Most people think that the Victorians created the language of flowers, but it was actually two European women in the 1700s who started the trend. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and Aubry de la Mottraye travelled together in the Ottoman Empire and brought back their expertise in a coded language based on flowers.
Origins
The art of floral inscription (or flower languages) was a wildly popular Victorian trend that was transmitting messages via flowers. The significance of flowers is still evident despite its decline into the late nineteenth century. In the case of contemporary artists, Whitney Lynn created a project to decorate the San Diego International Airport using floral designs with particular meanings for sentiment.
The craze of florature began in Ottoman Turkey, and was transferred to Europe through Lady Mary Wortley Montague and Seigneur Aubry De La Mottraye. Following its rise to fame, a variety of floral dictionaries were released. They included information about botanicals along with novelty items such as calendars and listings of different flowers along with their related symbols. These meanings came from legends as well as mythology and folklore (the relationship of the daffodil with egotism, for example) however, some were taken directly from flowers. As a matter of fact, the authors these works often cited the Eastern culture known as Selam in their dictionary of flowers.
Victorian Era
The language of flowers, also known as the language that was used to describe flowers, served as an elegant method of concealing communication within Victorian society. The coded system of botanicals could communicate love, desire or disdain. It allowed those in an era where strict dress code was in place to communicate their sentiments in a fashion that was accepted by society.
Books devoted to the flower language were popularized in the first half of 19th century as well as dictionaries on flowers along with their symbolic meanings became available. But the nuances of this flower language can differ based upon the flowers, how it was displayed or the individual who carried the flower. The nuanced expression of emotion provided plenty of space for imagination and interpretation. There are more than 1,400 different flowers, plants, trees, and flowers are in the floral vocabulary. Though the meanings of the words varied from culture to culture but many of the concepts were very similar.
Symbolism Evolution
Flowers have always been a way to express emotions, love as well as respect. Meanings that have been used for centuries change in the course of cultivation and the culture evolves.
The popularity of the flower language grew throughout the 19th century in England and North America. Authors wrote simple guides and dictionaries, which associated the symbolic significance of a particular flower with that symbolism with the flower. These dictionaries can be beautifully illustrated, and they’re wrapped in affectionate dedications.
The majority of these symbols stemmed from mythology, folklore, and religion. Narcissus’s tale of falling in love with himself in the pool inspired the association of daffodils and self-esteem. Others were influenced by the beauty of the flowers or by their characteristics. Mimosas for instance, evoke feelings of purity as they’re sensitive to touch and are closed at night.
Cultural Influences
The Victorian Era saw the emergence of flower languages to be a subtle method of communications. The flower language worked for an era when explicit emotional expressions were not viewed upon, and where etiquette played a major role in social interaction.
The art of floristry was popular among those of the upper classes and magazines such as Godey’s Ladies’ Book often ran features on it. The game was also common parlor game in which individuals were blindfolded to pick a flower from a vase in order to decide their fate. It was a love affair or fortune.
There were many flower dictionaries which gave each flower its specific significance. The lexicons offered a variety of meanings in that, for instance, the hyacinth was believed to represent beauty but also loyalty and forgiveness. These hoa khai truong interpretations were based on diverse sources which included literary works from the classical period, Shakespearean associations, and earlier French floriographies.
Modern
Flower symbols are still in use throughout the years. This is used by artists editors, designers marketing, florists poets, and writers. It’s often referred to as”florography” or “the language of flowers.
It was at its peak during the Victorian time period, floral design was one of the most popular literary trends. A myriad of flower, plant and plant publications appeared. Many of them contained lists of flowers, herbs and other plants along with symbolic meanings. Some were based on myths or folklore. For example, the association with egotism and daffodils comes from Narcissus obsessed with his own.
The symbols of flowers can transmit many different messages and emotions. They also vary by color since each hue brings specific feelings and significance. As an example, a fiery red flower symbolizes the love and affection of a person, whereas a delicate white rose signifies pureness and innocence.
