The Language of Flowers Scent and Symbolism
Certainly no one will dispute that when we think of a wedding, we think of flowers. Their
scent and their color are an almost irreplaceable element of your wedding decor. Whether you
select simple arrangements and floral touches, or you go all out, flowers will lend an air to your
wedding that no other decoration can quite match.
Many brides and grooms select their flowers based purely on color. Some also consider the type
of flowers to set a mood.
Roses create a far different feeling that wildflower combinations. Some make selections
on the bride's favorite flower or because of budget constraints. There is no right or wrong when it
comes to flowers, so long as the rules of good taste and common sense are followed. There may
also be a bride and groom who take another point into consideration when making their floral
selections. That is what has come to be the meaning of individual flowers, the language of
flowers which has come down to us through history.
The symbolic and legendary meanings of flowers dates back to the Elizabethan era, but it
was the Victorians who actually assigned simple messages to individual flowers. Flower
Language was Introduced to the Swedish court in 1714 by Charles II, and the Victorian mode of
flower language spread quickly throughout Europe.
This was a period where expressions of feeling were restricted by etiquette and
conformity, so men and women came to use the beauty and color of flowers to express emotions
which they could not express in other ways.
Flowers became a vehicle for the expression of wishes and thoughts. Flower selection
became a carefully thought about and planned activity, so that the appropriate sentiment, though
or wish could be conveyed without being spoken.
To enhance this Flower Language, presentation also became important and the clever
gift-giver could add even more meaning in this way. An upside-down bouquets, for example.
could be used to express the opposite meaning of the flowers. To receive an inverted rose was
easily understood to mean rejection.
Flower Language became so much a part of the social culture of the times that durch die
Blume sprechen (speaking through flowers) actually became a Western proverb that meant any
flowery or poetic expression hiding a secret message of love.
Should you be one of those for whom the Language of Flowers still holds meaning, then the list
below will help you to determine the message that your wedding flowers will convey to those "in
the know."
You may even choose to explain the meaning to your guests by way of a card placed at
each table.
Apple Blossom signifies better things to come.
Aster is Latin for "star," and refers to the flower's star-like shape.
Bird of Paradise Botanists are divided on how this flamboyant flower got its name. Some claim
that the flower's brilliant orange and blue blossom, resembling a bird in flight, is named after the
bird of paradise itself — one of the most beautiful bird species in the world.
Calendula The calendula's genus name, wor calendae, means "throughout the months." " In the
language of flowers, the calendula flower symbolizes "winning grace."
Camelia symbolizes gratitude.
Carnation Originally called dianthus by the Greek botanist Theopharastus, the carnation is native
to the Near East and has been cultivated for the last 2,000 years. Some historians believe that the
name "carnation" comes from "coronation" or "corone" (meaning flower garlands), because it
was one of the flowers used in Greek ceremonial crowns.
Chrysanthemum in red, says "I love you" and in white, symbolizes truth.
Cyclamen symbolizes modesty and shyness.
Daisy The daisy's name comes from the Anglo-Saxon "daes eage," or "day's eye," which refers
to the way the flower opens and closes with the sun. The daisy is knows as a symbol of childhood
innocence.
Daffodil symbolizes regard.
Forget-me-not symbolizes true love and remembrance.
Heliotrope symbolizes devotion and faithfulness.
Honeysuckle symbolizes generosity.
Hyacinth symbolizes loveliness.
Hydrangea symbolizes boastfulness.
Iris symbolizes warm affection.
Ivy symbolizes eternal fidelity.
Japonica symbolizes loveliness.
Jasmine symbolizes amiability.
Lemon Blossom symbolizes fidelity in love.
Lilac (White) symbolizes youthful innocence.
Lily symbolizes majesty
Lily of the Valley
The Lily of the Valley foretells the return of happiness.
Magnolia symbolizes perservance.
Maidenhair symbolizes discretion.
Mimosa symbolizes sensitivity.
Orange Blossom symbolizes purity and virginity.
Orchid
The orchid's name derives from the Greek word "orchis," meaning "testicle." Its history is
associated with lust, greed, and wealth. Some orchids are called "ladies' fingers," "ladies' tresses,"
or "long purples.".
Peach Blossom symbolizes a captive heart.
Red Rose symbolizes love.
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Yellow Rose symbolizes friendship.
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Coral Rose symbolizes desire.
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Peach Rose symbolizes modesty.
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Dark Pink Rose symbolizes thankfulness.
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Pale Pink Rose symbolizes grace.
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Orange Rose symbolizes fascination.
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White Rose symbolizes innocence.
Rosemary symbolizes remembrance.
Snowdrop symbolizes hope.
Sweet Pea symbolizes delicate pleasures.
Tulip status symbol for the rich.
The tulip originated as a wildflower in Persia. In the 1500s, tulips were extensively cultivated in
Turkey. Based on their resemblance to the "tulbend," a turban worn by Turkish men, they were
called tulipan. In 1562, tulip bulbs from Constantinople reached Antwerp by ship. Before the turn
of the century, tulips had been so rare that only the wealthiest that in Holland could afford them.
It was for this reason that tulips became an obvious status symbol for the rich.
Color messages abound with tulips which primarily express a declaration of love in a gift from
a lover. Variegated tulips are for "beautiful eyes." Red tulips indicate an irresistible love, and
yellow tulips indicate hopeless love that has no chance of reconciliation. Tulips that are combined
in color express other messages, Red and yellow roses together are an expression of
congratulations, while yellow and orange roses together imply passionate thoughts. Red and
white roses signify unity.
Veronica symbolizes fidelity.
Violet symbolizes faithfulness
Should you choose to add a message to your weddings, you now know the Language of
Flowers and may convey their sentiment and symbolism to others.
FLOWERS HOT TIPS
Queen Victoria started the romantic gesture of including ivy in the bridal bouquet. After the
wedding the ivy can be rooted and then planted as a living reminder of your special day. Perhaps,
it might become part of your own daughter's bouquet on her wedding day.