The Victorian Language of Flowers & Fans

During the Victorian era, flowers and pictures of flowers spoke a language all their own. Blossoms, buds, and herbal bouquets were sent to friends and lovers not only for their beauty and fragrance, but also to convey messages -- sometimes messages that the sender dared not speak in words.

At parties, sometimes the hostess would decorate with assortments of flowers and plants, from which the guests would select those that expressed their thoughts and feelings. 

Below  are some of the meanings listed in Victorian "flower dictionaries" (a flower displayed upside down would have the opposite meaning).

For more fun info on the language of flowers and also the "language of fans," visit our feature article on the subject!

http://www.summertownsun.com/FEATURE_victorian_language_of_flowers.htm

Red Rose ~ Love, Passion

Pink Rose ~ Admiration

White Rose ~ Innocence, Purity, Humility

Yellow Rose ~ Platonic Love

Pansies ~ Thoughts of You, Thoughtfulness

Violets ~ Modesty

Forget-me-nots ~ Remember me, Faithfullness

Daisies ~ Innocence, I share your sentiments

Lily of the Valley ~ Return of Happiness

Red Poppies ~ Consolation

Dead leaves ~ Melancholy

Rosemary ~ Remembrance

Cedar ~ Strength

Sweet Basil ~ Best Wishes

Ivy ~ Fidelity, Marriage

Zinnia ~ Thoughts of absent friends