The Language of Flowers

 

Did you know that herbs and flowers speak their own language?

Herbs and flowers were once utilized as a form of communication, a practice which originated in Persia but also flourished with the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. It was the Victorians who brought the practice to a high art. Many books were published during this period describing the hidden meaning of just about every herb and flower imaginable. The use of flowers as a subtle means of communication became very popular with this reserved society which found it difficult to express thoughts and feelings directly.

For example, friends parted by difficult circumstances could send or receive a small bouquet called a tussie-mussie which might include herbs and flowers like zinnia (missing you), peppermint (warm feelings), chamomile (energy in adversity), and clover (for luck).

In another instance, a gentleman could express his thoughts toward a lady by sending her the message, “you are radiant with charms” (ranunculus), “I declare my love for you” (red tulip), “my intention is marriage” (myrtle). She could either decline his sentiments or perhaps respond, “my happiness has returned” (lily of the valley), “I am in agreement with your intentions” (phlox), but “I am a little shy” (peony). The gentleman would then know how to proceed. Thus, flowers were able to convey a symbolic message in a sweet and subtle way.

As in courtship, the Victorians used flowers and herbs extensively in their wedding celebrations. This art is easily incorporated into modern wedding festivities. Floral arrangements, bouquets, corsages, and table decorations can all be augmented with herbs. It is especially nice to receive a bouquet with symbolic meaning. Anyone you wish to honor might be the recipient of a fragrant expression of your thanks or good wishes.

Wedding herbs and their meanings is a fascinating topic. In the Language of Flowers, different interpretations were sometimes given to the same herb or flower. Included here are only those meanings which might pertain to weddings.

agapanthus—love letters

allium—unity, patience, luck

alstroemeria—friendship, pleasantries

alyssum—worth beyond beauty

amaranthus—immortality

amaryllis—splendid beauty

ambrosia—love returned

anemone—sincerity, expectation

angelica—inspiration, protection

apple blossom—preference

aster—daintiness, patience

baby’s breath—commitment, festivity, pure heart

bachelor’s button—single blessedness

basil—best wishes, love token

bay laurel—success, achievement

bellflower—gratitude, constancy

borage—courage

bouvardia—enthusiasm, long life

For a fall bridal bouquet, roses and blanket flowers combine well with a dozen different herbs, including sage, lamb’s ears, tarragon, feverfew, oregano, and pineapple mint.

 

boxwood—endurance, faithfulness

burnet—for a merry heart

buttercups—cheerfulness

calendula—joy, good health, affection

calla lily—magnificent beauty

camellia—contentment, beauty

canterbury bell—acknowledgment

caraway—faithfulness

carnation—bonds of affection, admiration

cedar—strength

chamomile—patience, energy in adversity

chervil—sincerity

chrysanthemum—cheerfulness, serenity, mirth

clover (four leaf)—good luck

coral bells—dainty pleasures

crocus—youthful gladness

 

Here is a charming bouquet composed of sweet rocket, silver thyme, rosemary, lily of the valley, sweet woodruff, sweet violets, lavender, and mint.

crocus— youthful gladness

daffodil—regard, respect, gracefulness

daisy—innocence, simplicity, affection

delphinium—well-being, sweetness, beauty

dianthus—bonds of affection

dill—irresistible, soothing

dogwood—love undiminished by adversity

fennel—worthy of all praise

fern—fascination, sincerity

feverfew—warmth, protection

fir—uplifting

forget-me-not—don’t forget me, true love

freesia—allure

gardenia—joy, secret love, ecstasy

gladiolus—generosity

globe amaranth—unfading love

goldenrod—encouragement, good fortune

heather—wishes come true, good luck

heliotrope—devotion, faithfulness

holly—foresight, domestic happiness

hollyhock—fruitfulness

honeysuckle—generous and devoted affection

hops—mirth

hyacinth (white)—unobtrusive loveliness

hydrangea—devotion, remembrance

iris—message, promise

ivy—fidelity, marriage, friendship

jasmine—sweet love, grace

juniper—protection, welcome to new home

lady’s mantle—comfort

lamb’s ears—gentleness, support

larkspur—lightness

lavender—luck, devotion, happiness

lemon balm comfort—sympathy

lemon verbena—the herb of Venus, enchantment

lilac— humility, beauty, modesty

lilac—purple first emotions of love

lilac—white youthful innocence

lily—white purity, sweetness

lily of the valley—return of happiness

lovage—hidden virtues

love-in-a-mist—twice kissed

marjoram joy—happiness, kindness, blushes

mignonette—quiet sweetness

mimosa—secret love

mint—warmth of feeling, virtue

monarda—compassion

myrtle—true love, marriage, fidelity

orange blossoms—a fruitful marriage, youth, purity

orchid—ecstasy

pansy—loving thoughts, memories, yearning

parsley—festivity, thanks, gratitude, feasting

peony—shy, bashful, beauty

phlox—proposal of love, our souls are united

pine—loyalty, spiritual energy, endurance

pinks—always lovely, newlyweds, affection

Queen Anne’s lace—haven, protection

ranunculus—you are radiant with charms

rose—beauty, love, congratulations, unity

roses, peach—desire

rose, pink—secret love

rose, red—passion, desire, joy, love, luck

rose, white—innocence

rose, yellow—friendship

rosemary—remembrance, devotion, fidelity

rue—virtue, vision, grace, beginning anew

sage—long life, domestic tranquillity

salvia, blue—I think of you, wisdom

scented geranium—comfort, happiness

star-of-Bethlehem—guidance, purity

statice—forever yours, gratitude

stephanotis—marriage

stock—lasting beauty

sunflower—loyalty, adoration

sweet basil—good wishes

sweet cicely—gladness

sweet pea—delicate pleasures, blissful

tarragon—lasting involvement

thyme—courage, activity

tulip—the perfect lover, happy years

tulip, red—declaration of love

valerian—accommodating disposition

verbena—marriage, fertility

veronica—fidelity

viburnum—good news, jubilation

violet—I return your love, modesty, simplicity

wheat—riches, prosperity, fertility

woodruff—humility, rejoicing

yarrow—everlasting love

zinnia—thoughts of absent friends