The meaning of flowers

The Language of Flowers

A hundred years ago, the language of flowers was a major part of everyday life. It was very important to know what the flowers you gave away expressed and meant. Many young people turned to the language of flowers when they didn’t have the courage to express their feelings in words. It was also a perfect way to avoid rumours spreading through the village; after all, no one could hear a thing if you gave a small flower in silence. It was therefore a great help, and knowing it was just as important as common sense and etiquette.

Symbolism

Even today, we interpret the flowers we give to one another. If you give a large yellow sunflower, it is a sign of your undying love and admiration. Many people might feel that the classic red rose is nicer to receive than a white lily. The red rose symbolises love and paradise, whilst the white lily is associated with death and funerals; however, the colour white represents purity, innocence and chastity.

Weddings and bridal bouquets

In the context of weddings, the colour white symbolises the death of the old life and the birth of a new one. The rose garden symbolises paradise, and it is there that the mystical wedding takes place. The rose is the flower of the female deity.
It was in the mid-19th century that the first bridal bouquets appeared; at that time, they took the form of small roses wrapped in silk ribbons and tulle. Traditionally, bridal bouquets have contained white flowers, but today there is more colour and variety. Roses are still the best-selling flowers; the classic choice, whilst a combination of different colours is a bolder choice. It is ‘permissible’ to combine all sorts of colours. Only your imagination sets the limits.

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The meaning of colours

Light yellow – faith and goodness
Yellow – the joy
of life Dark yellow – betrayal and jealousy
Blue – truth and fidelity
Green – joy and equality
Orange – luxury and splendour
Purple – justice and pride
Red – love and joy
Dark red – longing and yearning
Pink – infatuation and fidelity
Lilac – happiness and prosperity
Violet – old age and humility
White – purity and chastity

What do the numbers of flowers mean?

1 – You are everything to me
2 – I want to go away with you
3 – I want a future with you
4 – I look up to you
5 – I’ll do anything for you
6 – I don’t believe your promises
7 – I love you
8 – I’ll be yours until death
9 – I only want to be with you
10 – Will you marry me?

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