We strive to communicate with nature's offerings by using their language. Flowers have had symbolic meaning stemming from mythology, folklore, religious beliefs, and life values ever since the beginning of time. Did you know the art and language of flowers is known as floriography? All you want to know will be explained here.
Floriography - What Does This Terminology Refer To?
This is a fun lesson to learn more about the flower world and the thousands of terminologies that make it up that you may have never heard about. The term used to describe floral language is known as 'floriography.' It was first used to describe the metaphorical significance attached to certain flowers throughout the Victorian era dating back to 1837 through 1901. The art of using flowers as symbols is called floriography, or the language of flowers. It is a coded method of flower communication.
Although it predates the Victorian era, floriography rose to prominence in Victorian England and the United States during the 19th century. Its origins can be found in the 15th century in Persia and Turkey, where people used flowers instead of words to express feelings that were taboo or socially unacceptable.
Photo: @preraphaelitegarden
The Art of Communicating Through Flowers
All flowers have diverse meanings, which are frequently determined by the type and color of the flower. Foriography, as previously mentioned, is the art of communicating with different types of flowers. Giving flowers as gifts becomes much more thoughtful after you discover and comprehend the significance of flowers since you can express exactly how you feel with a bouquet or a bunch of your favorite flowers. They have more significance than you thought.
Origins in Ancient Civilizations
The roots of floriography can be traced to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In these societies, flowers played a role in religious rituals, mythology, and daily life. The Greeks associated flowers with their gods—roses with Aphrodite, for example—while Romans used floral arrangements to symbolize wealth, power, and status.
Floral Symbolism in the Middle Ages
During the medieval period, flowers took on more spiritual and religious meanings. In Christian iconography, the lily became associated with the Virgin Mary as a symbol of purity, and red roses were linked to Christ’s sacrifice.
The Rise of Floriography in the Ottoman Empire
One of the most significant influences on modern floriography came from the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century. The 'Language of Flowers' (Selam) was practiced in Turkish courts, where flowers and their arrangements conveyed secret messages. This practice fascinated European travelers, who later introduced the concept to the West.
The Victorian Era - The Golden Age of Floriography
Floriography reached its peak in 19th-century Victorian England, where social etiquette often restricted open expressions of emotion. Flowers became a discreet way to communicate feelings—whether love, rejection, or friendship. Books on flower meanings, called 'floriography dictionaries', became widely popular. A carefully arranged bouquet could send a coded message, depending on the types of flowers used, their colors, and even the way they were positioned.
For example:
- A red rose symbolized profound love and passion
- A yellow rose represented friendship or jealousy, depending on the context
- A wilted flower could signify rejection or the end of a relationship
Floriography in Modern Times
While the rigid system of Victorian flower meanings has faded, the tradition of assigning symbolism to flowers continues today, very strongly. Red roses still signify endless and deep love, white lilies are common at funerals, and sunflowers are associated with happiness. The resurgence of interest in slow flowers, sustainable floristry, and botanical storytelling has brought floriography back into modern floral design and art.
More Historical Facts About Floriography
The 'Selam' language of the Turks is an eastern tongue that uses flowers and other items. Clever harem women used this covert floral language to speak to their boyfriends outside the harem. Only by affixing rhyming terms to certain objects like flowers and fruits could the code of a harem be cracked.
Some authors cite 'Selam' as the origin of flower metaphors and sentiments, however, it was more of a mnemonic system than a language of meanings. In actuality, it served as a tool for aiding in poem memorization. Selam became well-known in Europe as a system of linking flowers with symbols despite being a mnemonic system.
Photo: @aridapermata
Much like Western floriography, eastern nations also have set meanings to their flowers. For example, the Japanese 'Hanakotoba' is a separate, independent floriography. It is an ancient Japanese art of assigning meaning to flowers.
Flowers Were Often Sent as Codes
Flowers were often sent as coded messages to the receiving party. But as the symbolism of flowers grew more nuanced, it led to misunderstandings and unpleasant situations. French publishers started publishing flower dictionaries at the start of the 19th century in an effort to decipher the meaning of flowers.
To disseminate the flower language, numerous dictionaries have been developed over time. People used to travel with dictionaries that were stuffed with the meanings that various flowers were given. There were more than one hundred floral dictionaries published worldwide in the 20th century. But through time, the significance of flowers has been lost and muddled. Today, most people are no longer aware of the significance of most flowers.
Floriography and Flower Gifting
Flowers make wonderful presents for nearly any occasion, but they become even more meaningful if you are aware of their individual meanings. Because flowers have varied meanings in various cultures, there isn't always a common language associated with them. In addition, certain flowers have symbolic meanings associated with the smells or therapeutic qualities they possess. It's also important to note that various flower colors represent various emotions.
Pay Attention to the Type and Color of the Flowers You Choose
A pro tip: consider the significance behind the type and color of flowers you choose before making a bouquet. When offering flowers as gifts, keep in mind that each flower has been given a certain meaning. Create your own hidden messages by blending your own bouquet and don't forget, flowers have a voice. You can still use floriography to convey your feelings if words fail you.
Read more about the meaning of red, yellow, and white flowers ot know more of their symbolisms.
