How flowers were presented and in what condition were important.
Similarly, if given a rose declaring “devotion” or an apple blossom showing “preference,” one might return to the suitor a yellow carnation to express “disdain.” Plants could also express aversive feelings, such as the “conceit” of pomegranate or the “bitterness” of aloe. A “yes” answer came in the form of flowers handed over with the right hand if the left hand was used, the answer was “no.” Nearly all Victorian homes had, alongside the Bible, guidebooks for deciphering the “language,” although definitions shifted depending on the source.įollowing the protocol of Victorian-era etiquette, flowers were primarily used to deliver messages that couldn’t be spoken aloud. In a sort of silent dialogue, flowers could be used to answer “yes” or “no” questions. Learning the special symbolism of flowers became a popular pastime during the 1800s. Whether you’re giving flowers to a mother for Mother’s Day or a friend on their birthday or a beloved on Valentine’s Day, nearly every sentiment imaginable can be expressed with flowers. The orange blossom, for instance, means chastity, purity, and loveliness, while the red chrysanthemum means “I love you.” Flowery Language of the Victorian Era Mythologies, folklore, sonnets, and plays of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese are peppered with flower and plant symbolism-and for good reason. They even play a large role in William Shakespeare’s works. The language of flowers has been recognized for centuries in many countries throughout Europe and Asia.
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