Floriography, also known as the language of flowers, is a captivating practice that has spanned cultures & centuries. It involves attributing meanings & symbolism to different types of flowers, often through folklore & historical traditions.
Floriography has ancient roots. The practice can be traced back thousands of years to various traditional cultures around the world. In ancient Egypt, flowers were believed to have divine connections & were often used in religious ceremonies. The Greeks & Romans also incorporated the language of flowers into their myths & legends, associating specific flowers with gods & goddesses.
Floriography gained popularity in Britain in the early 18th century when it was introduced by Mary Wortley Montagu. Lady Montagu had encountered the practice during her travels in Turkey & was captivated by the idea of using flowers as a means of communication. She brought this concept back to Britain, where it quickly gained traction & became a fashionable trend.
However, it was during the Victorian era that floriography truly flourished. In the strict societal norms of the time, expressing one's feelings openly & directly was often frowned upon. As a result, people turned to the language of flowers as a coded way to convey their emotions. Gifts of specific plants & floral arrangements, known as ‘talking bouquets,’ became a popular means of communication.
These floral messages were carefully constructed, with each flower & even the colours & arrangements holding significant meanings. Different flowers could convey messages of friendship, gratitude, or even a warning. People would wear or carry these floral arrangements as fashion accessories, allowing them to communicate their sentiments without uttering a word.
Floriography became an art form, & various books were published to guide individuals in the language of flowers. These books, known as "flower dictionaries," provided detailed explanations of the meanings associated with different flowers, enabling individuals to compose their own floral messages.
Today, while the practice of floriography may not be as widespread, it continues to enchant & inspire. Flowers still hold symbolic meanings in many cultures, & floral arrangements are often carefully chosen to convey specific messages on special occasions.
The language of flowers remains a beautiful way to express sentiments when words fall short, & serve as a reminder of the intricate connections between nature & human emotions, & the power of flowers to convey messages that transcend language barriers.