An Introduction into Floriography

Floriography, which translates as ‘the language of flowers’, has been around since biblical times (see Song of Songs and Psalms), but is still prominent around the world today. I was first introduced to it during my floristry school days through a friend, and I’ve always found the subject fascinating. I find nowadays I’ve been prone to thinking of the potential subtext behind a client’s flower choices, who I find largely have no idea. The flowers they might have innocently chosen to give to a partner, might, in this unknown language, translate into something completely different (and often dark).

With that in mind, here is the first in a little series of posts that I like to call ‘An Introduction to Floriography’, where I delve into flowers you might see on your once-a-day walks, or see in your supermarkets or local florists, and dig into their meanings and stories. PSA right here - It’s worth saying that not every flower has a meaning, and so your favourites might not feature, but don’t let that stop you suggesting any you’re intrigued by. In this first segment, I’ll drop some history and background to the art to whet your appetite for what’s to come….

The Artistic Language of Flowers, 1888

Are you sitting comfortably? Then let us begin….

Seemingly to migrate from Turkey and further east, Floriography and botany soared in popularity in England during the Victorian era. Flowers were used to send messages to one another, when showing and speaking affection in public was frowned upon. Bouquets were written, composed and read like love letters, each flowers representing a different emotion or thought from the sender. If it was the first initial point of contact, see it as Victorian’s flirting if you will, it would probably be accompanied by a calling card including a return address for the recipient to reply.

We can find many examples of Floriography in texts throughout history. As well as religious texts and poems, Shakespeare (see Ophelia gather a bouquet for her Hamlet), Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters all mention flowers as symbolism in their works. Many Victorian painters also included particular flowers in their art pieces to heighten the subtext, emotion and meaning behind it. The Language of Flowers is a book that is continuously reprinted and reprised, but was first published in 1884, showing that this the interest in this language has never died down over time.

Anemone

Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais

Mimosa

However, definitions of flowers have changed and evolved as we’ve modernised (probably due to the growing popularity of certain types and so to make them more sellable), and sometimes it’s hard to find what the meaning truly is. For every type, colour or both, there are alternate meanings - even the way they are arranged and presented plays a part, right down to the side the fastening ribbon is tied on. Like Tarot cards, if carried and presented upside down, the meaning is reversed. If the bouquet is wilting when given, it can also mean the end or finalisation.

Often definitions derive from the characteristics of the bloom or plant, for instance, Mimosa’s (a flower we see a lot around International Woman’s Day) leaf will curl and close at night, and so its meaning is one of chastity. The nature of Anemones means they also close at night and reopen in the morning, so they are often a symbol of anticipation.

However, flower meanings have also tended to come from Mythology and legend. For example, according to Greek mythology, Anemones sprang out of the tears of Aphrodite while she was mourning the death of her lover, Adonis. Adonis was killed by the Gods due to their jealousy over his love affair with the beautiful goddess of love. While Aphrodite was crying, Adonis shed blood on the anemones that came from her tears and stained them red, and so red Anemones can also symbolise forsaken love.

So, as you might’ve gathered, it can be quite the minefield. If this is your first experience into Floriography, I understand that it might be a little overwhelming - but I swear it’s so good. The list is endless and it’s tough to know where to start - have no fear, that’s where I come in! I’m hoping this series might continue and grow, and I plan to mention meanings in other posts, like wedding trends and seasons - if you have an idea, or a flower that you want to know the meaning of, drop me a comment and I’ll get my nerd on!