The Secret Language of Flowers

Behind their captivating colors, delicate stature and gorgeous fragrances, there is more to learn when it comes to flowers. What may seem to our eyes as something so simple, flowers, in reality, hold a deeper meaning. Whether they capture a secret message, represent the Victorian Era or are show-stoppers in weddings, these dainty aspects of nature have a much stronger presence than we think. 

Floriography & the Victorian Era  

Floriography is the language of flowers, meaning that specific flower types have their own meanings which communicate certain feelings. The language is spoken by selecting specific flower types with associated meanings to communicate feelings or wishes. Let’s break down the meanings of each of these flowers from the Victorian era. 

Love — a complex, passionate, hopeful feeling with numerous associations. Is there one true and specific meaning to define love? The answer is no, but the symbolism of love is everywhere. The red rose, a staple and immediate identifier of love, symbolizes the passion and romantic aspects of love. The daffodil, with its bright yellow and white colors, symbolizes the unrequited type of love — when the feeling is strong but not reciprocated. Lastly, there is the white rose. The Victorian era emphasized how the deeper the color of the rose, the deeper the passion. The white rose explains a love that is innocent, compared to that of the red rose. The blissfulness that is an innocent love is something that falls into place naturally. This type of love is new and fun, and it can sometimes be associated with our first love. 

Understanding the deep sorrow that is grief is a difficult pill to swallow, as it is such a complex emotion to feel. How might a flower, something we usually associate with blooming and warmth, represent grief? The poppy, a small red or white flower, symbolized the remembrance and ongoing memory aspect of grief in the Victorian era. Grief is powerful in that it emits harsh feelings such as cruelty and jealousy, which the marigold portrayed. 

Secret proposals were common in the Victorian era, many of which were from unwanted suitors. The flower type and hue had to express a specific message and appropriate meaning. On one hand, the yellow carnation signified rejection, whereas the red carnation meant admiration and fascination. This mix in meanings could give the suitor the wrong impression, so it was incredibly important to be cautious. A yellow rose symbolized friendship — a classier exchange for what we now call the “friendzone.” 

Floriography was also used in platonic relationships, specifically when offering good luck. Sending luck to those moving onto a new chapter or starting a new beginning could be done through flowers. Bouquets of heather and apple blossoms were a common way of wishing someone good fortune. 

Our Love for Flowers  

Receiving flowers as a gift is a common dream for many girls. Whether they are five dollars from Trader Joe’s or a custom bouquet, buying someone flowers is always a special gift. Flowers have such a special meaning in general, as they are less of a materialistic gift and more of a moment to have for a bit of time. Watching them bloom from a vase is stunning to see, and they immediately brighten up a room. 

Have you ever wondered why brides carry bouquets? Besides bouquets being a stunning addition to a bride’s look, tying everything together, bouquets hold much more meaning. Wedding bouquets are actually designed to complement a bride’s individual aesthetic. Since the ancient Romans, flowers have been a staple for brides and weddings. These flowers symbolized fertility, fidelity and new beginnings. Some herbs and spices — like dill, for example — were incorporated into bouquets in the Middle Ages to fight off unlucky, evil spirits. From the Victorian era to now, classic wedding bouquets have become an everlasting tradition. Queen Victoria held a small bouquet in her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. Brides began to choose flowers that held meaning such as love, happiness, ambition and much more to customize the meaning of their relationship. Peonies, for example, represent happiness and ambition, as they are largely part of spring weddings. Along with these feelings, the bouquets and other floral arrangements still hold value in their colors, fragrances and even the overall color scheme of the wedding. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to pick out their favorite colors for their wedding anyways? Trust us; we know some of us have been planning our wedding on Pinterest since middle school, so we get it! 

POV: it’s time to toss the bouquet. Wedding guests anxiously wait for this big moment, and girls prepare to catch the bouquet as if it’s the game-winning, Hail Mary pass in the Super Bowl. But, why do we toss the bouquet? This tradition actually originated in medieval Europe, where wedding guests would rip pieces of the bride’s dress for good luck. In 2023, we know that a bride would not want that. So, the bouquet toss replaced this, meaning that if a woman catches the bouquet, she will be next in line to get married. After indulging in a few drinks at the reception, we know those elbows might be coming out — or even a diving catch on the dance floor. 

Okay, you’ve got your beautiful bouquet picked out, and a friend makes the big catch. Then what? Many brides want to find ways to save their bouquets (and who wouldn’t after finding the perfect one?). Pressing flowers is a unique technique in which brides can preserve their flowers. This is very simple, and all you need is some parchment paper and a couple of heavy books. Line a book with parchment paper, place the flowers on top, then add another sheet of paper and close the book. Add a few more to make sure the flowers are completely pressed. To display these flowers, you can place them in a photo frame, making them a beautiful accent to your home. This technique looks beautiful and helps commemorate such a meaningful day. Another way to preserve flowers is by using silica gel. Silica gel helps to keep the shape and color of flowers. Find a container from a local craft store and fill the bottom with the gel, place the flowers inside, then cover the rest with more gel.  

Flowers are much more unique than what we see to the naked eye. Floriography helps us understand the meaning of each and every flower, which makes them a more meaningful or celebratory gift. So, maybe it’s time to revisit that wedding planner Pinterest board from middle school and find some flowers that encompass your personality and aesthetic.