The Secret Language of Flowers
What better way to introduce classic, elegant, Old World flair into your abode than with a bouquet of flowers? Especially if those flowers happen to carry secret messages…!
Originating from harems in the Ottoman Empire, written about in feminist poet Mary Wortley Montagu’s letters to the English embassy while in Turkey, the language of flowers was one of covert, often enticing messages. In the Victorian era, almost one hundred years after its introduction, secret messaging through floral arrangements gained sudden popularity, as botany became a hobby among women of higher classes. All of a sudden, secret flower codes were the topic of coffee table books, parlor games, and fanciful lovers’ flings. This “language” gained popularity in the Victorian era, but died out after World War I.
In this modern age, who’s to say that we can’t bring it back?
ROSE
Depending on the colour, roses can send a variety of messages. Red obviously means romantic love, but did you know that yellow roses symbolize jealousy and infidelity? Perhaps you’re just learning that dark crimson roses are a sign of mourning, and coral represents friendship. Regardless, roses of all types can convey very different sentiments!
daffodil
They can represent either chivalry or new beginnings. Daffodils are also commonly found on a “haftseen”, a tradition during Persian New Year (nowruz), because they herald the start of spring, the beginning of the traditional Persian calendar!
LILAC
White lilacs indicate the innocence and joy of youth, but purple lilacs are indicative of the first feelings of love
RHODODENDRON
Daphne DuMaurier’s classic novel, Rebecca (1938) uses the language of flowers extensively, to the point that if the reader looks only at flower descriptions, they will figure out the entire plot!
Some of the most poignant descriptions are of rhododendrons, which symbolize immediate danger…
BLUEBELL
Symbolizing purity and constancy, this dainty little flower is also known as the harebell in Scotland. Why? It is said that witches would turn themselves into hares and hide among the bluebells!
IVY
Images of Ivy covered walls might invoke an image of an old, decrepit house, but in truth, Ivy represents something more lasting:
friendship, fidelity, and marriage
BASIL
If you’re ever inclined to send your friend a bouquet of basil, make sure you’re using sweet basil (best wishes), and not common basil (hatred!)
for those of us who like a bit of Old World Magic in our modern lives...here are some bouquet ideas for varying moods in which you might find yourself:
Q: How does one subtly convey the first sparks of love?
a: Try some purple lilacs and sweet basil for a fragrant and poignant message!
Q: Impressed by an individual’s wit and intelligence?
A: Send a bunch of Clematis and Kennedia which represent mental beauty!
Q: Wishing to savagely destroy someone with your secret knowledge?
a: Give them a bunch of striped and yellow carnations + lavender (Use this bouquet with discretion…you’ll be rejecting them, wishing to exact vengeance, and letting them know you think they’re dishonest!)
And of course, let us not forget the meaning of the singular red rose, the most poignant of all floral symbols: true love ♥️
Find yourself wishing you could go beyond the floral realm of Old World Magic? Reserve the Autumn Potion Box and enjoy the season to the fullest!
