History of the Language of Flowers
Floriography is the term used to represent the language of flowers where one would send flower or plant arrangements that would hold certain meanings. The language of flowers seem to of first began in the 17th century when Turks developed the different meanings of flowers "as a way for the concubine women who could not read or write to communicate with each other"(santamonicaflowers). The Europeans soon became aware of this secret language and it quickly spread. During the victorian era sending messages hidden in a bouquet of flowers became very popular.
In the Elizabethan era the use of flowers grew. In this era, behaviour had many strict codes and naturally hypocrisy and the need to be sneaky also became very evident especially in higher classes. "Women especially picked up the silent language that allowed them to communicate feelings and meanings that the strict propriety of the times would not allow"(santamonicaflowers). Romance and love was also very desired during this era even, as it can be seen in Shakespeare's plays, even though it was difficult because of social class restrictions. Flowers gave couples a way to communicate "romantic gestures and the idea of true love conquering any obstacles and strict rules"(ezinearticles). It is seen in Hamlet how Ophelia uses flowers to avoid the strict rules of society when she insults the King and Queen by handing them certain flowers.
In the Elizabethan era the use of flowers grew. In this era, behaviour had many strict codes and naturally hypocrisy and the need to be sneaky also became very evident especially in higher classes. "Women especially picked up the silent language that allowed them to communicate feelings and meanings that the strict propriety of the times would not allow"(santamonicaflowers). Romance and love was also very desired during this era even, as it can be seen in Shakespeare's plays, even though it was difficult because of social class restrictions. Flowers gave couples a way to communicate "romantic gestures and the idea of true love conquering any obstacles and strict rules"(ezinearticles). It is seen in Hamlet how Ophelia uses flowers to avoid the strict rules of society when she insults the King and Queen by handing them certain flowers.
"In 1819 Louise Cortambert published what seems to have been the first dictionary of the flower language entitled, Le Language des Fleurs"(santamonicaflowers) This helped spread the meanings of flowers. If you were to send a bouquet of flowers to a loved one, they could look up the different types of flowers and their meanings. In 1884, another book called The Language of Flowers, by Jean Marsh, was published. Over the years many dictionaries and books have been publish to spread the language of flowers.
The types of flowers used were not the only aspect of this language but "scents, sizes and even the position of the giver when bouquets were delivered directly would affect the message"(ezinearticles). There were also many ways to accept flowers that would give certain meanings. The receiver also had the chance to give certain secret messages to the giver of the flowers, for example, "accepting a flower or floral bouquet with the right hand was generally perceived as a "Yes" while the left hand indicated "No""(ezinearticles). If a flower was given upside down it would flip the meaning of the flower. For example, if a rose was given upside down it would give a strong meaning of rejection.