Popularized in the 19th Century as a means of communication, the language of flowers dates back to ancient times, having been used by the Egyptians, Indians and Greeks. Traditionally used by lovers, each bouquet can communicate thought and feelings, or secrets between two people.
Legends of Flowers
Daisy: Believed to have grown from the tears of Mary Magdalene, these flowers were originally known as "the day's eye". They are often used in love divination, through the classic "he loves me, he loves me not" game.
Carnations: As this flower was believed to have grown on the graves of lovers, it has become associated with funerals. It is also associated with Mother's Day, especially in the USA, being the favourite flower of the mother of Anna Jarvis, the creator of the tradition.
Lily: A symbol of purity and associated with maiden goddesses, in the Catholic tradition, it is also associated with the Virgin Mary.
Lily if the Valley: In Irish folk law, these flowers are ladders climbed by fairies to reach the reeds with which they plait cradles fo their babies.
Flowers of Love
Red Carnation: Intense love- "I cannot bear to be away from you"
Red Chrysanthemums: "I desire you"
Lavender: Reciprocation- "I love you too"
Red Rose: All embracing love- "I love you completely"
Wallflower: Consistency -"my love will be strong in good times and bad"
Flowers of Friendship
Acacia: Valued friendship
Brown Chrysanthemums: "Can we still be friends?"
Flowers of Warning and Rejection
Azalea: Take care- "we cannot be seen together"
Begonia: A secret affair
Striped Carnation: Breaking up- "I cannot see you again"
Yellow Carnations: Distain- "you are beneath me"
White Rose: Silence- "Don't tell anyone about us"
Snapdragon: Rejection- "you mean nothing"
Almond Blossom: Unrequited feelings- "I don't want you"
Yellow Chrysanthemum: Unrequited love- "I love another"
Flowers with a Message
Apple Blossom: "You're beautiful"
Camellia: Be brave
Pansies: Good memories
Violets: Trust me
Yellow Rose: Jealousy
Despite all of the above, flowers are obviously to be enjoyed and appreciated. Personal preference has replaced symbolic meanings and, with the advent of technology, there is no longer a need to communicate with bouquets. But some meanings have persisted, a bunch of red roses on a special occasion still denotes everlasting love and desire for example, while others have developed different connotations, lilies have become associated with funerals in recent years.
For a more detailed explanation of the meaning and symbolism of flowers, visit The Meaning of Flowers or read "The Language of Flowers, Symbols and Myths" by Marina Heilmeyer.
"Ancient Wisdom, Magic From Around The World" by Cassandra Eason is also a good source of information of how different flowers can be used to convey messages.
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