As we get older, through every stage in life, we have events that mark significant milestones. Whether it be a birthday, graduation, a wedding or a holiday, a traditional gift stands out: flowers. Flowers that we might put in a vase or dry out to save for a lifetime. We hold them close as prized possessions, knowing we only have a short time to treasure them, adding to their significance. The flowers we choose to give to others could have special meanings in themselves.
Flowers have their own language, symbolizing unique things to every person, also known as floriography.
There is a deep history of floriography, originally gaining traction in the early 19th century in England during the Victorian era. The Victorian era was restricted greatly to any supposedly scandalous behavior, specifically sexual behavior. Floriography especially became popular for women, who at the time were restricted from saying anything of meaning without being reprimanded socially. Women began to wear flowers to send messages to people around town about gossip or hearsay. Through the publishing of dictionaries spread across England and America, floriography became its own language. Flowers had unique definitions that could send a message to a friend or a lover.
Here are the meanings behind flowers, the modern version.
Roses
A rose is typically given in a romantic setting, the meaning being passionate love or even admiration. The iconic flower is a Valentine’s Day staple.
Sunflowers
The sunflower is a bright yellow flower that correlates to the meaning of friendship and joy. If you find yourself wondering at the Friday market in downtown State College, pick a few up for your apartment or gift one to a friend. Sunflowers are meant to be shared with those true friendships around you.
Blue Hydrangeas
Let’s say you made a mistake with a friend or significant other and deeply regret something you did or said. Share this with them by gifting them a blue hydrangea. The flower is known to represent an apology and forgiveness.
Lavender
The color purple which is found in lavender is tied to themes of royalty. Similar to a rose, lavender spreads a meaning of admiration, but rather a more professional version. Gift lavender to your boss or a professor.
Snapdragon
Not all flowers have a pretty meaning; some represent more negative traits. A snapdragon flower meaning is tied to deceit but also magic and protection.
This goes to say, that many definitions of flowers are ever-changing and one’s own experience with a flower could have a significant impact on its meaning. It stands to be true, however, that people will look for meaning in anything, we are fascinated by the beauty the world holds and want it to mean more. Thus, what makes flowers so powerful isn’t their arbitrary meanings, but more so in the ways they convey importance to us.
Let us know which flower you would buy! Tag us @VALLEYmag on Instagram.
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