Plant Rant: Deciphering the Language of Floriography
While we adjust our sniffers to “overwhelming fragrance mode,” let's take a stroll down the garden path of history and discover a rather unique language—floriography. Often referred to as the "language of flowers," floriography is a fascinating art that assigns meanings to different blooms, creating a botanical code of emotions and messages.
Of Victorian Roots: A Garden of Emotions
Imagine the Victorian era, where expressing one's feelings was often a delicate dance. Enter floriography, a clever and covert means of communication through the language of flowers. Bouquets became more than mere arrangements; they transformed into heartfelt messages exchanged between lovers, friends, and even adversaries.
Roses, Romance Royals
When it comes to floriography, roses take center stage. The color, variety, and even the number of roses in a bouquet convey distinct messages. Red roses, the quintessential symbol of love, declare passion and desire, while yellow roses convey friendship and joy. White roses, on the other hand, signify purity and innocence. The next time you receive a single, double, or a bouquet of roses pay attention—it might just be whispering sweet sentiments. Here are roses by the numbers:
One: Love at First Sight - the quintessential expression of admiration, saying, "you are my one and only," and setting the stage for a budding romance.
Two: Mutual Affection - a subtle yet unmistakable way of saying, "it takes two to tango, and our dance has just begun."
Three: I Love You - take the sentiment up a notch, forming a charming trio that spells out the three magical words: "I love you." This bouquet is a heartfelt expression of deep affection, capturing the essence of a profound and enduring love.
Six: Symbol of Harmony and Balance - this number represents a balance between passionate love and a harmonious partnership. It's the sweet spot where love and understanding intertwine.
Twelve: A Dozen Declarations of Love - the classic symbol of romantic love, conveys a powerful message of completeness and perfection.
Twenty-four: Profound Devotion - double the message of twelve. This grand bouquet speaks of admiration, gratitude, and a commitment to nurturing a lasting bond. It's a gesture that goes beyond words.
Fifty: Unconditional Love - the epitome of opulence and devotion. This extravagant arrangement symbolizes an unwavering, unconditional love that knows no bounds. It's a grand gesture that declares, "you are the center of my universe."
One hundred: Infinite Love and Dedication - this extravagant display symbolizes a love that is boundless, enduring, and truly infinite—an awe-inspiring gesture that leaves a lasting impression.
Greater than one hundred: Stop - you’re spending too much money.
Beyond Roses: A Floral Thesaurus
Floriography extends far beyond the world of roses. Each flower boasts its own unique symbolism, turning a simple bloom into a poetic expression. For instance, the daisy symbolizes innocence and loyalty, while the sunflower radiates adoration. Delve into the language of lilies, daffodils, and violets to unlock a floral thesaurus that can add layers of meaning to your bouquets.
Building Your Floral Vocabulary
Interested in becoming fluent in floriography? Here are a few flower meanings to get you started:
Tulip: Perfect love
Lilac: First emotions of love
Daffodil: New beginnings
Peony: Bashfulness
Hydrangea: Understanding
Modern Floriography: A Blossoming Revival
While the Victorian era may have wilted, floriography is experiencing a delightful revival in the modern world. Whether you're sending a heartfelt message to a loved one or choosing flowers for a special occasion, knowing the language of flowers adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your floral gestures.
Submitted by naturalist Ali Posner, January 2024