The Historic Meanings of Flowers

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NatureWalker New York & Terrell, TX(Zone 8b) Dec 31, 2005

In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules - it's the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning. Many people assign their own personal meanings - a flower or color that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives.

For those interested in the historic meanings of flowers, the Society of American Florists has compiled this list from a variety of different sources:


Alstroemeria: aspiring
Amaryllis: dramatic
Anemone: fragile
Apple Blossom: promise
Aster: contentment
Azalea: abundance
Baby's Breath: festivity
Bachelor Button: anticipation
Begonia: deep thoughts
Black-Eyed Susan: encouragement
Camellia: graciousness
Carnation:
pink, gratitude
red, flashy
striped, refusal
white, remembrance
yellow, cheerful
Chrysanthemum:
bronze, excitement
white, truth
red, sharing
yellow, secret admirer
Cosmos: peaceful
Crocus: foresight
Daffodil: chivalry
Delphinium: boldness
Daisy: innocence
Freesia: spirited
Forget-Me-Not: remember me forever
Gardenia: joy
Geranium: comfort
Ginger: proud
Gladiolus: strength of character
Heather: solitude
Hibiscus: delicate beauty
Holly: domestic happiness
Hyacinth: sincerity
Hydrangea: perseverance
Iris: inspiration
Ivy: fidelity
Jasmine: grace and elegance
Larkspur: beautiful spirit
Lavender: distrust
Lilac: first love
Lily:
Calla: regal
Casablanca: celebration
Day: enthusiasm
Stargazer: ambition
Lisianthus: calming
Magnolia: dignity
Marigold: desire for riches
Nasturtium: patriotism
Orange Blossom: fertility
Orchid: delicate beauty
Pansy: loving thoughts
Passion flower: passion
Peony: healing
Poppy: consolation
Queen Anne's Lace: delicate femininity
Ranunculus: radiant
Rhododendron: beware
Rose:
pink: friendship
red: passionate love
red & white: unity
white: purity
yellow: zealous
Snapdragon: presumptuous
Star of Bethlehem: hope
Stephanotis: good luck
Statice: success
Sunflower: adoration
Sweetpea: shyness
Tuberose: pleasure
Tulip:
pink: caring
purple: royalty
red: declaration of love
white: forgiveness
yellow: hopelessly in love
Violet: faithfulness
Wisteria: steadfast
Yarrow: good health
Zinnia: thoughts of friends

~* Robin

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KatyMac So. Puget Sound, WA(Zone 8b) Dec 31, 2005

Interesting! Thanks.

Post #1947394
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Lilypon Moose Jaw, SK(Zone 3b) Jan 02, 2006

Thank you Robin....the above is one list I often look for.

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NatureWalker New York & Terrell, TX(Zone 8b) Jan 03, 2006

*~]:^)

Post #1952165
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NatureWalker New York & Terrell, TX(Zone 8b) Feb 06, 2006

~bump~

~* Robin

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