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More than just roses

Illustration of daisies from The Language and Sentiment of Flowers, by Warne’s Bouquet Series.

For Valentine’s Day, people often think of roses as the flowers to give to show love. But roses are not the only flowers that can express love and affection. In the 1800s, a bouquet might contain a variety of flowers, with each one conveying a specific meaning, expressing feelings and passing messages.

Learning the special symbolism of flowers was a popular pastime then, and there were even flower dictionaries to help, such as The Language and Sentiment of Flowers by Laura Valentine. Some also offered example bouquets, like a bouquet to say “let the bonds of marriage unite us,” which consisted of blue convolvulus, ivy, and a few whole straws, meaning respectively “bonds,” “marriage,” and “unite us.”

So, more than just roses, there are other flowers that can express a single thought of love or a whole sentiment. Here are some possibilities:

  • Yellow acacia: Secret love.
  • Pink camellia: Longing for you.
  • Red camellia: You are a flame in my heart.
  • White camellia: You are adorable.
  • Red chrysanthemum: I love you.
  • Daffodil: Regard.
  • Daisy: Loyal love.
  • Heliotrope: Eternal love or devotion.
  • Jonquil: I desire a return of affection.
  • Morning glory: Affection.
  • Myrtle: Love in a marriage.
  • Blue salvia: I think of you.
  • Red salvia: Forever mine.
  • Sorrel: Affection.
  • Dwarf sunflower: Adoration.
  • Tarragon: Lasting interest.
  • Red tulip: Passion or a declaration of love.
  • Yellow tulip: Sunshine in your smile.
  • Yarrow: Everlasting love.
  • Zinnia: Thoughts of absent friends or lasting affection.

If you and your love are particularly fond of roses, you might want to note the meanings of the various colors, although sometimes meanings vary.

  • White: Purity, innocence, reverence, a new beginning or a fresh start.
  • Red: Love, I love you.
  • Dark crimson: Mourning.
  • Pink: Grace, happiness or gentleness.
  • Yellow: Friendship, but also jealousy or decrease of love.
  • Orange: Desire and enthusiasm.
  • Lavender: Love at first sight.
  • Coral: Friendship, modesty or sympathy.

You can say even more with a combination of flowers, if you wish. A bouquet of yellow acacia and jonquils, with snowdrops added (meaning “hope”) might be just the thing to tell someone that you secretly adore them and hope they reciprocate the feeling.

To learn more about the language of flowers, visit almanac.com and search “flower meanings.” For 19th century flower dictionaries, visit archive.org and search “language of flowers.”

 

By Susan Helton; courtesy photos

CPC

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