Most people know the red rose speaks the words of love. Few know this has been so for over 5000 years since they were first cultivated in Asia. But have you ever heard that a yellow rose signifies elation, while white represents sophistication, pink is gentility and style, coral is yearning, and a red and white combination means harmony, dating back to the conclusion of the War of the Roses in England?
White rose buds, on the other hand, are a warning that you are far too young for real romance.
Although the rose is oft times called the "Queen of the Garden” for her beauty, scent and abundance, there are many more flowers that speak. And they are as deafening with their loveliness.
#Floral communications are referred to as "the language of flowers.” This form of conversation became prevalent in the middle and latter part of the 1800s, both in North America and Europe. The following is a list of the more commonly recognized flowers with their mostly optimistic meanings:
Alyssum (sweet) — priceless
Aster — diversity
Azalea — self-control
Bachelor's Buttons — abstinence
Buttercup — immaturity
Butterfly Weed — freedom
Cactus — heat
Carnation, striped — rejection
Carnation, striped — rejection
Chrysanthemum, red — adoration
Chrysanthemum, white — fact
Chrysanthemum, yellow — snubbed affection
Clematis— psychological attractiveness
Columbine — foolishness
Daisy — purity
Fern — allure
Forget Me Not — my one and only
Foxglove — disingenuousness
Geranium, Scarlet — consoling
Hibiscus — fragile
Hollyhock — aspiration
Honeysuckle — dedicated
Hydrangea — a braggart
Ivy — faithful in marriage
Lilac, Purple — early stirrings of love
Lily, Day — teasing
Lily of the Valley — cheer revisited
Magnolia — fondness for the natural world
Marigold — covetous
Morning Glory — quirky
Moss — a mother's affection
Nasturtium — self-involvement
Passion Flower — spirituality
Peony — shyness
Periwinkle, Blue — blossoming affection
Pink carnation — feminine caring
Ragged Robin — humor
Violet, Blue — faithfulness
White Lily — spotlessness
Wisteria — salutations
Zinnia — missing you
Unfortunately, not all floral language is meant to be positive. Should you receive narcissus, your vanity is being ridiculed. A passel of petunias, no matter the color, expresses resentment. The sunflower represents arrogance - receiving several would be dreadful! A dahlia denotes instability, the marigold grief, witch hazel a spell, and lobelia exemplifies malevolence.
The worst to receive of all is basil, which stands for hatred! To me, basil is more a spice than a flower. So let the spices, trees, fruit, and vegetables join the discussion with their own messages.
American Elm — nationalism
Apple — inducement
Ash Tree — sadness
Bay Leaf — forever
Beech Tree — opulence
Chamomile — misfortune brings strength
Cedar — might
Cherry tree — well schooled
Clematis — pure thoughts
Cloves — poise
Cranberry — aid for pain
Cocoa Plant — fervor
Dogwood — stability
Elm — self-respect
Endive — thriftiness
Grape — a helping hand
Hawthorn — expectations
Live Oak — emancipation
Maple — stash away
Marjoram — embarrassment
Mint — high merit
Mistletoe — triumphant
Oak Tree — welcoming
Orange Tree — giving
Palm — winning
Pea — pleasant goodbye
Pear — caring
Peppermint — good emotions
Pineapple — ideal, welcome
Pine, Spruce — positive outlook
Plum — liberty
Potato — compassion
Raspberry — repentance
Rhubarb — guidance
Rosemary — tribute
Sage — family values
St. John's Wort — disingenuous
Spearmint — moving
Strawberry Tree — esteem
Thyme — goings-on
Truffle — revelation
White Oak—sovereignty
White Oak—sovereignty
May you understand what you have given and received in the past and, perhaps, choose differently what to offer/send/appreciate in the future.
**************************************************************
This is a reprint of an article I wrote for our original GraciousJaneMarie.com website.
- Jane Marie
