Ever wondered why we give
flowers as gifts? Or why different
flowers symbolise different things? Well, the act of giving
flowers dates back to prehistoric times and evidence of
flowers having symbolic meanings can be found in Egyptian inscriptions and Chinese writings, as well a Greek and Roman Mythology. The fascinating history behind the language of
flowers has developed over hundreds of years.
During the Middle Ages harsh restraints were placed on courtships and this led to the exchange of
flowers to grow amongst couples, as the
flowers they gave symbolised different messages, allowing couples to express themselves secretly without others seeing or hearing.
Flower meanings progressed through the 1600s and became so refined that even military messages could be sent in a harmless
gift of flowers. As time went on, the context in which
flowers were given also began to have meaning. For example
flowers handed over in the right hand would mean yes to a question, just as
flowers handed over in the left hand would mean no.
By the Victorian era, great emphasis was placed on
flowers and what they represented.
Flowers were used to decorate almost everything from hair and clothing to jewellery and peoples homes. However, the same
flower found in a different position could have a completely different meaning.
For example wearing a Marigold in the hair expressed mental anguish, while the same flower pinned to the bosom conveyed indifference.
Flowers had taken on so many different meanings and definitions that 1818 saw the very first flower dictionary published by Charlotte de la Tour call Le Language des Fleurs. The handbook was extremely popular and included over 1000 different meanings of
flowers,
plants and herbs.
By the 19th Century posies and
bouquets carried so much meaning as each
flower, colour and number held such symbolism.
Giving a bouquet then was the equivalent of sending a text message on your mobile phone today!
Flowers and
plants still carry different meanings and are used to represent and symbolise many things from cultures and nationalities to emotions and the marking of occasions. For example the
red rose has multiple meanings. It is one of Englands national emblems, found on England rugby shirts and sometimes on the England flag.
The story of the
red rose representing England dates back to the 15th Century when the War of the
Roses took place from 1455-1487. The House of York adopted a white Rose, the House of Lancaster decided to take a
red rose. The winner of this war, Tudor Henry VII, merged his Lancastrian Rose with the red Rose of his York bride and therefore created the Tudor Rose, the Rose of England. The
red rose is also known worldwide as the symbol of love and romance and is traditionally sent on St. Valentines Day. The Language of Flowers is largely forgotten today and not as widely in
bouquet choices as it once was. The tradition of communicating through
flowers can add an element of fun to the
flowers you buy as gifts - that is why we are bringing it back!
