicate beauty

Holly

domestic happiness

Hyacinth

sincerity

Hydrangea

perseverance

Iris

inspiration

Ivy

fidelity

Jasmine

grace and elegance

Larkspur

beautiful spirit

Lavender

distrust

Lilac

first love

Lily

Calla

regal

Casablanca

celebration

Day

enthusiasm

Stargazer

ambition

Lisianthus

calming

Magnolia

dignity

Marigold

desire for riches

Nasturtium

patriotism

Orange Blossom

fertility

Orchid

delicate beauty

Pansy

loving thoughts

Passion flower

passion

Peony

healing

Poppy

consolation

Queen Anne's Lace

delicate femininity

Ranunculus

radiant

Rhododendron

beware

Rose

pink

admiration/appreciation

red

passionate love

red & white

unity

white

purity

yellow

friendship

Snapdragon

presumptuous

Star of Bethlehem

hope

Stephanotis

good luck

Statice

success

Sunflower

adoration

Sweetpea

shyness

Tuberose

pleasure

Tulip

pink

caring

purple

royalty

red

declaration of love

white

forgiveness

yellow

hopelessly in love

Violet

faithfulness

Wisteria

steadfast

Yarrow

good health

Zinnia

thoughts of friends

So, next time you spend money on flowers, put a little more thought into what you're actually saying… you might want to think twice before handing your grandmother a Ivy or your spouse a bundle of lavender. (wink. wink.) Happy May!


Sources:
  •   https://www.proflowers.com/blog/floriography-language-flowers-victorian-era
  •   https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/aboutflowers/flower-meanings
  •   https://www.aboutflowers.com/flower-a-plant-information-and-photos/meanings-of-flowers.html

    Bethany Bird
    Monthly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
    Email the author! bethany@dvo.com


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