How Victorians Used Flowers to Communicate in a Language of Their Own

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The Victorian era was known for its strict social norms and etiquette, which limited the expression of emotions in public. But beneath the surface of this seemingly repressed society, a fascinating tradition emerged - the language of flowers. By assigning symbolic meanings to different flowers, the Victorians created a secret code that allowed them to express their innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of censure.

In this blog, we will explore the rich history of the Victorian language of flowers and how it was used to communicate a range of emotions, from passionate love to deadly threats. You will discover the most popular flowers and their meanings and how they were used in various social situations, such as courtship, friendship, and mourning.

The Victorian era was a time of significant change, with new ideas and innovations transforming society. However, alongside these changes, strict social conventions also dictated how people should behave, dress, and speak. In this context, the language of flowers emerged as a way of communicating that was both subtle and subversive.

The language of flowers is thought to have originated in Turkey in the 17th century, where the Ottoman Empire used flowers to convey messages between courtiers. However, it was the Victorians who popularised the language and developed it into a complex system of symbols and meanings.

At the heart of the language of flowers was the idea that every flower had its own symbolic meaning, which could be used to convey a message. For example, a red rose symbolised love, while a yellow rose symbolised friendship. By combining different flowers and colours, it was possible to create intricate and nuanced messages that could convey a range of emotions and intentions.

One of the most popular uses of the language of flowers was in courtship. In an era when open displays of affection were often frowned upon, the language of flowers allowed young couples to communicate their feelings in a way that was both romantic and discreet. Bouquets of flowers could be sent with hidden messages, such as a red rose surrounded by white roses, symbolising unity and purity in love.

The language of flowers was also used in friendships, where different flowers were given to express various sentiments. A bouquet of forget-me-nots, for example, was a way of saying "remember me always," while a pink carnation symbolised gratitude and appreciation.

But the language of flowers was not just limited to positive emotions. Flowers could also be used to convey darker messages, such as warnings or even threats. For example, a black rose symbolised death or farewell, while a yellow chrysanthemum symbolised rejection or disdain.

Flowers could also be used to convey messages of mourning and grief. In an era when death was a common occurrence, flowers were a way of expressing sympathy and support. Different flowers were associated with varying stages of mourning, with white flowers symbolising purity and innocence and purple flowers symbolising mourning and grief.

In addition to their symbolic meanings, flowers were also valued for their beauty and fragrance. Floral arrangements were created as works of art, with different flowers and colours carefully chosen to create a harmonious whole. The art of flower arranging, or floristry, became popular among the upper classes, with books and magazines devoted to the subject.

The language of flowers was not just limited to bouquets and floral arrangements. It also influenced other areas of Victorian culture, such as literature and art. Novels of the era often featured characters who used the language of flowers to express their feelings, while paintings and illustrations incorporated floral symbolism.

The language of flowers even had an impact on the development of the gardening industry. As the popularity of the language grew, gardeners began to cultivate flowers with specific symbolic meanings, such as the language of flowers became more complex and nuanced.

Despite its popularity in the Victorian era, the language of flowers fell out of fashion in the early 20th century. However, it has seen a resurgence in recent years, with florists and gardeners rediscovering its beauty and symbolism. The language of flowers has also inspired contemporary artists and writers, who have used it as a source of inspiration for their work.

In conclusion, the language of flowers was a fascinating and complex tradition that allowed Victorians to express their emotions and intentions in a subtle and subversive way. From courtship to mourning, from friendship to warning, flowers were used to convey a wide range of messages and emotions. Today, the language of flowers is a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the Victorian era and a testament to the enduring power of nature and symbolism in human culture.

It's worth noting that while the language of flowers was popular in the Victorian era, it was not without its limitations and criticisms. Some people felt that it was a frivolous and superficial way of communicating and that it was often misused or misunderstood. Others felt that it reinforced gender stereotypes, with women being expected to be experts in the language of flowers and men being seen as clueless.

Nevertheless, the language of flowers remains an integral part of Victorian culture and a fascinating subject for anyone interested in the history of communication, symbolism, or horticulture. Whether you're interested in sending secret messages with a bouquet of flowers or simply appreciating the beauty and complexity of the natural world, there's something for everyone in the language of flowers.

In conclusion, the language of flowers was a fascinating and complex tradition that allowed Victorians to express their emotions and intentions in a subtle and subversive way. From courtship to mourning, from friendship to warning, flowers were used to convey a wide range of messages and emotions. Today, the language of flowers is a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the Victorian era and a testament to the enduring power of nature and symbolism in human culture.

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