During the Victorian era, when social etiquette often discouraged open expression of emotion, flowers became a clever and beautiful way to communicate thoughts and feelings. This practice, known as floriography, allowed people to send secret messages through carefully arranged floral bouquets. Every flower carried a specific meaning, and even the color or arrangement could alter its message.
The fascination with flower symbolism grew alongside Queen Victoria’s reign, with the publication of flower dictionaries that assigned meanings to different blooms. These guides became essential tools for courtship, friendships, and even subtle political statements. A single bouquet could speak volumes—without saying a word.
For example, red roses represented passionate love, while white roses stood for purity and new beginnings. Giving someone a yellow rose could signify friendship—or in some interpretations, jealousy. Lavender was associated with devotion, daisies with innocence, and lilies with purity or majesty, depending on the type. Even more niche flowers, like the bluebell, signified humility, while the peony hinted at bashfulness or a happy marriage.
Not only did the type of flower carry meaning, but so did its condition and presentation. A flower presented upside down reversed its message, and a withered bloom could symbolize rejection or the end of affection. Even which hand was used to offer the bouquet had implications—left for “yes,” right for “no.”
Floriography allowed people to express emotions that were otherwise difficult to convey in polite society. Lovers could declare affection, friends could offer support, and rivals could challenge one another—all with a carefully chosen arrangement. It wasn’t just a trend; it was an unspoken language that added depth to the already symbolic nature of flowers.
While modern culture may not rely on flower meanings to the same extent, echoes of these traditions remain. Red roses are still a symbol of romance, and wedding bouquets often include lilies and roses to represent love and purity. Revisiting the Victorian language of flowers offers a romantic and nostalgic glimpse into how people once shared their hearts.
Whether for a special occasion or a personal message, incorporating the symbolic meanings of flowers adds a thoughtful touch that connects past and present in a truly unique way.