What Is Floriography?

Today, floriography continues to fascinate as a beautiful and poetic form of communication, merging nature’s beauty with the subtleties of human emotion on various occasions.

This article will explore the rich history and symbolism behind various popular flowers.

What is Floriography?

Floriography, known as the language of flowers, uses flowers with symbolic meaning to communicate specific emotions, messages or meanings on various occasions. This coded form of communication adds depth to bouquets and floral arrangements, as the number of flowers can influence their meaning, shifting from a bad omen to good luck. Floriography continues to influence floral traditions and modern gift-giving.

The History of Floriography

While floriography can be traced back thousands of years, with early examples of symbolic flowers used for religious rituals, mythology and art in civilisations such as Egypt, Greece and Rome, it’s widely known for its connection with the Victorian era.
During Queen Victoria’s reign, social conventions were often too strict for women of the privileged classes to express their love or admiration openly. This is where floriography found its niche, for flowers, with their various colours, shapes and scents, became the perfect medium for conveying sentiments to their peers that could not be openly spoken. In fact, books detailing the meanings of various flowers were published and circulated, helping people interpret and construct the flower’s message.

The Symbolism of Popular Flowers

Roses

Weaving a rich tapestry of emotions and relationships, roses come in various colours. For instance, red roses are the most universally recognised for expressing love and their strong connection to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The greater the number of roses, the more intense the declaration of affection, while fifteen roses precisely convey an apology, symbolising remorse and a sincere desire to make amends. In contrast, black roses are linked with mourning and farewells, while yellow roses signify joy and friendship. Pink roses reflect admiration and gratitude, embodying elegance and affection, and white roses symbolise purity, innocence, and new beginnings, often picked as favourite flowers for weddings due to their representation of loyalty and fresh starts.

Lillies

Due to their purity and serene appearance, lilies are often seen as flowers for funerals. They also convey the message of the soul returning to peace and tranquillity, offering solace to grieving families.

Daisies

Daisies’ bright, cheerful appearance is closely linked with youth, making them a fitting symbol for new beginnings and fresh starts. Because of this association, daisies are often used to celebrate the arrival of a new life, whether through birth or other life transitions.

Floriography in Modern Times

Though floriography is no longer as prevalent as it was during the Victorian era, it continues to be present in various forms today. Basic floral symbolism can still be seen at funerals, weddings and births, where flowers are carefully chosen to convey emotions and sentiments. On occasions like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, the language of flowers persists, with roses symbolising love and carnations representing a mother’s enduring affection. Saint days, such as St. David’s Day in Wales, also incorporate floral symbols. Daffodils, in particular, represent the first signs of spring and new beginnings.

The Art of Creating a Message with Flowers

While the general public may not be as familiar with the intricate meanings of every flower since its decline in the early twentieth century, floral designers and enthusiasts still appreciate the historical and emotional significance behind specific blooms, often reflected in the arts, such as literature and poetry. Whether for a personal gift or a significant event, using flowers to communicate a message can still add a deeply personal and symbolic touch.