Become fluent in the language of flowers with this glossary of historic definitions associated with popular blooms.
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Flowers, plants, and herbs have been used as symbols since antiquity. But it was the Victorians who were truly fluent in the language of flowers, following the 1819 publication in France of Charlotte de Latour's Le Langage des Fleurs. In this popular book, hundreds of flora were paired with translations, which ranged from heartwarming to heartbreaking.
Courting couples during thes times used blooms to declare their affection even when strict etiquette prohibited them from speaking openly, a method of communicating that became nearly an art. An ill-considered choice of blooms could leave a suitor's amorous intention misunderstood, whereas the right flower needed no explanation. If a lady was given a spray of red tulips, for instance, she knew her gentleman caller was smitten. If the ardor was returned, she might send him a bouquet of lilacs. But if she chose to respond with an arrangement of ivy, he'd realize a romance probably would not blossom. Even the way in which flowers were handed to the recipient had significance. To indicate the sincerity of the message, the blooms were held upright. But if they were presented upside down, the exact opposite meaning was intended.
Over time, many floral definitions have changed according to culture and whim. Here, the most common meanings still associated with specific flowers today.
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Baby's Breath
Meaning:
Everlasting love
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Bells of Ireland
Meaning:
Good luck
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Calla Lily
Meaning:
Magnificent beauty
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Carnation
Meaning:
Pure love
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Carnation (Pink)
Meaning:
Woman's love
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Chamomile
Meaning:
Energy in action
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Cherry Blossom
Meaning:
Education
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Chrysanthemum
Meaning:
You're a wonderful friend
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Coxcomb
Meaning:
Unfading love
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Daffodil
Meaning:
The sun shines when I'm with you
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Dahlia
Meaning:
Dignity and elegance, forever thine
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Daisy
Meaning:
Innocence
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Delphinium
Meaning:
Bighearted, fun
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Fern
Meaning:
Magic
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Freesia
Meaning:
Innocence
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Gardenia
Meaning:
Refinement
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Geranium
Meaning:
True friendship
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Gladioli
Meaning:
Generosity, I'm sincere
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Holly
Meaning:
Domestic happiness
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Hyacinth
Meaning:
Sport and play
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Hydrangea
Meaning:
Thank you for understanding
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Iris
Meaning:
I have a message for you
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Yellow Iris
Meaning:
Passion
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Ivy
Meaning:
Friendship
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Lady's Mantle
Meaning:
Comfort
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Lavender
Meaning:
Love and devotion
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Lilac
Meaning:
First emotions of love
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Lily-of-the-Valley
Meaning:
Return of happiness
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Mimosa
Meaning:
Secret love
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Narcissus
Meaning:
Stay as sweet as you are
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Olive Branch
Meaning:
Peace
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Orchid
Meaning:
You're in my thoughts
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Peony
Meaning:
Bashful
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Red Poppy
Meaning:
Pleasure
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Ranunculus
Meaning:
Radiant with charms
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Rose
Meaning:
Love
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White Rose
Meaning:
I am worthy of you
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Orange Rose
Meaning:
Fascination
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Pink Rose
Meaning:
Perfect happiness, grace and sweetness
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Dark Pink Rose
Meaning:
Thankfulness
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Peach Rose
Meaning:
Immortality, modesty
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Rosemary
Meaning:
Remembrance
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Snapdragon
Meaning:
Strength
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Stephanotis
Meaning:
Marital happiness, desire to travel
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Stock
Meaning:
Bonds of affection, you'll always be beautiful to me
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Sweet Pea
Meaning:
Delicate pleasures
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Tulip
Meaning:
Declaration of love
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Pink Tulip
Meaning:
Caring
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Yellow Tulip
Meaning:
There's sunshine in your smile
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Magenta Zinnia
Meaning:
Lasting affection
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Scarlet Zinnia
Meaning:
Constancy
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