The flower as a “messenger of the heart” became hugely popular in the nineteenth century, when people dreamt of the age of courtly love and faithfulness that made use of the sentimental “Language of Flowers”. This nostalgic tradition has been revived today, with Catherine and William choosing to bring personal touches, to their own Royal Wedding, by using the meaning of flowers as part of their story.
Victorian Language of Flowers
The Victorian Language of Flowers was born from a strong need to communicate powerful emotions such as; love, hate and rejection.. Expressing these emotions verbally was widely frowned upon and not readily permitted, in a society governed by strict social rules. In such a prim and proper society, suppressed human emotions became extremely motivating. Young couples hoping to court, looked cleverly for ways to overcome such stifling restrictions.Secret messages using the Meaning of Flowers
Cunningly, a system was devised in which secret messages could be passed from one person to another, using the meaning of flowers. Messages of love, rejection and hate would pass through the social ranks daily and create great joy or heartbreak for the recipient, based on what blooms were included in their nosegay gifted by a beau, whether the flower was included in bud form or open, and even what colour the bouquet came in.
Duchess of Cambridge – Kate Middletons-Wedding Bouquet- and its meaning of flowers
The Victorian Language of Flowers became so widely used, that books explaining language etiquette date back from as early as 1818.
Today, many brides – including Royal Brides – do consider the meaning of flowers as a romantic nod towards tradition, but upon researching this fun topic, you will come across many meanings attributed to each flower and colour, so consider it fun and whimsical and perhaps not take it too seriously.
Flower and Meaning
Alstromeria
Wealth, prosperity, fortune
Amaryllis
Pride
Anemone
Forsaken
Anthurium
Lover
Baby’s Breath / Gypsophila
Innocence, Pure of Heart
Bells Of Ireland
Good Luck
Bouvardia
Enthusiasm
Calla Lily
Magnificent Beauty
Camellia
Gratitude
Carnations General
Fascination
Carnations Pink
Woman’s Love / I’ll never forget you
Carnations Red
Admiration, Fascination
Carnations White
Ardent love, good luck
Chrysanthemums
Cheerfulness
Daffodil
Regard
Fern
Sincerity
Freesia
Thoughtfulness
Gardenia
You’re Lovely
Gladioli
Strength of Character
Honeysuckle
Bonds of love
Hyacinth
Constancy of love
Hydrangea
Thank you for understanding
Iris
Wisdom
Ivy
Fidelity, marriage, friendship and affection
Jasmine white
Amiability
Jonquil (Daffodil)
Sympathy
Larkspur
Fickleness
Lavender
Devotion
Lilac
Youthful / Humility
Lily
Majesty
Lily white
Purity and modesty
Lily Yellow
I’m walking on air
Lily of the Valley
Return of happiness
Magnolia
Dignity / love of nature
Narcissus
Egotism
Orange Blossom
Purity
Orchid
Rare Beauty / love
Paeony Rose, (Peonie rose)
Bashfulness
Poppy
Eternal sleep
Queen Anne’s Lace
Haven
Ranunculus
You are radiant with charm
Rose
Love
Rose, red
Love, passion, respect, courage
Rose, white
Innocence, purity, secrecy
Rose, yellow
Joy, friendship
Rose, light pink
Grace, gladness, joy
Rose, dark pink
Thankfulness
Rose, red and white combined
Unity
Rose, orange
Fascination
Rose Peach
Desire
Rosebud
Pure and lovely
Rosemary
Remembrance
Statice
Sympathy, remembrance
Stephanotis
Happiness in Marriage
Stock
Lasting beauty
Sunflower
Adoration
Sweet Pea
Lasting pleasure
Sweet William
Gallantry
Tuberose
Dangerous pleasure
Tulip general
Perfect lover
Tulip red
Believe me
Tulip Variegated
Beautiful eyes
Tulip Yellow
Hopeless love
Violet
Modesty
Water Lily
Purity of heart
Wheat
Earnestness
Zinnia
Thoughts of Absent friends
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