Flowers are historically known to be symbolic. It is in their nature. Since ancient civilizations, flowers have been used in literature, music, and art to serve the purpose of providing a deeper meaning. While only a few flowers had dedicated symbolic meanings earlier in history, it was during the Victorian Era that plant symbolism exploded, and people began assigning flowers of all sorts their own symbolizations. Since then, flowers and their meanings have become engraved in society throughout the world. But, because there are so many species of flowers, there is always more to learn.
This is what you can learn from this article:
* The history of plant symbolism
* Flowers and their Meanings
* Different flowers and what they represent
The History of Plant Symbolism
Flowers and their meanings have played a large role in literature throughout history. The Ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Egyptians have used flowers as symbols in their literature, plays, and tales. This so-called language of flowers has developed over time and has led to the plant symbolism that we understand today.
After the use of plant symbolism in ancient civilizations, the idea of using flowers to send a message became even more popular after the release of a book called “Dictionnaire du language des fleurs” in 1809. This book, by Joseph Hammer-Purgstall, established what plant symbolism was and how flowers could be interpreted to mean different things. The book title translates to “Dictionary of the language of flowers.” So, it provided more knowledge on flowers and what they represent. After the release of this book, plant symbolism became much more popular.
Hammer-Purgstall’s book normalized and popularized the idea that every flower means something. During the Victorian Era, people began to learn more about plant symbolism. They used the Bible in addition to different guidebooks, such as Hammer-Purgstall’s, to understand more about what flowers symbolize.
It was during the Victorian Era, also, that people began to send flowers as a way of sending an unspoken message. These messages would most likely be rude or impolite to mention in-person. So, through sending flowers with different meanings, people were able to communicate about things that were socially unacceptable to talk about aloud.
Because flowers can only symbolize so much, the way that the flowers were sent also conveyed a meaning. For example, if the flowers were delivered upside down, then the sender was attempting to represent something untraditional. Additionally, the way that the ribbon was tied around the bouquet conveyed the person to which the flowers’ symbolism was being applied.
Over time, the symbolisms of flowers have changed. Some do not have the same meanings that they possessed in the Victorian Era. However, the tradition of plant symbolism remains today in society and in art.
Flowers and Their Meanings
Floriography is the language of flowers that has been used throughout history. Most popularly carried out in Victorian times, sending flowers to send a message was commonly done in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, it is common to send flowers that convey different sentiments. While it is not so common to create a whole message from a simple bouquet of flowers, floriography is still commonly utilized in the sending of flowers that have meanings of things like love, hope, and health.
There are many flowers that exist today, and that science is aware of. Because of this, there are so many different flower meanings to discover. If you are looking for a specific message to send, then you can surely find what you need. Overall, it is very common for flowers to have a meaning. Because of this, we can send messages without having to say or write a single word.
Different Flowers and What They Represent
Flowers vary in their symbolism. Some can have positive messages and others, although very few, can send messages of negativity. These symbolisms can depend on the color of the flower’s petals or by the flower’s overall shape. The symbol can also depend on the history of the flower and its origin story. If you want to learn more about specific flowers and their meanings, then the following is a list of flowers that can send different messages.
Aster- The aster and its brightly colored and wild petals are, in fact, a symbol of patience. In the past, they had represented love and daintiness. Today, they still represent love, but they also have a meaning of moderation and composure.
Bluebell- The beautifully colored bluebell is a representation of humility and constancy. It can also be used to convey gratitude.
Carnation- With their ruffled and delicate petals, carnations represent women and love. They can also bring good luck to the recipient.
Daisy- This flower is one of the most common flowers in the world. Its simple shape and simple colors match perfectly with its symbolization of innocence and hope.
Gladiolus- With their brightly colored petals and unique shape, the gladiolus flower offers messages of strength and remembrance.
Lavender- The lavender plant is coveted for its beautiful color and iconic fragrance. It carries a message of serenity, purity, and grace. In the past, it represented mistrust. Today, its meaning is quite the opposite.
Pink rose– This flower has many different meanings. Some of the more popular ones have to do with femininity, sweetness, and happiness.
Red rose– This classic flower demonstrates love for the receiver and has undertones of romance. This is one of the most popular flowers in the world.
Sunflower- One of the more happy and cheery flowers, the sunflower symbolizes longevity and adoration. It does not officially represent happiness, but based on its appearance, it can send messages of joy.
Yellow chrysanthemum- This brightly colored flower, although cheerful in its appearance, has a symbolism of unrequited love. Despite being such a radiant flower, it can also have a message of sorrow.
Yellow tulip– Yellow generally symbolizes happy things. So, yellow tulips mainly represent perfect love. The kind of love that makes you feel giddy and joyful inside.
