The flower language
The language is flowers bloomed during the Victorian era when elaborately chosen tussie-mussies became a delicate way for lovers and close friends to communicate their feelings for each other. The tussie-mussy, also known as nosegay or posey, is a small bouquet that was originally carried in the hand or pinned on ones dress to make it possible for the wearer to burry her nose in the floral scent; thereby escaping from the unpleasant odours of the environment. During the reign of British Queen Victoria, the tussie-mussy became a popular fashion accessory and was often received as a gift from known or secret admirers.
During this era a lot of flower language dictonaries was published with somewhat different meanings for different flowers when it came to the flower meaning so there was a clear risk of confusion. The knowledge of the flower language is less wide spread today and if you want to send a message with flowers it can be a good idea to send a flower dictionary or a written explanation with the bouquet to make sure that there are no misunderstandings. You don’t want your beloved to interpret a flower as “I’m sorry but I love another” when you are actually trying to say “My love for you is undying”.
The meaning of roses is arguably the part of the old flower language that has best survived into the 21st century and few people of today would puzzle over the meaning of a dozen red roses. Red roses imply passionate love and are typically only given to a romantic partner, such as a wife or boyfriend. Yellow roses normally denote friendship and devotion, but there are flower dictionaries that regard yellow roses as a symbol of jealousy and falsehood so be careful.
Some parts of the Victorian flower language were invented during that very epoch while other parts can trace their roots back to ancient civilizations or medieval traditions. The flower Iris is namned after the the messenger in greek mythology and the meaning of the iris flower was therefore that someone was sending a message that should be trusted.
Seven ways to say I love you
Ambrosia – Love returned
Veronica – Fidelity
Rose (red) – Love ; I love you
Zinnia (magenta) – Lasting affection
Tulip (red) – Believe me; belive my declaration of love
Primrose – I can’t live without you
Wallflower – Fidelity in adversity
Seven flowers asking the recipient for forgiveness
Peach blossom – I am your captive
Persicaria – Restoration
Hyacinth (purple) – I’m sorry; please forgive me; sorrow
Helenium Tears
Lily of the valley – Return to happiness; humility
Hazel Reconciliation
Fern Sincerity
Seven flowers to cheer someone up
Violet (white) – Let’s take a chance on happiness
Yarrow – Health; healing
Xeranthemum – Cheerfulness under adversity
Sweet Basil – Good luck
Camomile – Energy in adversity
Allspice – Compassion
Bells Of Ireland – Good luck
