Since ancient times, flowers have been the perfect way to make others aware of our feelings. The language of flowers has its origins in the Far East, and has been passed down from generation to generation and from culture to culture over the centuries, through Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, to the Renaissance, when it was at its height.
In Romanticism, the language of flowers was a secret that mothers passed on to their daughters, showing them how to communicate different feelings and sentiments: life, beauty, sadness, death, loneliness… but above all love.
When choosing flowers to carry in a bouquet, decorate the church, or give as a gift to the bride and groom’s mothers, many brides like to include flowers that are symbolic of the hidden messages of the language of flowers.
Kate Middleton chose to use the language of flowers at her marriage to Prince William in April 2011, using flowers such as sweet William, hyacinth, ivy, lily-of the-valley and myrtle in her bouquet, wedding dress, and cake.
FLOWER |
HIDDEN MESSAGE |
Camellia | Perfect loveliness |
Carnation | Fascination, love, distinction |
Chrysanthemum | Red: I love you, sharing; white: truth |
Daffodil | Regard |
Daisy | Innocence and purity |
Fern | Fascination, sincerity |
Gardenias | Joy |
Heather | Luck |
Hyacinth | Loveliness, and constancy of love. |
Hydrangea | Boastfulness |
Iris | Burning love |
Ivy | Good luck, eternal fidelity, marriage, and friendship. |
Lily | Majesty and purity |
Lily-of the-valley | Happiness, and return to happiness |
Magnolia | Perseverance |
Marigold | Grief, chagrin |
Myrtle | Marriage and love |
Orange blossom | Chastity, fertility, virginity, happiness A very popular bridal flower, especially in Hispanic countries, long-associated with weddings. |
Orchid | Beauty |
Rose | Love, beauty, happiness. |
Snowdrop | Hope |
Sweet William | Gallantry |
Tulip | Red: declaration of love; yellow: hopeless love |
Violet | Faithfulness |
isabel:
Jan 05, 2012 at 01:51 AM
I didn't realize each flower has it's own meaning, this is really interesting stuff! Better remember that next time I buy flowers for a friend!