What is floriography?
Floriography is simply a fancy name for the language of flowers. Within the art of floriography, every flower carries its own special meaning or symbolism, and this can also be influenced by its variety and colour. Some flowers even take on a new meaning depending on the number that is gifted. For example, a single daffodil is a no-no and is said to bring bad luck, while a bunch of them can be given for good luck!
Once you understand the meaning of flowers, you can start experimenting with your bouquets and arrangements to let your loved one know exactly how you feel about them.
A quick history of floriography
Don't worry! There won't be a test. But to get a better idea of where these flower meanings come from it helps to brush up on your history.
The language of flowers is most commonly linked with the Victorian era. It was during the reign of Queen Victoria that flowers were used to communicate feelings that the strict etiquette of the era would not allow to be openly expressed. Some cheeky flirting was going on, basically!
Flowers were sent in the form of small bouquets, known as tussie-mussies or nosegays. They usually featured fragrant herbs and a single, meaningful flower wrapped in a lace doily.
Suitors presented tussie-mussies to someone who took their fancy and watched to see if they were accepted.
So, how did you know if a potential lover accepted your advances? It's not as simple as swiping right on Tinder, we're afraid.
- If the bouquet was held at heart level – They liked what they saw.
- If the bouquet was held downwards – Not this time, pal. Sorry.
- To answer 'yes' to a question – The bouquet was given in the right hand.
- To answer 'no' to a question – The bouquet was given in the left hand.
Phew! Victorian dating sounds complicated but just shows that flowers have been used to send messages for centuries.
We've rounded up some of the most popular flowers and their meanings to help you choose the perfect bouquet for a loved one or to convey a certain meaning.
Peonies
Peonies are a popular choice for summer weddings and floral arrangements when you just want to let someone know you care. In the language of flowers, peonies are said to represent a happy marriage so are the perfect blooms for a decadent bouquet to walk down the aisle with!
Carnations
A staple in many floral arrangements, carnations also have an important job to play when you want to send that message of love. Each colour of carnation means something a little different, so choose wisely! We've featured their meanings below.
- Light Red – admiration
- Dark Red – deep love and affection
- White – pure love and good luck
- Pink – a mother's undying love
Alchemilla Mollis (Lady's Mantle)
These are given to show comforting love, at a time when you want to let someone know you are there for them. Alchemilla is a little wild in appearance and looks incredible alongside dark shades of red and deep pinks in a bouquet.
Daffodils (Narcissus)
As one of the first signs of spring it's no surprise that daffodils represent rebirth, new beginnings and good fortune. Plus their vibrant yellow colours make us think of sunny days and bring a smile to our faces amidst the chill of early spring. Make sure you give them as a bunch because a single daffodil represents bad luck.
Yellow tulips
We're seeing a theme with yellow flowers here and with the colour lending itself to the idea of happiness and optimism, it's no surprise. Yellow tulips were once said to mean hopeless love and jealousy but over time have come to mean cheerfulness and sunshine. They're the ideal flower for a spring bouquet!
Pink hyacinth
In the language of flowers, the pink blooms of the hyacinth are said to symbolise playfulness and positive things. The pretty clusters of pink flowers remind us of candy floss and carnivals and look stunning on a kitchen window or amongst a spring bouquet.
