Imagine having a conversation with someone. Now imagine trying to have that same conversation without speaking or writing. Suppose it was an intimate conversation with someone you love. Suppose the conversation was with someone you'd like to know better. How would you develop a relationship or even carry on a conversation without speech or writing?
That was the situation in Victorian England for much of the 1800's. Due to the strict social etiquette of the time, extreme discretion was required. Conversations of a romantic nature were strictly off-limits. But emotional expression cannot be denied for long. Symbolism and meaning became attached to everyday objects and gestures, and especially to flowers.
The result was "secret" messages hidden in bouquets of flowers. Different meanings were attached to every type and color of flower, how they were presented, and how they were received. Many of the messages were romantic in nature. Some messages were rejections, and even insults. An exchange of flowers became a complete conversation.
Small bouquets of mixed flowers, know as tussie-mussies, became quite popular. Together with the secret language of flowers, they allowed intentions to be declared, and refusals and acceptances to be made. They allowed the expression of wishes, thoughts and emotions that people of the time dared not speak aloud.
Eventually the symbolism became so complex that help was needed to decipher the messages. Dictionaries and even whole books were written to ensure that the messages were properly conveyed and clearly understood.
Before the Victorians, other cultures used flowers to express emotions. In ancient times cultures like the Greeks and Persians gave their own meanings to flowers. The Japanese too, created their own flower language. The exact meanings of the flowers and colors change over time to fit the needs of the culture but the use of flowers to express emotions continues 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.
Although we don't use flowers in quite the same way as the Victorians, we still use flowers to express our emotions. For Valentine's Day this year, rather than sending a simple message, such as "I love you" with roses, think about using a hidden message with a bouquet of mixed flowers. Search online for "language of flowers" to jump start your ideas. Don't forget to add a note to explain the hidden message. Remember to order Valentine flowers in advance for a timely delivery. - 20785
That was the situation in Victorian England for much of the 1800's. Due to the strict social etiquette of the time, extreme discretion was required. Conversations of a romantic nature were strictly off-limits. But emotional expression cannot be denied for long. Symbolism and meaning became attached to everyday objects and gestures, and especially to flowers.
The result was "secret" messages hidden in bouquets of flowers. Different meanings were attached to every type and color of flower, how they were presented, and how they were received. Many of the messages were romantic in nature. Some messages were rejections, and even insults. An exchange of flowers became a complete conversation.
Small bouquets of mixed flowers, know as tussie-mussies, became quite popular. Together with the secret language of flowers, they allowed intentions to be declared, and refusals and acceptances to be made. They allowed the expression of wishes, thoughts and emotions that people of the time dared not speak aloud.
Eventually the symbolism became so complex that help was needed to decipher the messages. Dictionaries and even whole books were written to ensure that the messages were properly conveyed and clearly understood.
Before the Victorians, other cultures used flowers to express emotions. In ancient times cultures like the Greeks and Persians gave their own meanings to flowers. The Japanese too, created their own flower language. The exact meanings of the flowers and colors change over time to fit the needs of the culture but the use of flowers to express emotions continues 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.
Although we don't use flowers in quite the same way as the Victorians, we still use flowers to express our emotions. For Valentine's Day this year, rather than sending a simple message, such as "I love you" with roses, think about using a hidden message with a bouquet of mixed flowers. Search online for "language of flowers" to jump start your ideas. Don't forget to add a note to explain the hidden message. Remember to order Valentine flowers in advance for a timely delivery. - 20785
About the Author:
A leading Tampa florist, A-Bow-K Florist and Gifts has been delivering Valentines Day flowers and gifts to Tampa and the surrounding area for 25 successful years.
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