It’s always a pleasure to receive a bouquet of flowers, brimming with beauty they bring joy to our everyday lives. But flowers are more than just pretty to look at, they also bring us messages, each one with its own special meaning.
Flowers have been used as a way to communicate since the time of the ancient Persians, however, it was the Victorians who really put the language of flowers, known as floriography, into the spotlight. In the Victorian era floriography was so popular, that most households had a dictionary of flower meanings and learning the message of each flower was a favored leisure activity.
There were strict protocols for social etiquette in Victorian society, people were expected to behave in a “proper” manner. It was frowned upon to show emotion or express feelings to another person in public. As a result, Victorians found other ways to communicate their sentiments. One of those was through flowers. A single flower held meaning, while in a bouquet, each flower adds its own message.
Today, flowers continue to send their message of love and beauty, and if you’re considering a gift for yourself, or Mother’s Day, or other occasion gift, it’s fun to know the secret meaning of your chosen flower, a private message between you and the recipient.
Calla Lily
A white calla lily is symbolic of magnificent beauty, marriage and commitment, while yellow may mean either jealousy, lust or gratitude. The ancient Greeks connected calla lilies to the Goddess Hera, wife of Zeus. According to Greek mythology, Zeus brought his son Hercules to Hera so she could feed him. When she noticed the baby was not hers, she pushed him away and the drops of milk that spilled into the sky became the milky way, while those that fell to the ground became calla lilies.
Daisy
The simple daisy sends a message of rebirth, new beginnings and hope. Daisy comes from the old English phrase daeges eage, which means day’s eye, as these flowers open in the day and close at night. The flower also represents childbirth and motherhood. It’s no surprise that daisies are associated with the Norse Goddess Freya who watches over fertility, love and beauty. Daisy is the flower associated with April.
Orchid
Orchids are filled with meaning for almost everything from love, romance, sex and fertility to wealth, luxury, elegance and sophistication. Orchids were considered an aphrodisiac and were used in potions and perfumes in Ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, orchids were created by Eros, the God of Love as a symbol of his power and seductiveness. The Aztecs considered orchids to be messengers between the spirit world and humans.
Pansy
Pansy comes from the French word pensée, which means to think and the flower is said to encourage deep thought and contemplation. Pansies are associated with love, both platonic and romantic. The ancient Romans associated pansies with Cupid, the God of love because the markings on a pansy resemble his arrows. They are also thought to ward off evil spells and nightmares.
Rose
Perhaps the most beloved of all flowers, roses are synonymous with romance, love, passion and desire. The flower also represents the pursuit of beauty and aesthetic appreciation in all areas of life. The ancient Egyptians used roses as offerings to the Gods and they associated roses with the Goddess Isis. The Greeks and Romans also linked roses with their Goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus respectively. Rose is associated with the month of June.
The color of a flower adds another layer to its meaning. Color will generally have the same symbolism from one species of flower to another. White means purity, innocence and spirituality. Pink stands for romance, love or affection, admiration, grace or recognition. A yellow flower means friendship, joy and cheeriness. Red is passion, deep love and commitment.
Now that you know a little bit about the language of flowers, you can send an extra message of love and affection in precious gemstones that will bloom forever as a lasting token of your regard.
Top of page: Antique diamond, pearl, enamel and 18-karat gold flower brooch.
Pair of diamond, sapphire, ruby and 18-karat gold and platinum flower brooches; Yellow 18-karat gold calla lily brooch, signed Tiffany & Co., circa 1950s; Victorian diamond and silver topped gold movable daisy brooch; Art Nouveau diamond, enamel and 18-karat gold orchid brooch, French; Diamond, carved opal and 18-karat gold pansy brooch, circa 1960s; Diamond, yellow and white 18-karat gold, rose brooch.
Authored by Amber Michelle