Flowers and their Hidden Meanings

When choosing flowers today you probably don’t think about much other than the color. But during the 1800s there was much more to consider as flowers were sent with hidden meanings.

Flowers began to gain special meaning during the Victorian Era as they became a way to send messages to one another. This increased popularity of assigning meaning to flowers was when the language of flowers was created.

The term used for the language of flowers is called floriography and the first flower dictionary was written in 1819. Public displays of affection were frowned upon so flowers were utilized to communicate emotions or wishes to lovers, friends and enemies. Some of the hidden meanings come from the root names based from mythology while others came directly from the flowers.

Colors represented different meanings depending on the type of flower. For instance, a yellow carnation symbolized disdain but a yellow lily symbolized gratitude. Red was often associated with love and passion. White symbolized purity, rebirth and innocence. Pink symbolized motherly love, femininity and adoration. Blue and purple was associated with royalty.

While each color had a different meaning, each flower was also used to convey specific emotions. Below are some flowers from the book, The Language of Flowers, by Sheila Pickles. Original translations have shifted over time but through flower symbolism we can still express what we want to say.

Anemone - Forsaken

Anemone are known as Wind-flowers. The ancient Greeks believed they opened their petals when the wind blew, so they named them after the god of the wind, Anemos.

“One legend tells us that when Venus was weeping in the forest for Adonis, anemones sprang up where her tears fell - perhaps why Forsaken, after all, is the true meaning.” The Language of Flowers

Today, anemones have become very popular wedding flowers because of their striking and delicate appearance.

Carnation - Alas for my Poor Heart

Carnations come in many different colors and each represented a different emotion.

Red carnations represent love and admiration while yellow carnations represent disdain. And striped carnations represent refusal.

“The Athenians honored Carnations by calling them Di-anthos, Flower of Jove, and used the flowers to make wreaths and garlands at their festivals, whence came the word “coronation” from which Carnation is derived.” The Language of Flowers

In recent years, we’ve seen an explosion of carnations in new varieties and colors. These newer carnations often don’t fit into the language of the 1800s. In part because of the new colors and varieties, carnations are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

Cornflower or Bachelor’s Button - Delicacy

The cornflower or bachelor’s button are vivid blue flowers that grow wild in cornfields. It was said that if a girl kept this flower under her apron she would have the bachelor of her choosing, hence the name bachelor’s buttons. And if a girl wore a cornflower it meant she was available for marriage. If a man put one in his pocket, he was in love. If the flower survived in his pocket it was a sign he should marry. But if the flower died he would have to find another admirer.

“Once upon a time a young boy worshipped Flora, the goddess of flowers. He was particularly fond of the blue flowers which he gathered in the cornfield near his house. One day he was found dead there and Flora turned him into a cornflower in honor of his love for the flower and his sensitivity towards her. So the significance of the cornflower became delicacy.” The Language of Flowers

Today, bachelor’s buttons are often grown by small farmer-florists and have become a popular locally-grown item in many areas.

Daffodil - Regard and Chivalry

The daffodil is said to come from an old English word, Affodyle, which means early-comer. It had many nicknames like daff-a-down-dilly and daffodilly and it is also known as the Lent lily. While they symbolize regard for someone, or friendship, some old tales saw them as an unlucky flower.

“Some regard it as unlucky to have them in the house for they hang their heads and bring tears and unhappiness. This may have come from the Story of Proserpina, told by Perdita in The Winter’s Tale, who was captured whilst picking lilies and carried off by Pluto, the Greek god. In her fear Proserpina dropped the lilies and they turned into daffodils as they touched the ground.” The Language of Flowers

Daffodils are my favorite flower. However, they have a short vase-life and are best as a locally-grown item.

Daisy - Innocence

Daisies represent innocence and they’re known as the children’s flower. These are the flowers you pull the petals off when saying, “he loves me, he loves me not.”

The name actually comes from an old English word meaning “day’s eye.” The flower opens up in the morning and when the sun goes down it folds up its petals as if it were going to sleep.

Forget-Me-Not - True Love

Forget-Me-Nots symbolize loving remembrance and true love.

“Once upon a time a knight in armor was walking along the bank of a river with his lady. She saw some flowers growing at the edge of the water and asked him to pick them for her. As the knight stretched out his hand for them, he slipped and fell into the river. Wearing heavy armor, he was unable to swim and was carried away down stream but not before he had thrown the flowers on the bank for her. Forget-me-not ! he cried as he drifted away. The maiden never forgot him and called the flower Forget-me-not in his memory.” The Language of Flowers

Geranium - Melancholy

Today, geranium symbolizes happiness, good health and wishes, and friendship. But during the 19th century they were associated with stupidity and melancholy. However, like many of the flowers, the different colors can change their meaning. For example, rose or pink geraniums were used for love spells while white geraniums were said to repel snakes.

“Said to have been given their color by Mohammed who left his clothes to dry on a bed of mallow. The flowers blushed dark red with pride and never lost their color, and have been known as geraniums ever since.” The Language of Flowers

Currently geraniums are seen mostly as potted plants, rather than cut flowers.

