Meaning of Flowers

Communicating with flowers became the height of fashion under Queen Victoria, when certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. Nineteenth century publishers produced dozens of dictionaries explaining "floriography" as "The Language of Flowers".

Beautiful and poetical thoughts were conveyed by the presentation of a sprig of blossom, and whole messages were communicated by bouquets in which each flower chosen conveyed a significant idea. Lovers used the guidebooks to gather nosegays, bouquets and Tussie Mussies to give as gifts.

Not only love and happiness were the tenor of these floral missives; coquetry, dalliance, prevarication, indifference and coolness; rebuff, refusal, scorn, contempt and insults were all expressed by a suitably chosen flower. But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules - it's the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning. Many people assign their own personal meanings - a flower or color that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives.

For those interested in the historic meanings of flowers, here is a compiled list from a variety of different sources: