Victorian Floriography: A Ellermann Florist Guide to Flower Symbolism

Introduction to Victorian Flower Language

During the Victorian era (1837-1901), the art of communicating through flowers, known as floriography or the "language of flowers," reached its zenith. This intricate symbolic system allowed people to express feelings and messages that social conventions prevented them from speaking aloud. In an age of strict propriety and restrained emotional expression, flowers became the medium for conveying everything from passionate love to subtle rejection.

The practice drew from various sources including classical mythology, folklore, religious symbolism, and the natural characteristics of plants themselves. Multiple flower dictionaries were published during this period, though meanings could vary between regions and publications, adding layers of complexity to this botanical communication system.

Historical Context and Cultural Significance

Origins and Development

The Victorian fascination with flower symbolism wasn't entirely original. The practice had roots in:

• Ottoman Turkey: The Turkish "selam" system influenced European flower language

• Ancient civilizations: Greek and Roman mythology attributed meanings to various plants

• Religious traditions: Christian symbolism associated flowers with saints and virtues

• Folk traditions: European peasant cultures had long-standing plant associations

Social Function

In Victorian society, floriography served several important functions:

• Courtship communication: Young people could express romantic interest discretely

• Social etiquette: Flowers conveyed messages about social relationships and status

• Emotional outlet: Provided a way to express feelings considered inappropriate to voice

• Intellectual pursuit: Studying flower meanings became a refined accomplishment

• Mourning customs: Specific flowers conveyed different aspects of grief and remembrance

The Mechanics of Flower Language

How Messages Were Constructed

Victorian flower arrangements weren't random bouquets but carefully constructed messages. The meaning could be modified by:

• Position: How flowers were held or presented

• Combination: Which flowers were grouped together

• Color variations: Different colors of the same flower could have opposite meanings

• Number: The quantity of flowers could add numerical significance

• Presentation method: Right-handed vs. left-handed presentation changed meaning

• Inclusion of accessories: Ribbons, leaves, or thorns modified messages

Reading the Messages

Recipients needed to understand not just individual flower meanings but also:

• Dominant flower: Usually determined the primary message

• Supporting flowers: Modified or reinforced the main meaning

• Seasonal context: Time of year could influence interpretation

• Personal codes: Some couples developed their own symbolic variations

Comprehensive Flower Symbolism Dictionary

Flowers of Love and Romance

Red Rose: Passionate love, deep affection

• The undisputed queen of romantic flowers

• Different numbers conveyed specific messages (one rose = love at first sight, dozen roses = complete devotion)

Pink Rose: Gentle love, gratitude, appreciation

• Conveyed softer romantic feelings

• Appropriate for early courtship

White Rose: Pure love, innocence, new beginnings

• Often used in weddings

• Could also symbolize spiritual love

Yellow Rose: Friendship, joy, but also jealousy in some contexts

• Complex meaning that required careful interpretation

• Could indicate platonic rather than romantic affection

Forget-me-not: True love, remembrance, faithful love

• Popular for lovers' tokens

• Small size made them perfect for secret messages

Red Tulip: Declaration of love

• Bold romantic statement

• Often used when direct proposal wasn't yet appropriate

Camellia: Perfect loveliness, gratitude

• Red camellias indicated flame-like passion

• White camellias suggested pure, devoted love

Gardenia: Secret love, joy, purity

• Conveyed hidden romantic feelings

• Popular for corsages and boutonnieres

Flowers of Friendship and Positive Regard

Yellow Chrysanthemum: Slighted love (in Europe) vs. joy and optimism (in Asia)

• Cultural context was crucial

• Required knowledge of regional interpretations

Alstroemeria: Lasting friendship, devotion

• Relatively newer addition to flower symbolism

• Conveyed enduring platonic bonds

Sunflower: Adoration, loyalty, longevity

• Impressive size made bold statements

• Symbolized unwavering devotion

Zinnia: Thoughts of friends, endurance

• Mixed colors represented thinking of an absent friend

• Durable flowers symbolized lasting connections

White Chrysanthemum: Truth, honesty

• Conveyed sincere friendship

• Popular for expressing genuine regard

Flowers of Sorrow and Mourning

Cypress: Death, mourning, despair

• Dark evergreen associated with cemeteries

• Conveyed deep grief and eternal sorrow

Yew: Sorrow, death, rebirth

• Ancient associations with death and immortality

• Common in churchyards and memorial gardens

Rosemary: Remembrance, fidelity

• "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance"

• Essential herb for funeral wreaths

Purple Hyacinth: Sorrow, regret, forgiveness

• Mythological origins in grief

• Conveyed desire for reconciliation

White Lily: Purity, rebirth, the soul restored after death

• Heavily associated with funeral rites

• Symbolized hope for afterlife

Poppy: Sleep, peace, death

• Connection to opium and eternal rest

• Common on war memorials

Marigold: Grief, jealousy, cruelty

• Bright color contrasted with sorrowful meaning

• Sometimes called "Mary's gold" in Christian contexts

Flowers of Warning and Rejection

Yellow Carnation: Rejection, disdain

• Sharp contrast to red carnation's love

• Clear message of romantic disinterest

Orange Lily: Hatred, disdain

• Aggressive color matched harsh meaning

• Unmistakable rejection signal

Black Rose: Death, farewell, hatred

• Extremely rare, often artificially colored

• Ultimate rejection symbol

Foxglove: Insincerity

• Beautiful but poisonous plant

• Warned against false intentions

Rhododendron: Danger, beware

• Toxic properties reflected in meaning

• Cautioned recipient to be careful

Snapdragon: Deception, graciousness (mixed meanings)

