The Language of Flowers

In Victorian England, flowers were widely used to send secret messages to others.

People would carry around flower dictionaries so they could decode bouquets that were gifted to them. Women would take a flower from the bouquet, and if the one who gave it to her captured her heart, she’d pin the flower over her heart to show her affection for him. There’s just something so special about being connected through something so fragrant and vibrant.

There’s something about flowers that just lift our mood, whether we’re planting them, giving them or receiving them. I think the Victorian art of talking through bouquets is so sweet, and I think we should bring that back. I think the mystery of what the flowers could mean is what gives it that romantic vibe. Through years of research for my job as Editor in Chief of this magazine, I have come to know the meaning of many flowers, and here are a few of my favourites.

Lilac - the perfect flower to give on the third date, lilac, specifically purple lilacs, represent new love. Pink lilacs are a nice follow-up to give when your love is solidified.

Blue Violet – This flower symbolizes faithfulness and devotion. Blue violets are especially sweet to give to a significant other that you’ve been with for many years. It shows your everlasting love, and that your relationship will stand the test of time.

Chrysanthemum – Whoever gives a chrysanthemum is saying to the recipient, “I will always be honest with you.”

Yellow Pansy – Yellow pansies are for when you want someone to know that they’re on your mind. A Beautiful flower to send to your significant other while they’re away, or a crush that you can’t get out of your head.

Myrtle – Long used in wedding bouquets, myrtle is a symbol of love and marriage. It has traditionally been called a wedding flower.

Tulip – Especially pink tulips, are a sign to the recipient that you truly love them.

Jasmine – This flower represents sensuality and affection. Spending the night together? This flower shows the recipient that you cant wait to be in their arms.

Forget-Me-Nots – A flower you give to an old flame. Forget-Me-Nots are meant for that one person in your life that it didn’t- or couldn’t work out, but they’ll always be special to you.

Gardenia – Another popular wedding bouquet flower, Gardenias symbolize harmony in a relationship – two people coming together to share their lives. They also represent sweetness. Gardenias are a token to slip onto someone’s porch when you secretly admire them.

Sweet Peas – This flower signifies that the recipient gives you butterflies. Perfect for a first date, or to remind your significant other that they still make your stomach drop when they walk into the room.