Unveiling the Hidden Symbolisms of Your Preferred Blossoms
Embrace the captivating tale of floriography, a time-honored tradition that transcended centuries, whispering secrets and feelings through the language of flowers. Two floriography experts, Morgan Westerberg-Jackson, founder of Blomstra Floral Co., and Jessica Roux, author of Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers, share their insights into this intriguing art form and the hidden messages hidden within our favorite blossoms.
The historical roots of floriography
While floriography might first come to mind as a Victorian era trend, you might be surprised to learn that its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and China. In the 1800s, the subtle exchange of blooms with coded meanings emerged as an increasingly popular mode of expression, serving as a means to communicate meaningfully when open displays of affection were considered taboo. In 1819, Charlotte de la Tour penned Le Langage des Fleurs, highlighting meanings derived from mythology, religion, and literature - which were adopted by florists, assigning suitably thematic meanings to their inventory.
In this era of deep-rooted romance, Victorians utilized floriography as a method of discreetly conveying love, grief, or affection whenever words failed - or societal norms discouraged their use. With phrases like "Netflix and chill" non-existent back then, the thoughtful exchange of pea blossoms and white roses became a tender nod to covert rendezvous, stating "I sincerely yearn for a tryst."
The timeless allure of beloved blooms
Today's flower aficionados, whether experts or laypeople, can't deny the pull of certain flowers and hues for specific celebrations or sentiments. According to Morgan Westerberg-Jackson, "every botanical element has a story to share," and each brandishes the capacity to impart meaning - whether directly through corresponding Victorian-era flower dictionaries, or through intuitive associations.
However, mixed symbolism can frequently arise with pre-designated meanings, making precise interpretation a challenge. In such situations, it's important to consider both the intention and context behind the gesture, allowing us to fully appreciate the intended sentiment.
The hidden messages behind beloved blossoms
Pink Roses: Healing and Restoration
Roses have evolved a strong hold on their symbolic meanings, including red for passion and love, white for innocent devotion, and yellow for friendship. Though pink tickles thoughts of budding romance, its true essence links to themes of healing and restoration.
As per Greek myth, Chloris, the goddess of flowers, revitalized a lifeless nymph by bestowing vitality from Apollo, Aphrodite, Dionysus, and the Graces - naming pink roses as strong proponents of healing and hope. Moreover, their historical applications in folk remedies extend to solutions for skin issues and nerve disorders, bolstering the motivation behind pink roses being seen as symbols of restoration and recovery.
Sunflowers: Luck and Fortune
Sunflowers possess a myriad of meanings, including their eternal connection to Helios, the sun god, and Clytie, his devoted nymph - who transformed into a heliotrope flower in her eternal devotion. However, the sunflower's primary association is bound to good fortune, as they lend vitality and cheer, and follow the rays of the sun, symbolizing a brilliant and long-lived approach to life.
Peonies: Bravery and Strength
The soft, plump peonies play a crucial role in traditional Japanese art, most famously in a fable in which a samurai appears to a princess as a peony to signify his love and commitment to her. Frequently associated with red, the peony stands as an emblem of bravery and honor, reflecting the unbreakable spirit of the samurai. Cherished for their fortitude and protective properties, they thrive as emblems of protection against evil, adverse weather, and malevolent fairies.
Orchids: Luxury and Extravagance
Orchids hold a grand, yet peculiar, significance in floriography attempts to weave meanings into their nuanced variety. The ever-popular phalaenopsis signify elegance, wealth, and opulence, remnants of the Victorian era, where they were an exclusive luxury available only to the wealthy, further adding to their glamorous mystique.
Lilies: Purity and Innocence
The dazzling white lilies are synonymous with purity, and in medieval times, gained religious connotation, representing the Virgin Mary, associated with her unprecedented purity. Other hues, such as orange and yellow, bring messages of passion and happiness.
Daisies: Optimism and Cheer
Yellow-and-white daisies symbolize optimism and wholesome joy, constantly evoking images of cheerful childhood, happily defying gravity with their sunny disposition. They provide lively encouragement for those dealing with adversity and serve as an uplifting reminder of hope and simplicity.
Lilacs: First Love and Dedication
The beautiful lilacs' associations relay the unparalleled story of Pan and Syringa, a shepherd enamored with a nymph so much so that he transformed her into a lilac as a symbol of his devotion. Their delicate blossoms dedicate themselves to the purity and steadfastness of initial love.
How flowers gain their meanings
The construction of floriography isn't the result of a systematic approach. Instead, many of its meanings derive from ancient legends, myths, and folklore, occasionally incorporating elements of its botanical roots. For example, Clytie's transformation into a heliotrope flower gave rise to the flower's meaning of loyalty, while the use of mistletoe emerged as a symbol of love and happiness in Norse mythology.
Contrary to popular belief, not all flowers convey only pleasant feelings. Death and mourning were integral aspects of Victorian life, as shown by the meaning attached to willows, family trees of grief that were present on Victorian Mourning Jewelry and at gravesites. Such duality reflects the remarkable adaptability of floriography and its capacity to represent a broad spectrum of human emotions through flowers.
The Search for Flower Meanings
As botanical advancements continue to grow, so do the number of flower species available. Modern floriographers consider the history, color, and connections to similar flowers to determine their meanings. This allows for fresh perspectives on the symbology of flowers, like the humble toffee roses, only introduced in 2018. Though there's no distinct ancient meaning for the hue, its connection to pink roses, color symbolism, and the bowl-shaped look of its petals enables a unique interpretation; often symbolizing stability and groundedness.
By delving into the fascinating history, legends, and cultural symbolism of flowers, we gain a broader understanding of this fascinating art-form and deepen our connection to these timeless gems.
Martha Stewart often includes beautiful Flower Arrangement Ideas in her Wedding Décor Details, showcasing the elegance of Wedding Flowers Bouquets. Jessica Roux, in her book Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers, highlights that peonies symbolize bravery and strength, carrying the historical connotation of representing the fortitude of samurais. During Victorian times, pink roses were associated with healing and restoration, reflecting their Greek mythological roots.
In the era of deep-rooted romance, couples handpicked White Roses and Pea Blossoms to send subtle messages of devotion, expressing their love through the language of flowers. Today, Morgan Westerberg-Jackson of Blomstra Floral Co. encourages flower enthusiasts to explore the hidden meanings behind each botanical element, interpreting the messages by directly referring to Victorian-era flower dictionaries or through intuitive associations.
For those planning a Wedding Ceremony Reception, incorporating Sunflowers or Orchids into the Wedding Décor Details can lend an undertone of fortune and luxury, complementing the festive atmosphere while also embodying the Victorian-era's appreciation for these beloved blooms.
