Think about having an intimate conversation with a loved one. Would it be possible to have that conversation without speaking or writing? Suppose you found someone you'd like to know better. How could you develop that relationship without speaking or writing?
That was the situation during much of the 1800's in Victorian England. Extreme discretion was required. Emotional expression, especially if it was romantic in nature, was strictly taboo. Such thoughts couldn't even be whispered or written down. As a result people soon found other ways to express their thoughts and feelings. One popular way was to attach special meanings to flowers.
As a result, secret meanings were given to every type and color of flower. Bouquets became secret messages. An exchange of flowers became a conversation without words. The way the flowers were presented and the way they were accepted also added meaning. Many secret messages were romantic in nature, but some were rejections or insults.
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.
As the symbolism grew more complex, many details of the secret codes were written down. Eventually dictionaries and even books were written to clarify the meanings and to help people better 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. - 16463
That was the situation during much of the 1800's in Victorian England. Extreme discretion was required. Emotional expression, especially if it was romantic in nature, was strictly taboo. Such thoughts couldn't even be whispered or written down. As a result people soon found other ways to express their thoughts and feelings. One popular way was to attach special meanings to flowers.
As a result, secret meanings were given to every type and color of flower. Bouquets became secret messages. An exchange of flowers became a conversation without words. The way the flowers were presented and the way they were accepted also added meaning. Many secret messages were romantic in nature, but some were rejections or insults.
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.
As the symbolism grew more complex, many details of the secret codes were written down. Eventually dictionaries and even books were written to clarify the meanings and to help people better 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. - 16463
About the Author:
Valentine flower delivery to Tampa, Florida. A-Bow-K Florist & Gifts can deliver fresh flowers and gifts to those you care about in Tampa and neighboring communities. Be sure to order early.
