THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS
In Victorian times, each flower had a meaning and bouquets were given with much thought given to the recipient. This was first brought to my attention in the movie, The Age of Innocence. Daniel Day Lewis's character gave Michelle Pfieffer's character flowers specific to how he felt about her. In, Kate and Leopold, Hugh Jackman taught Kate's brother how to show his feelings with flowers. In previous years, I remember an ad that appeared in magazines that said, Say It With Flowers. Ah, romance!
Popular Flowers & Their Meanings
• ASTER Symbol of Love, Daintiness
• AZALEA Moderation, temperance, fragile passion, your blush has won me (Chinese Symbol of Womanhood)
• CALLA LILY Magnificent beauty
• CARNATION (GENERAL) Fascination, Woman Love
• CHRYSANTHEMUM (General) You're a wonderful friend, Cheerfulness and rest.
• DAISY Innocence, Loyal Love, I'll Never Tell, Purity
• HYDRANGEA Thank You for Understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness
• IRIS Fleurdelis, Emblem of France, Your Friendship Means so Much to Me, Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valor, My Compliments
• LILY (WHITE) Virginity, Purity, Majesty, It's Heavenly to be with You, I'm Walking on Air
• LILY (yellow) Coquetry, falsehood, flirtation
• ORCHID Love, Beauty, refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for many children
• ROSE (pink) Perfect Happiness, Please believe me
• ROSE (orange) Fascination
• ROSE (red) Love, I Love You
• SUNFLOWER (large) You are splendid
• TULIP (general) Perfect lover, Flower emblem of Holland
Have a great week!
Carra
Interesting post. My new novel I'm working on is called "Four White Roses." Do you know what the meaning of a white rose might be?
ReplyDeleteHi, Judy. I went on Google and found this definition. There were others, as well. Hope this helps!
DeleteWithout vibrant color to upstage it, the formal, structural beauty of the rose is showcased to its best advantage in a bouquet of elegant white roses. Suited to reverent occasions, the white rose is a fitting way to honor a friend or loved one in recognition of a new beginning or a farewell. Their pure color conveys respect, pays homage to new starts and expresses hope for the future.
Historically, the white rose symbolized innocence and purity, which is how it became associated with weddings and bridal bouquets. Way back in 14th-century England the white rose was the heraldic sign of the Duke of York who faced off with the red-rose Lancaster family, giving the renowned War of Roses its name. Today, the white rose has retained its associations with both pure love and formal ceremony, making it a many-purposed recognition of unions and ceremonial occasions, such as anniversaries, christenings and graduations.
Wow. Thanks for the info.
DeleteFascinating information! I always wondered where the hidden meaning of flowers originated.
ReplyDeleteNice post, Carra.
ReplyDelete