Perhaps because today we are hyperconnected, it is very difficult for us to imagine that communication was very different not more than twenty years ago. Try to think what it was like in the 19th century, without smartphones, social networks or the Internet.
The Victorian era was a time when society had very rigid rules. Many topics like love, for example, were taboo. This is how European merchants discovered the ancient art of communicating through flowers from Asia and introduced it to their society.
The language of flowers or floriography served more than anything to send coded messages between lovers without having to do it out loud and in view of society. It became so popular that it was used and promoted by European kings.
Today, one of the only vestiges that has persisted through time is the meaning of red roses, which, as many know, are related to love and passion.
meaning of flowers
Floriography depended not only on the literal meaning of each flower but also on the context in which they were shipped. For example, if a bouquet of yellow roses was sent between lovers it could mean jealousy or infidelity. On the contrary, if this same bouquet was sent between teenagers, it could mean friendship.
In the 19th century there were flower dictionaries to be able to identify the meaning of each flower or plant and thus learn about this hybrid between art and science. Today it can be used to make beautiful gifts with a deep meaning, since flowers are still beautiful gifts.
Know the secrets of floriography
Before you begin, there are a few things to keep in mind. Each flower and plant has a specific meaning that, in addition to the context, can vary depending on the position of the flower and also the hand in which it is delivered.
If the flower is delivered upside down, its meaning will be the opposite of its real meaning. If it is delivered in the right hand, it will mean “yes” in answer to a question, and if it is delivered in the left, it will mean “no”.
Now we go with the meanings of some of the most popular flowers so that you can begin to venture into this beautiful art:
A
Acacia: constancy, elegance.
Basil: abhorrence.
Yellow wallflower: fidelity in adversity.
Almond tree: indiscretion, hope, awakening.
Poppy: fertility, resurrection, eternal sleep.
Saffron: knowledge of excess, light, greatness, wisdom.
Orange blossom: purity, innocence, eternal love.
White Azalea: consolation, romance.
Pink azalea: temperance, love of nature.
Azucena: innocent heart, purity, virginity.
B.
Burdock: boredom.
Begonia: cordiality, shyness, innocence, loyalty in love. dark thoughts.
C
Calla: beauty, sophistication, pride.
Calendula: passion, creativity, cruelty, grief, jealousy, happiness.
Camelia: whoever gives it says “I will always love you”.
Cherry tree: little lover, how fleeting life is.
Yellow carnation: disdain.
White carnation: innocence, pure love, talent.
Wild carnation: woman’s love.
Chrysanthemum: eternity.
D
Dahlia: instability.
Dandelion: fidelity, joy.
AND
Spinach: vitality.
F
Plum blossom – keep your promise.
Fleur de lis: flame, burning passion.
Lotus flower: mystery, truth, spiritual purity. Oblivion, distant love.
Apple blossom: preference.
Freesia: welcome, protection, tranquility.
Fuchsia: taste, kindness.
G
Gardenia: secret love.
Yellow sunflower: you are my sunshine. I only have Eyes For You. Devotion. Glory.
Sunflower: adoration.
Wisteria – I cling to you, poetry, youth.
H
Heliotrope: devotion, desire for friendship, eternal love.
Hibiscus: delicate beauty.
Ivy: marriage fidelity.
Fennel: strength.
Hydrangea: capriciousness, coldness, indifference, vanity.
Yo
Iris: faith, wisdom, courage, friendship.
J
Hyacinth: delicacy, humility.
White Jasmine: kindness, attachment, friendship, delicate beauty, grace.
L
Laurel flower: glory, ambition.
Lavender: constancy, purity, silence.
Lilac: humility.
Water lily: persuasion, eloquence. purity of heart
Lily: Greetings.
Yellow Lilies – Loving you makes me happy.
M
Honeysuckle: friendship.
Magnolia – love of nature, sympathy, nobility, perseverance and dignity.
White and pink daisy – I only have eyes for you.
White daisy: it is used to seduce the loved one.
Margarita: symbolizes innocence, purity and virginity.
Quince: temptation.
Mint: virtue.
Mistletoe: I overcome my difficulties.
N
Narcissus: selfishness, introversion, vanity, lies, formality.
Water lily: purity of heart.
Forget-me-not: forget me not. True love, friendship, fidelity. Memory.
EITHER
Olive: peace.
Orchid: beauty, lust, perfection, spiritual purity, exquisiteness, magnificence.
Nettle: you are cruel.
P
Peony – you relieve me, life, happy marriage.
Petunia: resentment.
Spring, Cowslip: grace, balance, objectivity, young love, youthful beauty.
Pulsatilla: you can not pretend anything.
R
Romero: memory, persistence, loyalty.
Yellow rose – weakening of love, jealousy, distrust, friendship, sweetness, affection.
White and red rose: mixed feelings.
White rose: I am worthy of you, love of God, purity, peace.
Red rose: beauty, intense love, passion, admiration.
Thornless rose: fearless.
yes
Salvia: domestic virtue, I think of you.
Weeping willow: affliction.
Elder: fervour.
T
Thyme: constancy.
Clover: revenge.
Yellow tulip: love without hope.
White tulip: my love for you is extreme
Red tulip: symbolizes eternal, perfect love. Love declaration.
v
vervain: charm
Violet: symbolizes simplicity and modesty. Sympathy.
Valerian Violets: ease of adaptation.
Z
Yellow Zinnia: I remember.
White Zinnia: goodness.
Red Zinnia: constancy.
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Garden Portal