The language of flowers was invented by two women from Europe in the early part of the 1700s. Some believe that Victorians were the ones who initiated the movement, however that is not the truth. Two of them, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, and Aubry De La Mottraye traveled through the Ottoman Empire. They brought home their secret coded flower symbolism language.
Origins
“Floriography” (or the flower language) was a major Victorian trend that was the sending of messages encoded with flowers. It is still popular even if it began to fade into the late nineteenth century. Whitney Lynn, a contemporary artist, designed an artwork for San Diego International Airport a project using flowers that had distinct implications.
This was the Lady Mary Wortley Montague, Seigneur Aubry De La Mottraye and Seigneur Aubry De La Mottraye who brought the florature trend to Europe from Ottoman Turkey. As the trend gained traction, many dictionary of floriography were made available. They contained information about plants, novelty products like calendars and lists of floral symbolisms. Some of these meanings were derived from legends, folklore and mythology (the Daffodils’ association with egotism as an example) Some of them came from the flowers themselves. They also included dictionaries on flowers. they often referenced the Eastern custom called Selam.
Victorian Era
In Victorian society, floralography or floral language was utilized as a form of subtle language. This coded botanical system could convey affection, desire or disdain. It allowed those in an era where strict dress code was in place to convey their feelings with a manner that was acceptable to society.
The flower language began to be popular during the first half of 19th century and dictionaries of flowers as well as their meanings emerged. The specifics in this flower language can vary depending on the flower being made use of, the manner in which it was given or the person giving the flower. This subtle expression of emotions provided plenty of space to be imaginative and interpreted. The more than 1,400 varieties of flowers, herbaceous plants and species are part of the dictionary of flower names. Although the vocabulary was different from culture to culture some of the ideas were the same.
Evolution of Symbolism
Since the beginning, flowers have been used to express deep sentiments that express respect, love and emotion. As the world changes and plants are more extensively cultivated, old meanings are modified or discarded while new meanings develop.
The popularity of the flower language grew in the 19th century in England as well as North America. Authors wrote simple guides and dictionaries, which associated the symbolic significance of a particular flower to the symbolism with the flower. They are usually stunningly illustrated, and are tied with sentimental dedications.
A lot of the symbols inspired by mythology, religion and folklore. Narcissus’s tale of becoming infatuated with himself at a pool has prompted the association between daffodils and the concept of egotism. The other associations were derived from plants’ appearance or characteristics. Mimosas, for example, are a symbol of purity since they’re sensitive to touch and are closed at night.
Cultural hoa chia buon Influences
At the time of the Victorian Era, flower language bloomed as a means of discreet communications. Flower language was ideal for a time when direct emotional expressions were not viewed upon, and where communication was an integral part when it came to social interaction.
Magazines for women, such as Godey’s Ladies’ Book featured it frequently. It also became a well-known parlor game, where blindfolded people picked a flower from a vase in order to decide their fate. It was a love affair or luck.
There were a variety of flower dictionary which gave each flower its specific significance. The meanings of the lexicons were various, such as Hyacinth flowers were believed to symbolize beauty, however, they also symbolized loyalty, piety, and even forgiveness. This interpretation was based on a variety of sources, such as classical literature, Shakespearean associations, and earlier French floriographies.
Modern
The use of flowers as symbols is still in use today. The practice is used by artists, designers, editors marketing, florists poets, and writers. It is commonly used to describe it.
In the Victorian age, floriography reached the heights of its popularity. Numerous flower, herb and plant publications appeared. They included lists with symbolism of plants, flowers and herbs. A few were based on legends or folklore. The association of daffodils with self-esteem, for instance was derived from the legend of Narcissus and his obsession with reflections of his own.
The flower symbols convey many different messages and emotions. The colors also change, as each hue evokes particular emotions and significance. Red roses symbolize passion and love, while the delicate white flower symbolizes innocence and pureness.
