Speaking of Love – Don’t Forget Flowers for Valentine’s Day
Imagine having an intimate conversation with someone you love. Now imagine how that conversation would occur without speaking, or even writing. Imagine finding someone you’d very much like to know better. Suppose they’re interested in you as well. Imagine getting that relationship off the ground without using words of any kind.
That was the situation in 1800’s Victorian England. They had a very strict etiquette. Extreme discretion was demanded at all times. Romantic conversations, even in a whisper or in writing, were off-limits. Emotional expression however, will not be denied. People soon found ways around the rules as they attached hidden meanings to many otherwise normal gestures and objects. Flowers in particular were given special meanings.
Specific meanings were given to every variety and color of flower. As a result, a bouquet of flowers could become a secret message. In addition, the way the flowers were presented, the way they were accepted also added special meanings. Many of the secret messages were romantic, but some were rejections and some were even insults. Complete conversations could be carried on using only flowers.
Tussie-mussies, small bouquets of flowers, became very popular. Using the language of flowers, Victorians developed secret messages that declared their intentions, issued rejections, and made acceptances. Emotions that were forbidden in speech or writing could now be expressed in flowers.
The secret codes eventually became so complex that people needed help understanding them. Code books, dictionaries and even complete books were written to help create and understand the messages.
The Victorians weren’t the first to use flowers to express emotions. Many cultures including the Greeks, the Persians, and the Japanese had a flower language. While the exact meanings of flowers have changed over time to meet the needs of culture, the desire to express thoughts and emotions through flowers has remained to this day.
Many cultures had elaborate and lengthy courtship rituals. The giving and receiving of flowers was often an important part of the process. Those practices led to the prominent place of flowers in our modern culture. Valentines Day, Mothers Day, and Easter, among others, simply wouldn’t be the same celebrations without flowers and plants.
We still use flowers to express our thoughts and emotions, although not in quite the same way as the Victorians. For Valentine’s Day this year, rather than sending your loved one a simple “I love you” with roses, why not try a bouquet of mixed flowers with a hidden message? Search for the “language of flowers” online for ideas. Include a note about the hidden meaning of the flowers in the bouquet. Be sure to order your Valentine’s Day flowers in advance to ensure a timely delivery.
Looking for to Tampa? A-Bow-K Florist & Gifts can deliver fresh flowers and gifts to those you care about in Tampa and neighboring communities. Remember to order early.