The Victorian Language of Flowers

By Teresa Geering

I wonder why it is we usually give flowers for birthdays, anniversaries and of course Valentines Day, but rarely on other occasions. Friends frequently drop by with a small posy of spring or summer flowers from their gardens. The exquisite perfume of some, I feel, enlightens the soul. In this day of modern technology it takes a moment to contact retailers from your arm chair or computer and arrange to have anything delivered.

I love receiving a flower from someone with a little card saying "I was thinking of you and thought I would send you this flower." How lovely is that? Am I a romantic and sentimentalist? Well I am a Pisces of course.

For centuries flowers have been used to denote declarations of love and in some cases indifference especially during Victorian times and on a whim I decided to do some research into it. I discovered some wonderful Victorian ideas of little posies and home made cards and then I got to the meaning of flowers. So I decided to put this list together for amusement.

Apple Blossom: I think you are beautiful

Bellflower: Meet me in the morning

Chrysanthemum: (Red) I love you too

Daffodil: I don't return your affection

Evening Primrose: I adore you

Feverfew: I will take care of you

Gardenia: Are you pure and untouched

Honeysuckle: I want to marry you

Iris: I love you deeply

Jasmine: I find you extremely elegant

Lavender: I like you but can never love you

Mistletoe: An abundance of kisses

Narcissus: You are too fond of yourself

Pansy: I remember you with fondness

Rose: (Red) I love you with all my heart

Snowdrop: Can we give it another go

Trumpet flower: I want you passionately

Wallflower: I will always be true to you

Generally these seem to be the most popular meanings from the Victorian era. So when you next decide to act on impulse and send someone flowers, it may be wise to bear the language of the flowers in mind.

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ฉTkg/ 03/08

http://www.teresageering.co.uk/ - My website

http://tgeering.blogspot.com/ - My Blog entitled 'Shasta's on the Move'