• Flowers that appeared to "bite" when squeezed

• Could warn of false charm

Flowers of Virtue and Spirituality

White Violet: Modesty, innocence

• Small, humble flowers

• Conveyed pure, unpretentious character

Lily of the Valley: Return of happiness, humility

• Associated with Virgin Mary

• Symbolized pure, spiritual joy

Iris: Wisdom, valor, faith

• Named after rainbow goddess

• Conveyed noble character traits

Jasmine: Grace, elegance, amiability

• Fragrant flowers suggested refined nature

• Popular in bridal arrangements

Lavender: Devotion, serenity, grace

• Calming scent matched peaceful meaning

• Conveyed spiritual tranquility

Seasonal Flower Meanings

Spring Flowers:

• Daffodil: New beginnings, rebirth, unrequited love

• Crocus: Youthful gladness, cheerfulness

• Primrose: Young love, eternal love

• Tulip: Perfect love, fame, charity

Summer Flowers:

• Peony: Bashfulness, shame, honor

• Delphinium: Cheerfulness, goodwill

• Hollyhock: Ambition, fertility

• Larkspur: Lightness, levity

Autumn Flowers:

• Aster: Symbol of love, daintiness

• Dahlia: Elegance, dignity, good taste

• Goldenrod: Precaution, encouragement

Winter Flowers:

• Holly: Foresight, domestic happiness

• Mistletoe: I surmount difficulties

• Poinsettia: Celebration, success

Color Significance in Victorian Floriography

Red Flowers

• Passion, love, courage, strength

• Conveyed intense emotions

• Most powerful romantic statement

White Flowers

• Purity, innocence, spirituality

• New beginnings, peace

• Appropriate for formal occasions

Pink Flowers

• Grace, gentility, happiness

• Gentle love, appreciation

• Softer alternative to red

Yellow Flowers

• Friendship, joy, but also jealousy

• Complex meanings requiring context

• Could indicate platonic feelings

Purple Flowers

• Royalty, dignity, pride

• First love, enchantment

• Conveyed noble sentiments

Orange Flowers

• Enthusiasm, desire, fascination

• Bold, energetic emotions

• Sometimes indicated warning

Blue Flowers

• Tranquility, peace, openness

• Faithful love, trust

• Rare in nature, highly valued

Creating and Interpreting Bouquets

Traditional Bouquet Construction

Tussy-mussies: Small, round bouquets with specific symbolic arrangements

• Central flower conveyed main message

• Surrounding flowers provided context

• Often included herbs for fragrance and additional meaning

Presentation Rules:

• Right hand = positive message

• Left hand = negative message

• Upside down = opposite meaning

• With ribbon = bound by the message

Modern Interpretations

While Victorian floriography is no longer widely practiced in daily life, understanding these symbols adds depth to:

• Wedding planning: Choosing flowers with meaningful symbolism

• Funeral arrangements: Selecting appropriate memorial flowers

• Gift-giving: Adding thoughtful meaning to floral presents

• Garden design: Creating themed plantings with symbolic significance

• Literature and art: Understanding historical and contemporary references

Regional Variations and Cultural Differences

British vs. American Interpretations

• Some meanings varied between countries

• American flower dictionaries sometimes differed from British sources

• Climate differences affected available flowers

Class Distinctions

• Upper classes had access to exotic imported flowers

• Working classes relied on local, seasonal blooms

• Greenhouse cultivation allowed year-round symbolism

Religious Influences

• Protestant vs. Catholic interpretations sometimes differed

• Local saints and religious traditions influenced meanings

• Biblical flower references added layers of significance

Practical Applications Today

Contemporary Uses of Flower Symbolism

Wedding Flowers: Many couples still choose blooms based on traditional meanings

• Roses for love, baby's breath for pure heart

• Orange blossoms for fertility and abundance

• Lily of the valley for return of happiness

Memorial Services: Flower choice continues to convey specific sentiments

• White lilies for peace and rebirth

• Forget-me-nots for remembrance

• Red roses for enduring love

Gift Occasions: Understanding symbolism enhances flower gifts

• Yellow roses for friendship, not romance

• Iris for congratulations on achievements

• Daisies for new beginnings

Legacy and Influence

The Victorian language of flowers continues to influence contemporary culture through:

• Literature: Authors still reference flower symbolism

• Film and television: Visual storytelling uses traditional flower meanings

• Fashion: Floral patterns and jewelry draw on symbolic traditions

• Gardening: Heritage gardens preserve traditional symbolic plantings

• Art: Painters and designers incorporate meaningful flower imagery

Ellermann Flower Guide

Victorian floriography represented far more than mere decoration or pleasant fragrance. It was a sophisticated communication system that allowed people to navigate complex social relationships while expressing deep emotions within the constraints of their society. Understanding this symbolic language provides insight into Victorian culture, social norms, and the enduring human desire to communicate meaning through the beauty of nature.

While we may no longer construct elaborate coded bouquets, the symbolic power of flowers remains embedded in our culture. A red rose still says "I love you" as clearly today as it did in Victorian drawing rooms, proving that some languages transcend time and speak directly to the human heart.

The art of floriography reminds us that communication takes many forms, and that beauty and meaning can be intertwined in ways that speak more powerfully than words alone. In our modern world of instant digital communication, there's something timelessly appealing about the thoughtful, deliberate nature of expressing feelings through carefully chosen flowers – a practice that required patience, knowledge, and genuine consideration for the recipient's understanding and response.