Floriography, The Language of Flowers and Their Meanings
BY ROXY ALLNUTT
Say more with your blooms.
23 SEP- 2023
Roses are red, violets mean power.
This is the fourth or fifth flower-based piece that I have published on Chatty, so I hope that you’re not over them! But, for a little more context, If you haven't read my floral pieces before — I’ve been a florist for around five years and have worked at a number of incredible floral studios across Auckland. I pretty much live and breathe the world of it.
Today, I wanted to share with you a little background on the meanings behind your blooms. Though my colleagues don't tend to create bouquets with these flower meanings in mind, it’s great to do a little refresher and shed light on some of these really authentic and special insights that have dated back years. Many of these ideologies have come from cultures worldwide, and these ideas have been intertwined inside books and myths woven into the world today.
Flowers have been used for centuries as a way for people to share emotions they can’t express in words. This practice of using individual or arrangements of blossoms as a communication tool is called “the language of flowers” or “Floriography” and has been practised in many societies, both ancient and modern. So, save this lineup for the next time you want to visit the florist. If you’re sending blooms for grievance or celebration, maybe you can make a request to include certain stems listed below.
Azalea
It's not just a mouthful to say; these beauties are a whole mood. Azaleas scream, "Take care of yourself for me" – it's like sending a floral guardian angel.
Bells of Ireland or Molly
These greens are all about good luck, and who doesn't need a dose of that? They're like a four-leaf clover for your soul.
Calla
Calla’s, while very common in funeral arrangements, don't have any ties with death. This elegant bloom stands tall and says, "Beauty." With beauty at its core, it’s no wonder why we’ve been seeing brides walk the aisle with these en masse.
Chrysanthemum
- Red Chrysies translates to shouting, "I freakin' love you!" from the rooftop.
- White? It's all about truth. No BS, just straight-up realness, send this with your sorries.
- Yellow/Pinks? It's like saying, “Hey you’re amazing” These sweeties are deemed the slighted love flower.
Cyclamen
Cyclamens (usually gifted in pots) are a bit of a drama queen but in a good way. They whisper "resignation and goodbye". It's like saying, "we had a blast, but it's time we move on."
Daffodil
Hold onto your sunhats, because these guys are all about bursting sunshine. They scream, "you're the only one, and the sun always shines when I'm with you." Definitely a golden nugget of happiness, sure to make anyone’s day.
Daisy
Innocence, loyal love, and "I'll never tell" wrapped up in one cute package. It's like the flower version of your best friend who can keep a secret. White flowers across the board give that purity vibe, like a little white lie in a flowery disguise.
Hydrangea
These guys are like the mood ring of flowers. They can say, "Thank you for understanding," or they can be a total ice queen with "frigidity" and "heartlessness." Talk about floral mixed signals.
Iris
This iris is all about friendship and shouting, your friendship means the world to me!" It's like a warm hug wrapped in petals.
Orchid
Get ready to dial up the romance, Chums. Orchids are all about love, beauty, and being as refined as the fanciest cup of tea. Plus, they've got that "beautiful lady" vibe that'll make anyone feel like royalty.
The orchid head has a very feminine look, so I define orchids as a womanly, powerful flower — gifted alone formore fierceness.
Peony
If peonies were people, they'd be the life of the party. A very popular wedding flower, and rightfully so, with one of its definitions being word for word happy marriage. It's like sending a bouquet of good vibes and marital bliss.
Roses
Okay, let's talk roses. Roses have been classic love messengers that have been wooing people since, like, forever.
- Pinks say perfect happiness.
- Red? It's the OG love declaration, screaming, "I love you so freakin' much!"
- Dark crimsons say, "Sorry, can't hang, I'm mourning over here."
- White? Innocence, purity, and a heavenly aura – it's like sending the angel emoji.
- White and red mixed? Unity, people! It's like a floral symbol of England, and you'll be the bouquet diplomat.
- Tea roses are a promise, whispering, "I'll remember this, always."
Stock
These babies are all about bonds of affection, being prompt (they're like the punctual friends of the flower world), and shouting, "You'll always be beautiful to me." Talk about boosting someone's self-esteem.
Sweetpea
The perfect way to say goodbye and get ready for some blissful pleasure. These guys are like the post-party wind-down, whispering, "Thank you for a lovely time," as you bid adieu.
So there you have it, flower fanatics! A crash course in floriography that'll have you slinging bouquets with the wisdom of a floral fortune teller. The next time you’re at the florist, you'll be a pro at stem selections filled with whispering messages.
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