Throughout history, people worldwide have been using flowers to show appreciation: as gifts, religious offerings, decorations, and accessories. The tradition of gifting flowers started with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The ancient Greeks often brought flowers to their temples as offerings to the gods. Similarly, the Romans used flowers during an ancient festival called Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February. During these festivities, the flowers were exchanged as tokens of affection between pairs of lovers. This holiday eventually evolved into Valentine’s Day, but the tradition of exchanging flowers has remained the same. Today, bouquets are not only made with fresh flowers but may also implement a vast variety of creative materials, including paper, yarn, ribbon, and Legos. Regardless of what you want your flowers to be made of, you may like to consider the deeper meanings behind your blossom of choice.
Roses
Roses, most likely the first flowers that come to mind when we think of a bouquet, have been a long-standing symbol of love. The rose’s significance is rooted in Greek mythology, as the rose was frequently associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. As legend has it, when Aphrodite held her wounded lover Adonis in her arms, her tears mingled with his blood to create the first red rose. Hence, red roses are often seen as a sign of deep devotion and passion.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers signify joy, loyalty, and strength. Their bright yellow hue represents optimism, and their tall stature signifies strength and resilience in times of hardship. Due to their nature of facing towards the sun, they are often seen as a symbol of looking towards the light and having a positive outlook on the surrounding world.
Tulips
Tulips symbolize unconditional love, rebirth, and generosity. For centuries they have represented deep love not only between romantic partners but also family and friends. Since they bloom in the spring, they are seen as a symbol of renewal after a dark time, similar to the way in which spring succeeds winter. Ever since the Victorian era, they have been closely associated with charity, and many organizations still use this flower to represent them.
Carnations
Carnations embody a variety of different meanings depending on their color. Red carnations represent deep love, while white ones symbolize purity and motherhood. Pink carnations signify gratitude and are given as a way to say “thank you” to the receiver. Green carnations have been known as a symbol of gay identity ever since Oscar Wilde popularized the Parisian style in 1892. He set this trend when he asked his friends to adorn their lapels with green carnations when they came to view his play entitled Lady Windermere’s Fan.
Poppies
Poppies remain a symbol of sleep, peace, and death. Due to the sedative opium they contain, they are associated with sleep, as depicted in the red poppy field in L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wizard of Oz. Since they were commonly seen growing on battlefields, they became a symbol of peace to the soldiers who passed on. For more than a century, they have been a sign of remembrance towards those who served the Armed Forces and the sacrifices they made.
Daisies
Daisies are often associated with childbirth, innocence, and fresh starts. According to an old Celtic legend, when an infant died, the heavens would spread daisies across the land in an act of comfort. They are often given at baby showers and weddings to celebrate a new chapter in one’s life. They symbolize hope and the joy that comes with change.
Peonies
Peonies are associated with healing, care, and prosperity. They are intertwined with remedies, as they were used for their medicinal properties in ancient Greece and medieval times. Pink peonies specifically are often given as a token of affection towards another. Their association with prosperity is rooted in Chinese culture, in which they are regarded as “the king of flowers.” Yellow peonies in particular are said to bring good fortune.
So just remember, next time you’re picking out a bouquet, choose flowers fit for the occasion. Consider who you are creating it for, what occasion it’s intended for, and most importantly, what your receiver will like. After all, to be loved is to be known. I hope this knowledge assists you in spreading love through the language of flowers.
Sources:
https://www.bloomandwild.com/the-blog/the-meaning-and-symbolism-of-tulip-flowers
https://www.bloomandwild.com/the-blog/peony-flower-symbolism-and-colour-guide
https://www.bloomandwild.com/the-blog/the-symbolism-and-colour-meaning-of-carnations
https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee/articles/the-language-of-pride
