I have always found such wonder in nature and am constantly amazed by the range and mixture of emotions it can inspire, and the general atmosphere it can create. Flowers in particular are so beautiful and have accumulated such a rich and interesting history. As if they each have their own mysterious story to share.
This whole flower language started in Constantinople in the 1600s, and was brought to England in 1716 by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. The interest then moved to France where the book Le Langage des Fleurs was first printed with over 800 floral signs. Over the centuries people have repeatedly incorporated these ‘inspirations’ and wonders into there own expressions and statements, such as Joan of Arc, who carried a flag with lilies, angels, the world (God), and ‘Jhesus Maria’ or ‘I Believe’ embroidered into it that she valued more than her sword.
The following are a few of today’s most commonly known flowers and a short insight into there varied meanings, in alphabetical order; accept for the rose (of course) which you’ll find at the beginning of the list. If any hold your interest take the time to find out more about their history, care, and uses, you wont be disappointed:
1. Rose (‘the flower of love’) Meaning: Red: True Love. Desire; Lavender: Love At First Sight; White: Innocence. Spirituality; PinkPeach: Sweetness. Gratitude; Yellow: Infidelity, Also, Friendship; Orange: Fascination; Musk: Impulsive; Black: Farewell. Death.
A Single rose: Simplicity.
Two Roses Joined Together: Engagement.
A dozen: The ultimate declaration of love.
Red and White Roses Together: Unity.
Red and Yellow: Happy Feelings.
Yellow and orange roses together: Passionate thoughts.
Rosebud with leaves but no thorns: “I fear no longer; I hope.”
Rosebud with neither leaves nor thorns: “There is nothing to hope or fear.”
2. Amaryllis – Meaning: Pride. Determination.
3. Anemone (“windflower”) Meaning: Forsaken; Also, Anticipation.
4. Apple Blossom – Meaning: Temptation; Also, Promise.
5. Aster – Meaning: Love and a symbol of patience.
6. Baby’s Breath – Meaning: Innocence.
7. Bachelor’s Button – Meaning: Celibacy.
8. Begonia – Meaning: Warning. Deep thoughts.
9. Bluebell – Meaning: Loyalty. Humility.
10. Camellia – Meaning: Loveliness.
11. Carnation (‘flower of the gods’) The one year wedding anniversary flower. Meaning: Light Red: Admiration; Dark Red: Deep Love; Pink: A mother’s undying love (from the belief that they first appeared on earth from the Virgin Mary’s tears); White: Innocence. True Love, Also Good Luck; Yellow: Distain; Striped: Refusal.
12. Chrysanthemum – Meaning: Truth. Loyalty.
13. Clematis – Meaning: Intellect. Cleverness.
14. Columbine – Meaning: Folly.
15. Cornflower – Meaning: Delicacy.
16. Crocus – Meaning: Good cheer.
17. Cyclamen – Meaning: Departure.
18. Daffodil – Meaning: Chivalry. Also, Rebirth and new beginnings.
19. Daisy – Meaning: Innocence. Loyal Love.
20. Dandelion – Meaning: Faithful. Love’s oracle. Though most consider this a weed over a flower, it has to be one of my favorites. Once the flower matures into a globe they get a ton of little white seeds… my mother told me when I was a child that if you find a full one and make a wish while blowing the seeds from the stem your wish will come true and I have been doing it ever since.
21. Forget-Me-Not – Meaning: True love. Hope. Remembrance.
22. Forsythia – Meaning: Anticipation.
23. Gardenia – Meaning: Secret Love. Joy.
24. Gentian – Meaning: Injustice.
25. Geranium – Meaning: Melancholy.
26. Gladiolas – Meaning: Recovery.
27. Gloxinia – Meaning: Love at first sight.
28. Hibiscus – Meaning: Grace. Delicate beauty.
29. Holly – Meaning: Protection. Foresight. Defense.
30. Hollyhock – Meaning: Ambition.
31. Honeysuckle – Meaning: Sweetness.
32. Hyacinth – Meaning: Sorrow.
33. Hydrangea – Meaning: My thanks.
34. Iris – Meaning: Messenger. Blue: Faith. Hope; Purple: Wisdom; Yellow: Passion; White: Purity. There are over 200 varieties of the iris in a wide range and mixture of colors, and can be found in virtually every part of the world growing both naturally and in farms.
35. Ivy – Meaning: Fidelity.
36. Jasmine – Meaning: Yellow: Elegance; White: Amiable; Lavender: Distrust.
37. Lilac – Meaning: Purple: Love begins; White: Innocence.
38. Lily – Meaning: Purity.
39. Lily of The Valley – Meaning: Return of happiness.
40. Lotus – Meaning: Admiration.
41. Magnolia – Meaning: Dignity.
42. Marigold – Meaning: Grief.
43. Morning Glory – Meaning: Loving.
44. Mistletoe – Meaning: Kiss me.
45. Narcissus – Meaning: Egotism.
46. Nasturtium – Meaning: Patriotism.
47. Orange Blossom – Meaning: Innocence.
48. Orchid – Meaning: Rare and delicate beauty; Also, Luxury. There are nearly 25,000 varieties of Orchids. Although they are commonly thought of as tropical flowers, orchids grow naturally in almost all climates and are long-lasting.
49. Palm – Meaning: Triumph.
50. Pansy – Meaning: Remembrance.
51. Peony – Meaning: Bashfulness; Also, Happy life. Happy marriage. Prosperity.
52. Petunia – Meaning: Anger.
53. Peppermint – Meaning: Cordiality.
54. Phlox – Meaning: Agreement.
55. Pine – Meaning: Hope.
56. Primrose – Meaning: Youth.
57. Snapdragon – Meaning: Indifference. Presumptuous.
58. Snowdrop – Meaning: Renewal.
59. Sunflower – Meaning: Sunny. Haughtiness.
60. Sweet William – Meaning: Forever a gentleman.
61. Sweet Pea – Meaning: Lasting pleasure. Good-bye. Departure,.
62. Tulip (‘perfect love’) Meaning: Red: Declaration of love. Yellow: Hopeless love; Purple: Royalty; White: Worthiness. Forgiveness; Variegated: Beautiful eyes.They are not too elegant, too romantic, too big, too small, or too bright; the tulip is always just right.
63. Violet – Meaning: Modesty. Faithfulness. Innocence. Understated Beauty.
64. Wisteria – Meaning: Friendship.
65. Zinnia – Meaning: Thinking of you. In Memory Of .
