Floriography: Language of Flowers

Floriography is the language of flowers, with the help of which people could convey their feelings and wishes in different centuries. Some time ago, the expression of feelings was forbidden, especially among women. Then the language of flowers was born. Each flower had its meaning and carried a certain role. The flower’s color was also significant in the language of plants. 

With the help of particular colors and combinations, one could confess one's feelings, express one's gratitude, support a loved one, and say a lot more. 

In this article, we will look at floriography as the language of flowers, what meanings certain flowers have, and what bouquets to give to a person, depending on the feelings you want to express.

What is Floriography?

Floriography has an amazing history. Consider the most interesting facts about this language of flowers.

• Floriography is an encrypted communication in which each flower has its symbolic meaning. 

• Floriography gained immense popularity a thousand years ago, during the Victorian era.

• This type of flower communication makes it possible to give flowers without saying a word.

• In fact, qiyas has always been given great importance in areas such as the Christian bible, the teachings of the Buddha, Chinese medicine, and Japanese folklore.

For a long time, people attached much more importance to flowers than they do now. If you start to be interested in the culture of different countries and their attitude to flowers, you will notice that floriography has been quite popular for thousands of years to send flower notes.

Floriography Background

Floriography has its own long and fascinating history. Let us consider in more detail the moments of the appearance and gaining popularity of the language of flowers.

The Ottoman Empire

Let's consider some essential moments from the history Of the Ottoman Empire connected with the appearance of floriography.

• Floriography has its origins in the 1600s in the Ottoman Empire. At that time, a tradition called Selam appeared, which consisted of the fact that the workers of the Constantinople harem gave specific meanings to flowers. It was a great way to communicate, considering that in those days, few people could read and write.

• Already in the 1700s, villages were widely distributed throughout Europe. One remarkable story connected with Selam is that one British aristocrat, Mary Wortley, married a Turkish ambassador and changed her place of residence to Constantinople. In her letters, she spoke of the fact that there was not a single flower, fruit, or stack of grass that did not belong to the verse. She also talked about the fact that using such a type of communication with the help of flowers; you can share any emotions, discuss, and even talk about the news. 

In those days, there was a high interest in flowers; thus, floriography attracted a lot of attention. Often women used this method of communication due to the fact that they were limited by the acquired ways of expressing feelings.

Victorian Times

In Victorian times, floriography had its history and characteristics. Let's take a closer look at the events of those times.

• The people of France began to take an active interest in communicating through flowers in the early 1800s. 

• In 1819 the first dictionary was published under the title "Le Langage des Fleurs". This dictionary explained how to communicate appropriately using colors. The author of this floriography dictionary was Madame Charlotte de la Tour. After the release of Le Langage des Fleurs, many dictionaries and reference books were published regarding communication using colors.

• After a while, floriography became increasingly popular in European countries, gaining the most significant popularity in Victorian England.

• In that era of England, there were prohibitions on the expression of certain feelings. Floriography has become a convenient way to send mysterious notes.

Religion in Floriography

Floriography has its history in religious traditions. Some plants were precious to the early Christians. For example, in the Old Testament, flowers served as images of romantic partners in the Song of Solomon.

It is also necessary to say that religious overtones are given to flowers, for example:

• The anemone is associated with the sorrow of the Virgin Mary at the crucifixion of Christ;

• Colombina means the victory of life over death;

• Lily is associated with the chastity, humility, and purity of the saints.

• The red or white rose is the symbol of the Virgin Mary;

• White tulips symbolize the Holy Spirit and forgiveness.

Buddhism also has its history associated with flowers. For example, the lotus is a symbol of enlightenment and rebirth. Flowers such as roses, plumeria (frangipani), orchids, white and yellow marigolds are used as temple decorations and offerings.

Flowers are also important to Hindus. The puja prayer ritual is associated with the word "flower" and includes offering flowers to the gods. Among the examples, one can tell that the lotus in Hindu culture is associated with purity and wealth, and marigolds mean love.

Types of Flowers And Their Meaning in Floriography

Today, the meanings of the colors have changed a little, but some of them have remained the same. The ability to send flowers as a non-verbal expression of feelings is a popular and powerful activity. 

Although some color meanings have become more universal, as far as their meaning is concerned. For example, pink carnations have become a symbol of Mother's Day, and red roses and carnations are the perfect gifts for Valentine's Day.

Using combinations of different shades is the perfect way to express feelings such as luck, sympathy, love, and affection.

Let us consider the types of flowers and the meaning that the one who gives them wants to convey.

Perfect Flowers for Romantic Relations

A fairly common reason for sending flowers is to express romantic feelings. In floriography, there is a whole list of flowers that allow you to express your tender feelings such as: 

• Red roses;
• Red camellias;
• Red tulips;
• Red carnations;
• Daffodils;
• Yellow irises.

