What is the enchanting Language of Flowers?
The Secrets and Sentiments of the Victorian Era
Imagine a world where words are unnecessary, where emotions and messages are conveyed through flowers. This whimsical concept, known as the Language of Flowers or floriography, flourished in the Victorian era, a time when society's strict etiquette often stifled direct communication. It was during this period that flowers became silent yet eloquent messengers, capable of expressing everything from the pangs of heartbreak to the joys of friendship.
The Language of Flowers
In Eastern Lands they talk in flowers
And they tell in a garland their loves and cares;
Each blossom that blooms in their garden bowers
On its Leaves a mystic language bears.
– James Gates Percival, ‘The Language of Flowers’, 1872
The Victorian Garden of Secrets
The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901 under the reign of Queen Victoria, was a time of strict social codes and rigid manners. The repressed nature of Victorian society created a fertile ground for alternative forms of expression. Enter the Language of Flowers, or "floriography," a system where each bloom carried a specific meaning, allowing people to convey complex emotions and messages without uttering a single word.
Queen Victoria herself was a lover of flowers, and her wedding bouquet, which included myrtle, a symbol of love and marriage, set a trend that still influences bridal bouquets today. Her fascination with botany and floral symbolism helped popularise the Language of Flowers, and it became a fashionable pastime to exchange flowers as a means of communication.
The Blooming Vocabulary
The Language of Flowers turned every bouquet into a coded message, and each flower was a letter in a fragrant alphabet. The practice of giving and receiving flowers was more than just an exchange of beauty; it was a subtle and sophisticated way to express sentiments that words could not adequately capture.
Roses: While the red rose has long symbolised love and passion, different colours and varieties carried their own distinct meanings. A yellow rose might signify jealousy or a desire for friendship, while a white rose could represent purity and innocence.
Lilies: Often associated with funerals, lilies conveyed the message of returning to happiness and were believed to help the soul find peace and restoration. They have maintained this solemn yet hopeful symbolism in modern times.
Daisies: With their simple beauty, daisies symbolised innocence and purity. They were often used to express loyal love or the wish for someone's happiness.
Violets: These dainty flowers represented modesty and humility, as well as faithfulness. To receive a violet was to be reminded of the giver’s sincerity and constant thoughts.
The Art of the Nosegay and Tussie-Mussie
Victorians often carried small, hand-held bouquets known as nosegays or tussie-mussies. These arrangements were not merely decorative but were imbued with symbolic meaning. Each flower and herb was chosen for its specific message, and the arrangement, as well as the way they were received, could convey complex sentiments.
Tussie-mussies were particularly popular for their compact size and ease of handling, making them perfect for a discreet exchange of messages. They were often given as gifts to convey affection, offer condolences, or even as a subtle form of courtship.
Botany and Symbolism: The Roots of Floriography
The intricate meanings assigned to flowers in the Victorian era were not arbitrary; they were deeply rooted in botany and the cultural history of plants. The characteristics of each flower, such as its colour, shape, and growth habits, often informed its symbolic meaning.
For example, the enduring love symbolised by the red rose can be linked to its deep, vibrant colour and its association with heart and passion. Similarly, lilies, with their pure white petals and serene appearance, naturally came to symbolise purity, peace, and the promise of renewal. The way flowers grew and their botany also informed their meanings; the bluebell lies dormant under the soil and blooms through the harsh winter conditions expressing a constant and ever present love. Similarly, the jonquil and daffodil are first to bloom after the harsh and dark days of winter, signifying a new beginning.
Messages in Bloom
The Language of Flowers offered a way to communicate emotions that might otherwise be suppressed by societal norms. Whether it was a lover’s plea, a friend’s reassurance, or a message of sorrow, flowers spoke volumes.
Heartbreak and Sorrow: Flowers such as marigolds and chrysanthemums could express grief and mourning, offering a way to communicate feelings of loss without the need for words.
Jealousy and Envy: The yellow rose and the hydrangea were often used to convey feelings of jealousy or regret, serving as a silent acknowledgment of emotional turmoil.
Love and Friendship: Flowers like sweet peas and violets carried messages of faithful love and cherished friendship, offering a way to affirm bonds and express affection.
A Legacy of Blooms
The legacy of the Language of Flowers endures in our modern world. The meanings attributed to certain flowers during the Victorian era continue to resonate today, even if we aren't aware of it. The red rose remains a symbol of love and romance, lilies are still widely used in funeral arrangements to symbolise a return to happiness and the hope for a peaceful afterlife, and baby's breath remain a popular wedding flower for the symbolism of an everlasting love.
The Language of Flowers reminds us that even in a world filled with digital communication, there is still a place for the simple, timeless beauty of a flower. It offers a way to convey our deepest feelings in a manner that is both elegant and evocative, allowing us to connect with others in a language that transcends words - a whisper from the past echoing through the present, reminding us that even in silence, flowers can speak a thousand words.