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| Tansy "Tanacetum vulgare - harilik soolikarohi Keilas2" by Ivar Leidus Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike |
President Theodore Roosevelt
once famously proclaimed, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” But if Teddy
knew the language of flowers he might have said, “Speak softly and carry a big Tansy!” Tansy flowers may look fairly delicate and innocuous but for those in
the know, they mean, “I declare war against you!” It seems there’s a whole
vocabulary of all things floral that reached its height in Queen Victoria’s
reign (1837-1901.) There is even a name for the study of flower-speak: Florography.
In my research I found many
lists with contradictory meanings for the same flowers so if you decide to send
a message with your bouquet, you might consider including a translation.
Wouldn’t want to give the wrong impression! For example, some lists claim a
Peony means “Happy Marriage” while others say it’s crying “Anger!” I must say,
I found an inordinate amount of hostility associated with yellow flowers.
Occasionally yellow-colored flowers are said to represent joy or chivalry but
more often they’ve been associated with less pleasant qualities such as
jealousy or falseness. Being a fan of that sunny hue I think it’s gotten a bum
rap! The list I compiled, below, is taken mostly from meanings during the
Victorian era. Have fun (and think twice before you send those flowers!)
Amaryllis: Pride
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| By Elb2000 at en.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons |
Azalea: First love
Begonia: Caution (Red: Dark
thoughts)
Bluebell: Constancy
Camellia: My destiny is in
your hands
Carnation (Pink): I’ll never
forget you
Carnation (Yellow): Disdain
Dahlia (Red): Dignity and
elegance
Daisy: Innocence
Edelweiss: Noble courage
Evening Primrose:
Inconstancy
Forget-me-not: Forget me not
(well, duh)
Freesia: Lasting friendship
Gardenia: Refinement
Geranium (Scarlet):
Comforting
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| Pansy "Pansy Viola tricolor Flower 2448px" (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) Licensed under Creative Commons |
Hyacinth (Purple): Please
forgive me
Iris: Message
Ivy: Fidelity
Jasmine (Madagascar):
Happiness in marriage
Jonquil: Desire
Lilac: First emotions of
love
Lily-of-the-valley: Return
of happiness
Magnolia: Magnificence
Myrtle: Home and Love
Narcissus: Self-love
Nasturtium: Patriotic
Orange Blossom: Your purity
equals your loveliness
Orchid: Refined beauty
Pansy: Think of me
Petunia: Do not despair
Queen Anne’s Lace: Safe Haven
Quince: Temptation
Rose (Red): Love
Roses (Red and White
Together): Unity
Stephanotis: Happiness in
marriage
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| Tulips "Tulip - floriade canberra" by John O'Neill - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - |
Tansy: I declare war against
you
Tulip: Declaration of love
Verbena (White): Sensitivity
Violet: Modesty
Water Lily: Purity of heart
Wisteria: Welcome
Yarrow: Cure for a broken
heart
Zinnia: I mourn your absence
Have a good week, dear Reader. Thanks for stopping by...Y'all come back now! (and send flowers!)
Kate
Kate