Let us consider in more detail the types of flowers with which you can express your reverent feelings.

When it comes to flowers that speak of romance, roses, especially red roses, are the best choice. So, in Victorian times, one gift of a red rose said "I love you", and several red roses meant love and passion.

It is also an excellent option for committing a romantic message. In floriography, red camellias help to say that the one to whom they were given is a flame burning in the heart of the sender.

In floriography, the meaning of these flowers is a romantic allusion to the one to whom they were addressed. So, in Victorian times, red tulips were a symbol of love; then and now, these flowers are great to give to a person with a hint that you have feelings for their recipient.

They fit all the same descriptions that were for the rest of the colors, but they not only convey a feeling of love but also say, "My heart hurts for you."

Daffodils are spring flowers, and their sender wants to hint that he feels a sense of longing and desire for the one to whom the bouquet was sent. Also, in floriography, the meaning of these flowers is a desire to be loved next to the one to whom the bouquet was sent.

At first glance, it may seem that this is a very unusual choice of a bouquet for expressing feelings. Still, these flowers symbolize passion, and their delicate appearance and shape hint to the recipient that the sender sees them as beautiful and desirable.

Unusual Flowers for Friendship

In addition to the fact that by the floriography, using a bouquet you can express feelings of love and liking, it is also an excellent option to show that you value your friend and are glad for your friendship. 

For such a case, you can use flowers such as

• Yellow roses
• Sunflowers
• Chrysanthemums
• Hydrangeas
• Purple irises
• Alstroemerias
• Freesia
• Zinnia

Consider options for bouquets that you can send to your friends to emphasize the value of your communication.

In floriography, these flowers have such meanings as friendship, happiness, and joyful feelings towards a friend.  You can also give yellow roses to the person you want to renew your company. Adding a few white roses to a bouquet will signify your gratitude to the person for being in your life.

Sunflowers are perfect as a gift bouquet for a friend. Sunflowers convey joy, delight the eyes with their bright appearance and evoke a feeling of adoration and affection from their owner.

By the floriography, it’s another great option as a gift to a friend. A bouquet of chrysanthemums seems to tell the recipients that they are wonderful friends to the sender. In Western culture, chrysanthemums are associated with longevity and happy moments, so don't forget about this option when looking for a gift bouquet.

These flowers signify gratitude, admiration, and harmony. Present a bouquet of hydrangeas to your friends, and you will see their sincere smiles and appreciation.

These flowers signify trust in floriography and symbolize that friendship is of great importance to the sender. In general, purple irises mean wisdom and are a significant compliment, indicating a reasonably sincere desire to communicate with the bouquet recipient.

Alstroemerias signify friendship, strength, and devotion. Also, interestingly, these flowers mean mutual support at the moment when your loved one needs it and help each other in any adversity.

In floriography, a bouquet of freesias symbolizes trust and friendship. Freesias have an incredibly sweet and pleasant aroma, which causes vivid emotions and a sense of admiration in their recipient.

These flowers are fashionable to use if your friend is far away from you. Send them a bouquet of zinnias as a sign that you miss them and will wait for your friend to return. During the Victorian era, zinnias meant longing for the absence of a friend.

Floriography Flower Meaning for Celebration

 A bouquet is a great way to congratulate someone on their achievements or successes. The occasion for a congratulatory bouquet can be a birthday, graduation, or wedding anniversary.

You can talk about roses forever. These are universal flowers that are undoubtedly suitable for any event and holiday. A bouquet of beautiful roses will fit perfectly for any celebration.

If the holiday falls in the spring, daffodils will be a great way to congratulate your loved one. Narcissus signifies hard work, enthusiasm, and zeal.

 These flowers signify fertility and ambition. In the floriography, the white shades of these flowers represent female ambition. Giving mallow to your friend who has a holiday or an important event as a congratulation will cause a storm of positive emotions.

Yellow poppies symbolize success. A bouquet of yellow poppies can be given to the person you want to congratulate on his achievement. 

These flowers are also associated with success and achievement. It must also be said that a bouquet of pink peonies means wealth.

Cozy Flowers for Housewarmings

Also, referring to floriography, we can find out which flowers are suitable for housewarming. To choose flowers for such a party, use the following options:

Stop your attention to sunflowers with a reddish tint. A bouquet of such flowers will look great as a housewarming gift.

Such flowers create a message of mercy. A bouquet of such flowers is great for congratulating a friend on moving into a new home.

These flowers signify admiration and beauty. Gifting a bouquet of gardenias will show that you think their new home is beautiful and will also give the new home a delicious scent.

This is another great option as a housewarming gift.  Presenting a bouquet of orchids will positively charge your loved ones who have acquired a new home and send them a message about beauty and sophistication. 

