The language is flowers bloomed during the Victorian era when elaborately chosen tussie-mussies became a delicate way for lovers and close friends to communicate their feelings for each other. The tussie-mussy, also known as nosegay or posey, is a small bouquet that was originally carried in the hand or pinned on ones dress to make it possible for the wearer to burry her nose in the floral scent; thereby escaping from the unpleasant odours of the environment. During the reign of British Queen Victoria, the tussie-mussy became a popular fashion accessory and was often received as a gift from known or secret admirers.
During this era a lot of flower language dictonaries was published with somewhat different meanings for different flowers when it came to the meaning of flowers so there was a clear risk of confusion. If you wish to use the language of flowers today, it is advisable to let a beautiful flower dictionary accompany your first bouquet to make sure that you and the recipient of your affection are quite literary on the same page. You don’t want your beloved to interpret a flower as “I’m sorry but I love another” when you are actually trying to say “My love for you is undying”.
The meaning of roses is today likely the most popular and well known part of the flower language and few people of today would puzzle over the meaning of a dozen red roses. Most of us know that the meaning of red roses are passionate love and that it is something you give to a person you love. Yellow roses normally denote friendship and devotion, but there are flower dictionaries that regard yellow roses as a symbol of jealousy and falsehood so be careful.
Some parts of the Victorian flower language were invented during that very epoch while other parts can trace their roots back to ancient civilizations or medieval traditions. The meaning of the flower iris is that someone is sending a message that should be trusted and will arrive soon after the flower, the reason for this is that the flower is namned after the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology.
Seven ways to say I love you
Rose (red) – Love ; I love you
Tulip (red) – Believe me; belive my declaration of love
Veronica – Fidelity
Wallflower – Fidelity in adversity
Zinnia (magenta) – Lasting affection
Ambrosia – Love returned
Primrose – I can’t live without you
Seven flowers asking the recipient for forgiveness
Hyacinth (purple) – I’m sorry; please forgive me; sorrow
Fern Sincerity
Hazel Reconciliation
Persicaria – Restoration
Helenium Tears
Lily of the valley – Return to happiness; humility
Peach blossom – I am your captive
Seven flowers to cheer someone up
Violet (white) – Let’s take a chance on happiness
Yarrow – Health; healing
Xeranthemum – Cheerfulness under adversity
Sweet Basil – Good luck
Bells Of Ireland – Good luck
Camomile – Energy in adversity
Allspice – Compassion
Tags: flower language, flowers, language, love, roses