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
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