Love is In the Air: The Language of Flowers

​The ancient art of floriography, or the ‘language of flowers’, has been practiced for centuries, and enjoyed a surge in popularity in Victorian times. Using flowers and their symbolic meanings as a code allowed suitors to express their true feelings in a socially acceptable way. But devotees of the method had to be careful to do their research, lest the wrong idea be conveyed! For example, a red rose symbolized ‘love’, while a yellow rose denoted ‘jealousy’ or ‘infidelity’.
We’re much more inclined to be open about our emotions today. Nevertheless, floriography can be a fun way to communicate with your Valentine. A quick search on the internet will produce a variety of floral ‘dictionaries’ for your perusal.
And don’t neglect our pollinator favorites! Blooms such as Aster (patience), Rudbeckia (justice), Echinacea (strength and health) or Coreopsis (always cheerful) would surely be flattering additions to your loved one’s Valentine bouquet.
Author: Lisa Schneider
Image: Graphics Fairy