Called floriography or the language of flowers, a series of flowers have obtained unique symbolic meanings since medieval times, although the use of this type of vocabulary only became widespread from the Victorian era.
Used as a means of communication to express feelings that could not be spoken, floriography is used by almost anyone who gives flowers, whether they are language conscious or not; It is not necessary to be familiar with historical language to know that red roses symbolize passionate love and therefore are not suitable for your Mother on Mother’s Day.
For those interested in the meaning of flowers, this is a list of many of the popular flowers plus their symbolism:
Alstroemeria
The actual name comes from Baron Klas Van Alstoemer, who identified this specific hardy flower in 1753. Alstroemeria flowers represent a powerful bond of friendship with another.
Amaryllis
All these popular flowers represent wonderful natural beauty and pride as well. Present these flowers to an attractive woman.
Anemone
Often known as the windflower, these flowers are part of the buttercup group of flowers. These papery flowers symbolize expectations and anticipation. Wish someone good luck with a thesis bouquet.
Anthurium
This type of exotic flower means hospitality. Present a bouquet of anthurium flowers to a caring and hospitable host.
Aster
One of several flowers that symbolize affection as well as delicacy. Present these daisy-like flowers to whomever you find charming and beautiful.
Bird from paradise
These signify joy and contentment. Buy some of these tropical flowers to celebrate a joyous event.
Bouvardia
Native to Central America, these types of flowers were named after the French doctor Charles Bouvard. They represent enthusiasm, so they are a great option to reward any enthusiastic man or woman for their efforts.
Carnation
They are one of the oldest cultivated flowers of all. Various colored flowers have different meanings. Sending pink carnations says “I’ll never forget you”; the color white generally means chastity, “sweet and charming”, pure love and the best of luck; purple – whim or whim; The red carnations say: “My heart aches for you”; while in yellow it says “You have disappointed me”. Make sure you don’t get the 2 endings confused!
Chrysanthemum
Yet another very old flower and, like the carnation, various colors have a different symbolism. White symbolizes truths; yellow – ignored love; red says “I adore you too”. Various other colors of the chrysanthemum say “You are a wonderful friend.”
Daffodil
The daffodil has many meanings including: admiration, consideration, unsolicited love, “you are the only one”, “the sun always shines when I am with you”. Daffodils make good flowers for the men you adore.
Larkspur
The current title derives from the ancient Greek for dolphin. Flowers signify flight of fantasy or fiery connection.
Freesia
These flowers symbolize trust, chastity and consideration. They make the perfect flower choice to congratulate the mother and father of a newborn.
Gladiolus
Called in Latin for leaf, this flower symbolizes strength of character, directness and also generosity. Give gladioli to one that has any of these qualities.
heather
This generally comes in one of two colors and therefore provides two meanings. White represents security and “wishes will come true”; lavender – respect and isolation.
Hyacinth
Hyacinths native to Turkey have many meanings depending on their color. White says “I will pray for you” and it also means beauty; blue symbolizes credibility; yellow in color – envy; The purple hyacinths say “sorry” and also “please forgive me” and the red symbolizes the game.
Hydrangea
This particular flower first came to the UK in 1788. Hydrangeas are great for thanking and forgiving while symbolizing frigidity and cruelty.
Iris
These flowers have accumulated many meanings over time, such as belief; knowledge; value; insurance; hope and also a message but nowadays they are usually sent to say “my congratulations”.
Larkspur
Another flower in the larkspur buttercup family appears to have two different meanings determined by its color. Blue: arrogance and pink means inconstancy.
Lilac
Different colors have various meanings. The blue lilac represents youthful innocence; The purple lily symbolizes the first feeling of love and the white lilac symbolizes humility along with innocence.
Lily
The lily symbolizes health and refined beauty. Different colors also have their particular meanings. White: modesty and virginity; yellow – joy; The lily of the valley suggests sweetness along with purity of heart; the orange lily is a symbol of passion; the Easter lily symbolizes the Virgin Mary and the tiger lily symbolizes prosperity and satisfaction.
Orchid
This magnificent flower can be a symbol of exotic beauty and will leave a lasting impression. Orchids also represent love; refinement; beautiful lady.
Peony
The peony represents a happy life, good health, happy marriage, and success, which is why they make excellent bouquets for your wife on her wedding anniversary.
Protea, King
Perhaps the oldest flower of them all symbolizes change, transformation and courage. Give to anyone who has been through a stressful change in their life, such as moving house.
Queen Anne’s lace:
The name comes from the wife of King James. The queen was challenged to create lace as beautiful as the flower. The flower signifies sophistication, delicacy and shelter.
rose
Roses represent love in a wide variety of ways depending on color and number. Red says “I love you”; white represents endless love, tranquility or innocence, nostalgia, purity, secrecy, reverence and humility; orange: passion and desire; yellow: companionship. 12 flowers mean “The highest declaration of love” and 50 flowers mean “Unconditional love”. There are several more meanings, too many to list here.
Dragon mouth
A snapdragon symbolizes power and grace, but also deception and presumption.
Statice
Often used in dried flower arrangements, these flowers say “I miss you” and symbolize sympathy, success and remembrance. In case you miss someone and want to tell them with flowers, send them a bouquet of salt.
Stocks
Common flowers signify lasting beauty, happy life, and promptness. It also says “You will always be beautiful to me.”
Sunflower
These wonderful flowers signify affection, pride, sunlight, and pure feelings. Excellent choice for the one you love.
Tulip
Coming initially from Persia, tulips are the floral symbol of Holland. Red tulips are an “affirmation of love”. Yellow tulips symbolize “desperate love”.