We've been on a bit of a wedding bender these past few months, attending everything from a breezy beachfront wedding to charmingly rustic nuptials on a farm in Asheville. And while we may suffer from dance-induced bunions and stumble the morning after from a few too many drinks, we always get inspired by the flowers. Recently, we've been tasked to help a future bride pick out flowers for her bouquet; in the process, we've inadvertently learned about the symbolism behind some of our floral favorites that we've used in our home. Take a look at our running list below the jump...
The Language of Flowers
- Crocus: cheerfulness
- Camellia: admiration
- Carnation: fascination, impulsiveness
- Chrysanthemum: abundance, wealth
- Daffodil: chivalry
- Daisy: innocence
- Dogwood: duration
- Orchid: beauty
- Freesia: innocence
- Gardenia: secret love
- Geranium: true friendship
- Hellebore: calming
- Iris: faith, wisdom
- Lilac: first emotions of love
- Lily: I dare you to love me
- Pansy: You’re in my thoughts
- Peony: bashful
- Pink jasmine: I attach myself to you
- Ranunculus: radiant with charms
- Snowdrop: hope
- Sweet pea: delicate pleasures
- Tulip: declaration of love
- White jasmine: amiability
[ Photo from Cornell University ]
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I love the Victorian idea of sending messages back and forth with bouquets. Even mean messages had flowers!
view Tiamat_the_Red's profile
I thoroughly agree that speaking with flowers is a very lovely form of communication. Nevertheless, there are many lanuages!!
In another era (or nation?) the humble daisy (to mention but one flower) has also conveyed the message, 'I miss you'.
view EAM's profile
According to Agatha Christie (in a collection of short stories entitled "The Thirteen Problems", specifically "The Four Suspects"), here are some others...
Yellow Tulip - hopeless love
China Aster - I die of jealousy at your feet
purple orchid - I await your favours
Dahlia - treachery and misrepresentation
I've been looking for more information for a while - thank you :)
view Pippienna's profile
For our wedding, we used Rosemary (Fidelity), Lavender (Devotion), and Hydrangea (Understanding). At least that's what I thought.
According to two sites I just browsed, they symbolize Heartlessness, Distrust, and Frigidity. Yikes!
The Victorian Language of Flowers
Flower Language A-K
Flower Language L-Z
view Splomo's profile