Flowers have conveyed feelings for much of history. Learn more about the history of flower meanings, and know what you’re saying when you give blooms.
Throughout much of the world’s history, flowers have been thought to connote various meanings. Many cultures have assigned meanings, and today some blooms express multiple sentiments as a result. Nonetheless, there are several common threads that can be traced through the history of flower meanings.
Flowers Tend to Express Positive, Sensitive Feelings
Appropriate for their beautiful and delicate appearance, the sentiments assigned to flowers tend to be positive and, often, sensitive. This holds true across eras and cultures. For instance:
- Bluebells showed kindness in Victorian England
- Chrysanthemums showed nobility in Chinese Culture
- Lilies showed love in Ancient Rome
- Lotuses showed creation and rebirth in Ancient Egypt
- Roses showed love in Ancient Greece and the Early Church
The biggest exception to this trend is the orchid in Ancient Greece, which was thought to indicate male fertility for obvious reasons.
Moreover, the positive and sensitive trend of flower meanings was no accident. Other plants that were less delicate often received less gentle meanings. For example, the pomegranate indicated conceit in Ancient Greece, and aloe vera showed bitterness on account of its taste.
Floriography Rose to Prominence in Victorian England
While several ancient cultures were devoted to the art of flowers and their meanings, the field of study piqued during Victorian England. During this time, the study of flower meanings became floriography.
The field reached its pinnacle during Victorian England not because the practitioners were more skilled, but rather because they had so many resources to draw on. Practitioners culled meanings from Christian texts, literary references, folklore, and scientific publications, and the meanings assigned to flowers reflect the plethora of resources drawn upon.
The following are just a few of the many examples where there was overlap:
- Lupins, white heather, ragged robin and hollyhocks all indicated good luck
- Hyacinths could indicate play, forgiveness or games
- Roses indicated love while tulips showed passion
- Carnations indicated remembrance, heartache, capriciousness or rejection
Additionally, floriography wasn’t limited to only a select few, nor was it limited to species only. Many families had floriography guidebooks, and the manner flowers were given in could affect the intended meaning. Giving with the right hand could be a “yes” to a question, while giving with the left would be “no.” Handing flowers to someone upside down inverted their intended meaning to its direct opposite.
Flowers Continue to Convey Feelings Today
General knowledge of flower meanings has waned since the 1800s, but the practice of giving specific flowers in order to convey feelings had hardly disappeared. Many people continue to consult a florist when selecting individual flowers and arrangements, choosing the particular blooms based on what they wish to say. From the romance of a red rose to the friendship of a geranium, flowers continue to be a moving way to share deep and sensitive sentiments.
#chelseaflowers_london #chelseaflowers #OnTheBlog#chelseaflowerslondon
Source
https://www.proflowers.com/blog/floriography-language-flowers-victorian-era
https://bouqs.com/blog/flower-symbolism-in-mythology/
https://www.teleflora.com/meaning-of-flowers
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a9550430/lotus-flower-meaning/
FAQs
Bluebells showed kindness in Victorian England. Chrysanthemums showed nobility in Chinese Culture. Lilies showed love in Ancient Rome. Lotuses showed creation and rebirth in Ancient Egypt.
What is the historical significance of flowers? ›
In many cultures, flowers are associated with love, beauty, and fertility. For example, in ancient Egypt, flowers were used in funeral rituals. They were also used to decorate temples and palaces. The lotus flower was a sacred symbol in Egypt, and it was often depicted in art and literature.
What is the history of the language of flowers? ›
The language of flowers originated in France and the first popular book on the subject was published in 1819: Le langage des fleurs by Charlotte de la Tour. The author offered around 300 meanings for particular flowers to be used in making bouquets.
What do flowers symbolize in the Victorian era? ›
Messages conveyed with flowers
Periwinkle and acacia were given to symbolise blossoming friendships. Forget-me-nots were sent to a loved one who was moving away, along with goldenrod for encouragement. Daffodils were given for regard and lavender for devotion and virtue.
What are the significance of each flower? ›
Flower Symbolism Chart
| Meanings of Herbs, Flowers, and Other Plants |
|---|
| Abatina | Fickleness |
|---|
| Iris | Faith, trust, Wisdom, Hope, Valor |
| Ivy | Affection, Friendship, Fidelity |
| Jasmine, white | Sweet love, Amiability |
129 more rowsJun 6, 2024
They serve as powerful symbols of love, faith, hope, purity, and growth, among other significant themes.
What civilization started using flowers? ›
The earliest known flower arranging dates back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians were decorating with flowers as early as 2,500 BCE. They regularly placed cut flowers in vases, and highly stylized arrangements were used during burials, for processions, and simply as table decorations.
Why do flowers have different meanings? ›
In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules – it's the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning.
What do hydrangeas symbolize? ›
What do hydrangeas symbolise? In brief: The meaning of hydrangeas varies culturally. In Japan, they signify heartfelt emotion and apology, while in Europe, they symbolise arrogance and vanity, with a historical belief linking them to singlehood. The meaning of hydrangeas will depend on who you ask.
What do the flowers mean in Shakespeare? ›
Fennel represents marital infidelity and columbine flattery or insincerity. Rue, also known as herb of grace, is very bitter and stands for regret, repentance and sorrow. Daisies are a symbol of innocence and the violets, now withered, mean faithfulness.
Burgundy (black) dahlia's are flowers that have the most negative meaning out of all the colours, as they are said to symbolise betrayal – Or they're just the perfect choice for a goth friend.
What does the pink rose mean in Victorian times? ›
During the Victorian era, white roses gained immense popularity in weddings, signifying the purity and innocence of the bride. Queen Victoria herself carried a bouquet of white roses on her wedding day in 1840, sparking a trend that continues to this day. Pink roses exude grace, elegance, and appreciation.
What do flowers mean in Greek culture? ›
Flowers in Greek mythology have various symbols behind their existence. It's no surprise that so many myths had thrived around them. From love and passion to purity, flowers have been used to symbolize something in many tales. As time goes by, these myths are still alive in modern flowers.
What do flowers represent in Chinese culture? ›
Pink and red flowers represent celebration, good luck, and happiness. Yellow flowers symbolize prosperity, abundance, wealth, and good fortune, and yellow roses celebrate victory. Blue flowers mean uniqueness and honesty, while purple is associated with elegance, unity, optimism, and spiritual awakening.
What are the cultural values of flowers? ›
In Hinduism, flowers symbolize purity and beauty and are believed to bring divine blessings and good fortune. Marigolds are often used in religious rituals and festivals, symbolizing purity and devotion.
What do flowers mean in Indian culture? ›
Flowers have always held a special place in Indian culture, serving as a symbol of beauty, purity, and spirituality.
