Flower Symbolism: The Meaning of Flowers

Flowers are not just used for aesthetic purposes. They also have symbolic significance and are used to convey various feelings and emotions. Flowers are integral to auspicious events like weddings, birthdays, religious ceremonies, and even funerals. Writers, poets, artists, and playwrights have for centuries chosen to convey their ideas and illustrate images with the help of floral symbols. Such symbolism has also been at the crux of various religions and cultures across the world, giving meaning to the term “saying it with flowers”.

History of The Language of Flowers

Flower symbols are thought to date back to Biblical times. They have symbolized various aspects of the life cycle and figured prominently in mythology. For instance, the fragility of human life is equated to that of flowers which wither and die without loving care. It is believed that the contemporary usage of floral symbols originated in Constantinople in the 17^th century and then later reached England. Flower language gained immense popularity in the Victorian period and was used to send coded messages, hidden from prying eyes. To this day, receiving and sending floral arrangements is an important part of the social life of human beings. Le Language de Fleurs, the first dictionary for flowers, was written in 1818 by Charlotte de la Tour. This was followed in 1879 by Flower Lore, The Teachings of Flowers, authored by Miss Carruthers of Inverness.

Different Flowers and Associated Meanings

The rose can perhaps be considered the most popular of all floral symbols. Over the years, it has been used as a symbol of love and beauty. In ancient Greece and Rome, the rose was associated with Aphrodite and Venus, the goddesses of love. Lilies are commonly associated with beauty while carnations convey fascination or admiration. Chrysanthemums indicate friendship and cheerfulness while daisies and dandelions are for faithful love. The Incas considered the sunflower a symbol of the sun and worshipped it. Hyacinths are used to seek forgiveness or display jealousy. Queen Victoria is said to have myrtle in her bridal bouquet to indicate her constancy in affection and duty. This tradition has continued at every royal wedding in England, with myrtles featured prominently in the ceremonies.

Colors and Other Interpretations

A white carnation signifies innocence or purity while a red one is for affection or love. A carnation that is striped means refusal, but a yellow one indicates disappointment. Similarly, a red chrysanthemum says, “I love you,” while a white one indicates truth. A yellow hyacinth hints at jealousy while a purple one begs forgiveness or expresses sympathy. A red rose is considered the eternal symbol of love and a pink one displays happiness. Yellow roses hint at a decrease in love while a white rose stands for purity and innocence. A flower presented in an upright position is an indication of a positive thought. Similarly, giving a flower with the right hand is considered an affirmative response, while one presented with the left hand indicates a negative response.

• Languages of Flowers - Some popular flowers and what they symbolize.

• Glossary of Symbolic Meanings (PDF) – A compilation of flowers and what their significance is.

• Silent Needles, Speaking Flowers: Flower Language as a Tool for Communication in Women’s Embroidery in Victorian Britain - Outlines the secret flower language used by women to overcome barriers of social etiquette.

• The Passion Flower – This flower is commonly associated with Jesus Christ and his crucifixion.

• Flower Symbolism in Shakespeare – The usage of flower symbols in Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’.

• Symbolism of Flowers, Fruits, and Trees in Chinese Decoration and Decorative Arts – Flowers in Chinese decorations.

• Flowers to Describe Emotions  – Flowers can convey negative thoughts and feelings as well as positive.

• Floral Messages – The subtle hints conveyed through flowers.

• History of Flower Language – Includes flower symbolism used by ancient Greeks and Romans through the Victorian era.

• Flowers and Religion – Flower paintings in religion and their significance.

• Legend of the Lotus – Explains the significance of the lotus in Chinese brush painting and in Buddhism.

• Flowers and Flower Painting  – Discusses the origins of still-life floral painting.

• Mary’s Flowers – Flowers in Christian art.

• Say It With Flowers – Floral symbolism in manuscript illumination.

• Cherry Blossoms of Japan – Significance of cherry blossoms in Japan.

• The Symbolism of the Passion Flower – The passion flower as a symbol across the globe.

• Floral Symbolism in European-Mediterranean Culture – Sea daffodils and narcissus flowers as symbols.

• The Garden Way of the Rosary – Marian flower symbols of the Catholic culture.

Popular Fresh Flower 

If you are looking to send the gift of fresh flowers, here are some recommended options:

• Fresh Flower Arrangements

• Beautiful Rose Bouquets

 

The article was published by Chad Kremp