Imagine having an intimate conversation with someone you love. Now imagine how that conversation would occur without speaking, or even writing. Imagine finding someone you'd very much like to know better. Suppose they're interested in you as well. Imagine getting that relationship off the ground without using words of any kind.
That was the situation in Victorian England for much of the 1800's. Due to the strict social etiquette of the time, extreme discretion was required. Conversations of a romantic nature were strictly off-limits. But emotional expression cannot be denied for long. Symbolism and meaning became attached to everyday objects and gestures, and especially to flowers.
As a result, secret meanings were given to every type and color of flower. Bouquets became secret messages. An exchange of flowers became a conversation without words. The way the flowers were presented and the way they were accepted also added meaning. Many secret messages were romantic in nature, but some were rejections or insults.
Tussie-mussies, small bouquets of flowers, became very popular. Using the language of flowers, Victorians developed secret messages that declared their intentions, issued rejections, and made acceptances. Emotions that were forbidden in speech or writing could now be expressed in flowers.
The secret codes eventually became so complex that people needed help understanding them. Code books, dictionaries and even complete books were written to help create and understand the messages.
The Victorians weren't the first to use flowers to express emotions. Many cultures including the Greeks, the Persians, and the Japanese had a flower language. While the exact meanings of flowers have changed over time to meet the needs of culture, the desire to express thoughts and emotions through flowers has remained to this day.
Many cultures had elaborate and lengthy courtship rituals. The giving and receiving of flowers was often an important part of the process. Those practices led to the prominent place of flowers in our modern culture. Valentines Day, Mothers Day, and Easter, among others, simply wouldn't be the same celebrations without flowers and plants.
Although we don't use flowers in quite the same way as the Victorians, we still use flowers to express our emotions. For Valentine's Day this year, rather than sending a simple message, such as "I love you" with roses, think about using a hidden message with a bouquet of mixed flowers. Search online for "language of flowers" to jump start your ideas. Don't forget to add a note to explain the hidden message. Remember to order Valentine flowers in advance for a timely delivery. - 15266
That was the situation in Victorian England for much of the 1800's. Due to the strict social etiquette of the time, extreme discretion was required. Conversations of a romantic nature were strictly off-limits. But emotional expression cannot be denied for long. Symbolism and meaning became attached to everyday objects and gestures, and especially to flowers.
As a result, secret meanings were given to every type and color of flower. Bouquets became secret messages. An exchange of flowers became a conversation without words. The way the flowers were presented and the way they were accepted also added meaning. Many secret messages were romantic in nature, but some were rejections or insults.
Tussie-mussies, small bouquets of flowers, became very popular. Using the language of flowers, Victorians developed secret messages that declared their intentions, issued rejections, and made acceptances. Emotions that were forbidden in speech or writing could now be expressed in flowers.
The secret codes eventually became so complex that people needed help understanding them. Code books, dictionaries and even complete books were written to help create and understand the messages.
The Victorians weren't the first to use flowers to express emotions. Many cultures including the Greeks, the Persians, and the Japanese had a flower language. While the exact meanings of flowers have changed over time to meet the needs of culture, the desire to express thoughts and emotions through flowers has remained to this day.
Many cultures had elaborate and lengthy courtship rituals. The giving and receiving of flowers was often an important part of the process. Those practices led to the prominent place of flowers in our modern culture. Valentines Day, Mothers Day, and Easter, among others, simply wouldn't be the same celebrations without flowers and plants.
Although we don't use flowers in quite the same way as the Victorians, we still use flowers to express our emotions. For Valentine's Day this year, rather than sending a simple message, such as "I love you" with roses, think about using a hidden message with a bouquet of mixed flowers. Search online for "language of flowers" to jump start your ideas. Don't forget to add a note to explain the hidden message. Remember to order Valentine flowers in advance for a timely delivery. - 15266
About the Author:
Valentine flower delivery to Tampa, Florida. A-Bow-K Florist & Gifts can deliver fresh flowers and gifts to those you care about in Tampa and neighboring communities. Be sure to order early.