Hyacinth - Sorrow

Hyacinths represented jealousy and sorrow.

“Greek mythology handsome boy from Sparta called Hyacinthus. He was a great friend of Apollo, the sun god, who would descend to earth from his golden chariot in the sky to play with him. One day they were competing to see who could throw the discus the furthest. Zephyrus, the god of wind, watched them. He was jealous of Apollo, for he was fond of Hyacinthus and he plotted his revenge. Next time Apollo through the discus, Zephyrus blew the wind causing the disc to go off course and strike Hyacinthus a fatal blow on the head. Apollo was filled with grief at the death of his friend and created hyacinths out of the blood which had been shed.” The Language of Flowers

Today, hyacinths are used in spring arrangements and couture floral jewelry.

Iris - Message

Iris was the messenger of the ancient Greek gods and appeared to mortals in the form of a rainbow. The rainbow was seen as a message across the sky. Just like a rainbow, irises come in many different shades and can represent hope, courage, wisdom and admiration.

Still a popular flower, irises are a staple for many floral shops.

Lavender - Distrust

Lavender was associated with distrust. According to folklore, small poisonous snakes known as asps would lie under lavender bushes so people grew to distrust the plant.

While it wasn’t the best choice of flower to give someone back then, it was great for other uses. For centuries it was used to scent linen chests and scattered on floors to deter insects.

Both dried and fresh lavender are used in modern arrangements and bouquets.

Lily - Purity

Lilies are one of the oldest flowers in the world and the lily is the personal flower of Hera, the moon goddess. In general, they symbolize purity and beauty but their meanings change with their colors.

White lilies symbolize rebirth and purity while pink symbolize femininity and adoration. Red, like many flowers, are associated with love and passion. Orange lilies represent confidence and yellow lilies represent gratitude. You can’t go wrong with lilies!

Today, lilies are often associated with funerals and sympathy. Lilies have become one of the most popular flowers to send in remembrance of a loved one.

Orchid - A Belle

Orchids are thought of as exotic but a lot of smaller orchids grow wild in English fields. These highly prized and unique flowers symbolize beauty and refinement.

“All orchids have spots and folklore tells us orchids were growing at the foot of the Cross when Jesus was crucified. His blood dropped on the flowers and they carried the stain ever since.” The Language of Flowers

Even today, orchids are seen as a flower of refinement.

Pansy - Thoughts

Pansy comes from the French word “pensée” which means thought.

You would send these flowers to your nearest and dearest as they symbolized loving feelings. Carrying this flower with you would ensure the love of your sweetheart.

“Little flower with the smiling face said to be a love potion, and was the cause of Titania falling in love with an ass in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The Language of Flowers

Today, Pansies are the preferred cool-weather flower for landscaping. Unfortunately, because of their short stems, they are not used in floral designs very often.

Peony - Shame and Bashfulness

The peony was associated with shame and bashfulness. “Mischievous nymphs said to hide in the petals of the peony thus causing this magnificent flower to be given the meaning of shame and bashfulness.” The Language of Flowers

“However, in its native China, where it’s been growing since the Eighth Century, the Red Peony was considered the King of the Flowers and its rich, dark color and bulbous shape became symbolic of abundance.” The Language of Flowers

Today, peonies symbolize a happy life, good health, and a happy marriage. They have also become one of the most popular wedding flowers.

Rose - Love

Probably the most recognizable flower, and a Valentine’s Day favorite, the rose comes in many colors and varieties each holding different meanings.

When you think of a rose I’m sure red is the first color that comes to mind. Symbolizing love and desire, it makes sense that the red rose is known as the flower of love. There are many legends on how red roses got their color. One said Venus blushed when Jupiter caught her bathing and the white rose turned red in her reflection.

White roses symbolize purity and innocence while pink symbolize femininity and grace. Yellow was said to symbolize infidelity and jealousy but have since adopted happier meaning and can represent friendship and remembrance.

Like carnations, new roses in a variety of colors have been developed in recent years. Roses can be found in purple, striped and ‘paint-splattered’, coral, peach, and even green as well as the traditional colors.

Sunflower - Haughtiness

The sunflower has a right to feel haughty, as it’s the tallest plant in the garden. They also symbolize adoration, dedication, and pure thoughts.

They were and are a very useful plant. Seeds for eating and making oil and soap. Leaves and stalk for fodder and making cloth and even as a sub for tobacco.

Today, sunflowers are seen as the epitome of summer and are popular from spring through fall.

Tulip - Declaration of Love

Tulips symbolize true love. Red tulips are considered a declaration of love while yellow were said to mean hopeless love. Today, yellow tulips symbolize happiness. Pink symbolize caring and good wishes, purple symbolize royalty, and white symbolize forgiveness. Variegated tulips represent beautiful eyes.

The name comes from the Persian word “tulipant” which means turban which was used to describe the shape of the flower.

Tulips are the second most popular flower worldwide, second only to roses (and followed closely by sunflowers).