Meaning of Flowers

History

For centuries, flowers have voiced human emotions and feelings. When interpreting the meaning of flowers, the type, colour and presentation all played their part. In the Middle East Harems, where secrecy between lovers was so important, flowers were given a meaning to enable lovers to pass messages.

Shakespearean Times

In Shakespearean times, the rose was mentioned in 'Romeo and Juliet', and peonies in 'King Lear'. Carnations and daffodils were in 'The Winter's Tale', the pansy's magic in 'A Midsummer-Nights Dream' and 'Macbeth' had the hollyhocks.

Victorian Times

The Victorians took the language of flowers to the extreme and created an effective mode of communication between friends, lovers and acquaintances. Queen Victoria also believed in the language of flowers and included Myrtle in her bridal bouquet, which symbolizes love and marriage.

Present day

Today flowers have many different symbolic meanings, and when displayed in various combinations they are used to send messages for all occasions.

Symbolic Meaning

Types of Flowers to Send
Freesia – Faithfulness
Pink Carnation – True love
Yellow Rose – Friendship
Gerbera – Regard
Lilies – Purity
White Rose – Remembrance
Red Carnation – Ardour
Red Rose – Passionate Love