Flowers were used for much more than just decoration in the Victorian Era. Each flower had a special meaning. Flowers were used to communicate messages to other people. This is another example of one of the clever ways that people had to get around the complicated social rules that governed every aspect of their lives.
The first "Flower Dictionary" was written by Mme. Charlotte de la Tour in 1818. It was titled Le Language des Fleurs. Inspired by this book, a Victorian woman named Miss Corruthers of Inverness wrote another book on the subject in 1879. This book has become the standard of flower symbolism.
There is more to the meaning of a flower than just the type of flower that it is. For example, the shade of a flower. While a red rose means love, a white rose means "I am worthy of you." A white rose bud, however, indicates girlhood. To make matters more complicated, two different types or colors of flowers mixed together in a single bouquet means something entirely different!
Flowers did not have to be given for their meaning to be conveyed. Pictures of flowers on stationary could have greater meaning than the letter itself. Other meanings include the day on which you receive or find the flower. Superstitions such as, "If you find a lily today, you will meet someone who's name begins with an "L" in the near future," also exist.
There are numerous types of flowers with special meanings. These are a few popular ones:
- Apple Blossom - preference
- Azalea - temperance
- Basil - hatred
- Columbine - folly
- Daisy - innocence
- Daffodil - regard
- Holly - foresight
- Iris - message
- Ivy - fidelity
- Lavender - distrust
- Lily - purity
- Marigold - sorrow
- Morning Glory - affection
- Myrtle - love and marriage
- Oak - hospitality
- Pansy - thoughtfulness
- Primrose - consistency
- Rhododendron - danger
- Rose (single) - simplicity
- Thistle - defiance
- Tulip - fame
- Violet - faithfulness
- Water-lily - pure of heart
- Zinnia - thoughts of absent friends