|
To all of us, flowers have sentimental meanings. They might remind us of our first long walk with our lover through a field of daisies, or the purple violets we see remind us of childhood afternoons spent on Grandma's porch. Flowers definitely bring about some sort of emotional response. But what about the real meaning behind the flowers?
For centuries people have communicated with flowers. They were often able to say things that the giver of them couldn't. Herbal and floral meanings can be traced back to early Egyptian, Chinese and Greek cultures, but John Parkinson, a French gardener and physician, is credited with giving meaning to flower bouquets in the early 1600's. The popularity of "flower language" took off from there and in the Victorian era floral dictionaries could be found in most homes.
Most of us know that red roses symbolize true love, but did you know that a rhododendrun meant danger? A list of flowers and herbs and their meanings looks something like this:
Angelica - Inspiration
Apple Blossom - Preference
Azalea - Temperance
Bachelor Button - celibacy
Bay - Glory
Basil - Hatred
Calendula - Joy
Caraway - Faithfulness
Pink Carnation- A woman's love Yellow Carnation - Rejection
Chamomile - Humility
Chervil - Sincerity
Cloves - Dignity
Daffodil - Regards
Daisy - Innocence
Fennel - Strength
Forget-me-not - Remembrance
Goldenrod - Encouragement
Honeysuckle-Generous affection
Hibiscus - Delicate beauty
Hyssop - Cleanliness
Iris - Message,
Ivy - Fidelity
Jasmine - Amiability
Lady's Mantle - Comfort
Lamb's Ears - Surprise
Lavender - Devotion
Lily - Purity, Peace
Lemon Balm - Sympathy
Lemon Verbena - Enchantment
Marigold - Grief
Marjoram - Happiness
Morning Glory - Affectation
Mints - Wisdom and Virtue
Myrtle - Marriage
Narcissus - Egotism
Nightshade - Secrets
Oleander - Beware
Pansy - Thoughtfulness
Parsley - Festivity
Primrose - Consistency
Quince - Temptation
Rhododendrun - Danger
Rose - Love
Sage - Domestic Virtue, Good Health
Sweet Cicely - Gladness
Sweet William - Gallantry
Tulip - Fame
Violet - Faithfulness
Water Lily - Purity
Wisteria - Extreme Devotion
Zinnia - Thoughts of absent loved ones
Obviously with all the flowers in the world this list is only a sampling. The next time you get, or give, flowers, take time to look at the thought behind them.
| 
