Floriography

Floriography or the language of flowers is something that I’ve always found interesting and I always try to include different flowers in my illustrations that represent the theme of my work.

It is an idea that grew in popularity during the Victorian era. The idea is that each flower has a different meaning and you could use flowers to send discreet messages to one another, especially if it was a love interest. 

Each flower has its own unique meaning, the Victorians evening created their own floral language. They would create, what was known as ‘talking bouquets’ to send to someone. The language of flowers can be seen even before the Victorian era, in the early 19th century flower dictionaries were being made by publishing houses, particularly In France. People would use these dictionaries to create their bouquets

Though it was made popular in the Victorian era, floriography can be dated back further. The wife of an English diplomat by the name of Lady Mary Wortley Montague, spent some time in Turkey during the 1760s. it was here that she noticed references to a secretive language using flowers.

Many cultures around the world have their versions of floriography and the meanings derive from the stories from those cultures. You can even find flower symbolism in literary works such as in Shakespeare’s work.

Meanings

Here are just a selection of flowers and their meanings

• Roses - Love & passion

• Daisy - New beginnings

• Tulip - Elegance

• Peony - Good fortune

• Daffodil - rebirth

• Lilac - First love

• Marigold - Creativity

• Poppy - Consolation

• Chrysanthemum - Friendship

• Forget-me-not - True Love

• Sweet Pea - Gratitude

• Lavender - Calmness

Tussie-Mussies

These were bouquets that were presented by suitors to someone they were interested in. How these bouquets were accepted would let the sender know how the person felt.

• Bouquet held at heart level meant they liked what they saw

• A bouquet held down meant they weren’t interested

• In answer to a question if the bouquet was given in the right hand it meant yes and if given in the left it meant no.