The Meaning of Flowers
You may think you are holding a bouquet of beautifully co-ordinated colours, but to your ancestors you are clutching a collection of carefully coded messages...
Flowers have had secret meanings ever since Greek mythology. The Ancient Greeks first developed 'The Language of Flowers'. It caught the attention of the Victorians in 1820, when the Language of Flowers was published and learnt, allowing lovers to communicate by exchanging flowers. Each flower also possessed a different meaning when placed at different parts of the body such as in the hair, cleavage or over the heart.
It is also traditional to tie love knots in the ribbons of the bride’s bouquet, which not only represent the new union and best wishes, but are also thought to bring good fortune. A bridesmaid upon catching the bride's bouquet can increase her chances of being the next bride by making a wish as she unties one of the ribbons in the bouquet.
- Apple Blossom - Better things to come
- Camelia - Graditude
- Carnation - Fascination and love
- Chrysanthemum - Red - I love you
- Chrysanthemum - White - Truth
- Cyclamen - Modesty and shyness
- Daffodil - Regard
- Dahlia – forever thine
- Daisy - Innocence
- Fern - Fascination and sincerity
- Flowering Almond - Hope
- Forget-me-not - True love and remembrance
- Heliotrope - Devotion and faithfulness
- Holly – domestic happiness
- Honeysuckle - Generosity
- Hyacinth - Loveliness
- Hydrangea - Boastfulness
- Iris - Warmth of affection
- Ivy - Eternal fidelity
- Japonica - Loveliness
- Jasmine - Amiability
- Lavender – love and devotion
- Lemon Blossom - Fidelity in love
- Lilac (white) - Youthful innocence
- Lily - Majesty
- Lily-of-the-valley - Return of happiness
- Magnolia - Perseverance
- Maidenhair - Discretion
- Mimosa - Sensitivity
- Orange Blossom - Purity and virginity
- Pansy – you occupy my thoughts
- Peach Blossom - Captive
- Rose (red) - Love
- Rose (yellow) - Friendship
- Rose (coral) - Desire
- Rose (peach) - Modesty
- Rose (dark pink) - Thankfulness
- Rose (pale pink) - Grace
- Rose (orange) - Fascination
- Rose (white) - Innocence
- Rosemary - Remembrance
- Snowdrop - Hope
- Sweet Pea - Delicate pleasures
- Tulip - Love
- Veronica - Fidelity
- Violet - Faithfulness
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