Believe it or not, flowers have a language all their own and it is called floriography. It all began in Turkey in the 1600s. By the time the English and the French began traveling to Turkey in the 1800s, the Turks had a well established language based on the different flower meanings. In the early 1900s Lord Montague was the British Ambassador to Constantinople, now called Istanbul. His wife Lady Mary Montague first became acquainted with how flower meanings were used while visiting the Sultan's court. So taken with the language of flowers was Lady Montague that she introduced the concept to Victorian England where it was wholeheartedly embraced and integrated into Victorian culture. The sexually repressed Victorians finally had a safe outlet for expressing their love for each other and floral arrangements became the vehicles for transmitting those secret messages.
The meanings of different flowers can be so precise that in ancient times they were successfully used to transmit secret military messages. However the meanings of flowers can vary greatly and in fact there are now many books on floriography which at times contradict each other. Colour can also change the meaning of a flower as well as its placement in an arrangement. Let’s have a look at some of the popular flowers and their meanings. Perhaps that will inspire you to create a bridal bouquet that has a secret meaning.
The meanings of roses:
- Red - the traditional symbol for love and romance
- Pink - symbolic of grace and elegance, they express admiration, appreciation, and joy
- Yellow – symbolic of warmth, happiness, and true friendship
- White – symbolic of innocence and purity and are traditionally associated with marriages and new beginnings
- Orange – symbolic of desire, passion, and excitement
- Lavender – symbolic of enchantment and love at first sight
- Stephanotis – Marital Happiness
- Tulips – Perfect lover
- Violet – Modesty and affection
- Sweetpea – Blissful pleasure
- Orchid – Love and the Chinese symbol for many children
- Iris – Promise in love
- Chrysanthemum – Abundance and wealth
- Carnation – Devoted love
- Calla Lily – Magnificent beauty
- Aster – Symbol of love
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