It is widely believed that the Victorians created the flower language, however, it was actually two women from Europe’s 17th century who kick-started the craze. The two ladies Mary Wortley Montagu, and Aubry De Mottraye travelled into the Ottoman Empire. They brought home the secrets of their floral symbols.
Origins
The art of floral inscription (or flowers in the languages) was a major Victorian time hoa khai truong craze, which consisted of the sending of messages encoded with flowers. Floral symbolism is still relevant even if it began to fade during the 19th century. Whitney Lynn, a contemporary artist, created to promote San Diego International Airport a project that used flowers with particular significance.
This was the Lady Mary Wortley Montague, Seigneur Aubry de La Mottraye and Seigneur Aubry de Mottraye, who introduced the floating trend to Europe out of Ottoman Turkey. Following its rise to fame, a variety of dictionary of floriography were made available. The books contained botanical details, novelty items like calendars, as well as listings of different flowers along with their associated symbols. The meanings of some were inspired by legends, folklore and mythology (the connection between daffodils and egoism as an example) and others were derived from the actual flowers. Interestingly, the authors of these books often quoted an Eastern custom known as Selam in their flower dictionaries.
Victorian Era
Floriography, or the language of flowers, functioned as an elegant method of concealing communications in Victorian society. The coded system of botanicals can convey love, desire or disdain. It allowed people in a time which was controlled by strict social conventions to express their emotions in a socially acceptable manner.
The 19th century saw the first books on flower symbolism and language were created. The specifics in this flower-related language differ depending on what flower was utilized, how it was given or the person who gave it. These subtle expressions permitted interpretation as well as imagination. The vocabulary of flower names grew to include over 1,400 different flowers, herbs, and trees. While the flower vocabulary varied in different cultures but the sentiments were usually similar.
Evolution of Symbolism
Flowers have always been a way to express love, emotion, as well as respect. Meanings that have been used for centuries change when plants are grown and their culture shifts.
The popularity of the flower language grew throughout the 19th century in England as well as North America. Authors wrote simple guides and dictionaries, which connected the meaning of a flower with that floral symbol. They were frequently lavishly illustrated and were adorned with sentimental dedications.
The majority of these images were derived from religion, mythology and folklore. Narcissus’ story about getting in love in a swimming pool inspired the connection of daffodils to pride. A few were inspired by look of the plants, or the characteristics they possess. For example, mimosa flowers brought feelings of purity since they do not open at night and have a touch sensor.
Cultural Influences
The Victorian Era saw the emergence of flower language as a method of discrete communications. The flower language worked for a time when direct expressive expressions of feelings were looked down at and social communication was an integral part in the social interactions.
Ladies’ magazines like Godey’s Ladies’ Book featured it frequently. The game was also common parlor game in which blindfolded people picked a flower out of a vase, to figure the outcome of their love, fate or fortune.
There were many dictionaries for flowers which gave each flower its particular meaning. The meanings in the lexicons are various, such as the hyacinth flower was believed to symbolize beauty, however, they also symbolized loyalty, piety, and forgiveness. The interpretations were based off diverse sources such as classic literature, Shakespearean associations, and older French flower lexicographies.
Modern
The symbolism of flowers is still popular throughout the years. Editors, designers, writers marketing, florists and poets use the concept. Florography is used frequently to describe it.
In the Victorian time, floral design reached the heights of its popularity. Numerous flower, herb and plant books came out. Many included lists of the significance of the plants, flowers and herbs. Some were based on myths or folklore. For example, the association between egotism and daffodils stems from Narcissus obsessed with his own.
Flowers can communicate multiple messages as well as emotions. They can also differ in color, as each hue evokes particular emotions and significance. A fiery red rose represents passion and love, while the delicate white flower symbolizes innocence and purity.
