Let your flowers do the talking

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    No era obsessed over the importance of flower selection more than the Victorians. Lovers, family and friends alike sent elaborate bouquets spelling out messages within the chosen floral components.     The type, size, color, arrangement and even scent of flowers could make all the difference between displaying chastity with orange blossoms and saying "I am your captive" with peach blossoms.

    Legends place the origin of flower language in a variety of countries, but Persia seems the most agreed upon place. Sweden's Charles II introduced floriography to Europe. Floral "dictionaries" were published throughout the 18th century, allowing entire conversations to take place within a bouquet.

    Meanings were derived from religious texts, mythology and local culture and customs. And from all this history, the only flower which has retained its lingual roots is the rose.


Common flowers and their hidden agendas:


    Roses

    Red - "I love you." Beauty.

    White - spiritual love and purity

    Yellow - Modern: joy, gladness. Historically: infidelity.

    Coral - desire

    Pink - admiration

    Lavender - love at first sight

    Pale colors - friendship

    Red and yellow - congratulations

    Yellow and orange - passionate thoughts

    Red and white - unity

Carnations

    Light red - admiration

    Dark red - deep love and affection

    white - pure love and good luck

    striped - regrets of a love that cannot be shared

    purple - capriciousness

    pink - a mother's undying love

Daffodils

    "the sun is always shining when I'm with you."

    unrequited love

    great regard and respect

    chivalry

Tulips

    "fame"

    variegated tulip - beautiful eyes

    red - irresistible love

    yellow - hopeful love

Violets

    affection

 

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