A guide to the language of flowers
That red roses symbolize love is known to most, but we can say much more than that with flowers - and it's not just the variety that matters, but also the color and quantity.
Today, the language of flowers is rarely used, but in the 19th century it was a fairly common way of communicating. It is said that young people used it to send declarations of love to each other without being discovered.
The language of flowers was developed in a number of books, and over time it became quite advanced. There is of course no exact science behind this, the knowledge comes from many different sources, but it is fun anyway.
For example, did you know that a bouquet of blue flowers means "I will be with you until death do us part" or that white flowers are considered to radiate purity and virginity?
Different types of flowers have different meanings
Do you want to express love, friendship or just give someone a little hint or a tease? Most things can be said with flowers. While a bouquet of red roses means "I love you", and a yellow tulip symbolizes hopeless love, a simple bunch of parsley can express the slightly more unusual phrase "you will be quite useful in the household". If you are a little crafty, you can express a lot with the right flowers. Here are some examples:
- Anemone - Your jealousy is unnecessary.
- Buttercup - Will I never see you alone?
- Rosebud - I have loved you for a long time in secret.
- Ballflower - Follow the voice of your heart.
- Myrtle - When will we get married?
- Lavender - Never forget me.
- Peony - I lie at your feet and swear eternal love to you
- Sunflower - Magnanimity
- Dahlia - Do I dare to approach?
- Snowdrop – My heart is pure
- Gladiolus – You are too nonchalant
- Red rose – I love you
- Yellow tulip – My love feels hopeless
The color of the flower also matters.
It is not only the type of flower, but also the color that tells something in the language of flowers. In the past, it was common to propose with a bouquet that consisted of red, white and blue flowers together. The red color stood for love, the blue for fidelity and the white for virginity.
White lilies and carnations were common in connection with funerals, but are used today in many contexts. In the older generation, these flowers can still be associated with funerals, which may be a good thing to keep in mind when choosing flowers for your old loved ones.
- Yellow or orange - Friendship. You are the sun of my life.
- Blue - I will be by your side until death do us part.
- Red - Love, I am counting the days until we meet again.
- Dark red - I miss you.
- Pink - Elegance, charm and joy. I am in love with you.
- Dark Pink – Gratitude
- White – Purity and virginity
The number of flowers speaks a language
As if the variety and color weren’t enough, the number of flowers also carries a greater meaning. Here are some examples:
- One flower – You are everything to me.
- Two flowers – I want to go away with you.
- Three flowers – I want to see you again.
- Four flowers – I look up to you and appreciate you.
- Five flowers – I will do anything for you.
- Six flowers – I doubt your word.
- Seven flowers – I love you!
- Eight flowers – I am yours until death do us part.
- Nine flowers – I want to be alone with you.
- Ten flowers – Will you marry me?
Nowadays, the language of flowers is perhaps mostly a curiosity. Today’s young people don’t have to hide their love like their peers in the 19th century. But maybe it’s time to dust off the language of flowers after all? It's a nice and subtle way to communicate, and who wouldn't be happy with a flower or ten?
