By Chelsea Reed
In our world where technologies like smartphones and social media have bridged connections with so many cultures, there is still one language that remains a mystery – the language of flowers. Since ancient Greek, Roman, and Asian times, people have naturally drawn their interest to these earthly beauties as the gift of choice to one other for many occasions. Eventually, favored flower species gained specific meanings that communicated messages from the sender. It was especially popular in the Victorian period to send hidden flower messages that could not be said otherwise, and many people armed themselves with the latest ‘flower dictionaries!’ Learn how to decipher the flower language yourself with these common flower species:
First seen in Crete more than 3,500 years ago, these majestic flowers are very popular in weddings and churches. They are best known for representing devotion, humility, and new beginnings, but their meanings can change with color varieties besides white. Pink lilies mean prosperity, Tiger lilies can mean pride, and yellow lilies describe giddiness – all very different messages. Check out this gorgeous oil painting by Elizabeth Elgin; it’s in the Outer Banks Squared Art Show.
Named after the wife of King James I, this delicate plant is a popular addition to today’s floral bouquets in the marketplace. It is a wild progenitor to the modern carrot and symbolizes “sanctuary” in the flower language. It’s certainly appropriate in this serene acrylic painting by Vernon Rollins!
This long standby in the flower language has deep roots in China and Greece and is associated with many different legends. Its graceful blooms often represent good wealth, romance, and a happy marriage. In that light, this oil painting of fuchsia peonies by Beverly Abbot is a fitting gift for a golden anniversary!
It’s no surprise that roses communicate so many different things in the flower language. For example, this pink rose in Jackie Zagon’s mixed media painting could mean appreciation and gratitude. Red roses obviously mean enduring love. Orange roses express desire and excitement. Yellow roses would represent happiness and friendship, and white roses tell of innocence and sympathy. The number of roses and the combinations they are paired with can indicate even more specific messages. Purple roses mixed with white lilacs indicate love at first sight, and so on. It’s no wonder Victorian people carried around their own pocket dictionaries!
Send Your Own Floral Messages
Why not try your hand at sending special flower language messages to your friends and loved ones? Arrange secret floral arrangements to send in private, or give your special someone a floral art piece that will last a lot longer and show them you care. Contact Seaside Art Gallery for new floral artwork arrivals and place your order today!
Chelsea Reed is a freelance copywriter. She writes articles, blogs, websites and online content from her base in North Carolina.