The Most Suitable Floriography Flowers for Forgiveness

If you are guilty to someone and want to apologize, present bouquets of such flowers as: 

• anemones;
• orchids; 
• hyacinths;
• millennials, 
• peonies;
• lilies of the valley.

In the floriography, such flowers signify a feeling of abandonment and sincerity in their words. Anyone who receives a bouquet of such flowers will know that you admitted your mistakes and appreciate your loved one.

The Best Flowers for Thanks & Gratitude

As for saying thank you with flowers, we have prepared a list of bouquet options you can give to say thank you.

• Use hydrangeas as a thank you. These flowers, like no other, perfectly express gratitude for understanding since Victorian times.

• Also, you can use roses in hot pink and peach colors to say thank you. In floriography, this is the perfect way to thank someone simply for having that person in your life. The ideal option is to combine these flowers in one bouquet.

• With the help of sweet peas, you can thank someone for a great time and for giving you emotions. These flowers are a great option to present to the house hostess where guests have invited you.

• Also, in the language of flowers, orange tulips mean gratitude, while yellow ones bring smiles and admiration. A bouquet of both types of tulips is the best way to express gratitude.

• In floriography, dahlias are another option for a flower gift as a token of gratitude. These flowers will be an excellent opportunity to thank your parents, teacher, or mentor.

Meanings Of Birth Month Flowers

Each month in which a person was born has its flower. Let's take a closer look at which month of the birth flower symbolizes.

• January - Carnation and Snowdrop

Carnations are a definite symbol of January. In floriography as the language of flowers, their main meaning is admiration, love, and superiority. Snowdrops are a symbol of the end of winter and early spring. The main meaning that these flowers carry is hope and the emergence of something new and beautiful.

• February - Violet and Primrose

Violet is the main symbol of those who were born in February. These amazing flowers signify modesty, loyalty, and kindness. Also, these flowers can convey belief, care, and hope. Another flower symbol of this month is the primrose. They mean first love; therefore these flowers will be a great sign of recognition of their feelings.

• March - Daffodils and Jonquil

These flowers mean strong and eternal love. It is believed that the daffodil reminds others that their sun will always shine over their heads, as long as they have loved ones in their lives.

• April - Daisy

In floriography, the daisy signifies purity, sincere feelings, and innocence. Giving these flowers is a very romantic gesture.

• May - Lilies

Lilies are a symbol of purity and innocence. Often these flowers can be found at wedding ceremonies, which also means fidelity and pure feelings.

• June - Rose

No one conveys the sweetness and freshness of the first month of summer better than a rose. This flower is a sign of passionate and mutual love.

• July - Dahlias and Delphinium

Dahlia flowers mean inner strength, perseverance, and achievement of goals. Their majestic appearance speaks of high morality and self-control. In floriography, the delphinium flower signifies modesty, simplicity, and pure motives from the heart.

• August - Gladiolus and Poppy

Those  born in August have their flower symbol in the form of gladiolus and poppies. Gladiolus means a strong character that helps to overcome difficulties, and sincerity. As for the poppy, this flower is a sign of reverence, calmness, and respect.

• September - Aster and Morning Glory

Asters are beautiful autumn flowers that carry great love, trust, and wisdom. Morning glory is the second symbol of autumn and carries a feeling of unrequited love.

• October - Marigold and Orchid

Marigolds are a symbol of bright and passionate feelings. Orchids are another symbol of October. This flower means perfection and beauty in floriography.

• November - Chrysanthemum and Peony

Those born in November have the chrysanthemum as their flower symbol. These flowers signify loyalty and devotion. The peony is also the flower symbol of those born in November. These beautiful and delicate flowers symbolize strong love, good luck, and happy marriage.

• December - Narcissus and Dandelion

For those born in the last month of the year, there is a symbolic flower such as narcissus. This flower means sincerity, pure thoughts, and wealth. 

Another symbol of those born in December is the dandelion. These flowers carry happiness and devotion. A simple-looking bouquet of dandelions will be a good bouquet to emphasize the importance of a person and your loyalty to them.

Thus, we have conducted a small floriography guide. This is a unique and very romantic way to confess your feelings, thank for something, and express warmth and affection. 

FAQs: 

Order a bouquet of delicate roses from Rosaholics! 

Flower language is a very romantic way to exchange feelings. In floriography, each flower has its meaning. You can give your person a bouquet with a hint that they can find the message of the bunch in the language of flowers. This will be a very romantic gesture.

If you want to give your loved one a flower gift, go to our  Rosaholics website. We are always happy to help you in choosing a bouquet. We have the largest selection of roses. On our website, you can find a bouquet of roses for a variety of occasions, from a wedding anniversary to Father's Day. In addition to roses, you can also find bouquets of flowers such as alstroemerias and hydrangeas on our website. Go to our website and look at our flower collections; we are sure you will find what you need.

Read Also: