Roses. Lilies. Tulips. Carnations. Daisies. Sunflowers. Babies breath. These common blooms aren’t just decorative, there is meaning behind why we give them to loved ones. Flora plays a role in the ways we function as humans through communicating emotions and intentions.
Nancy Sanchez is a College of DuPage student whose love for flora originally came from her grandparents. She has a passion for gardening and appreciating natural beauty.
“Flowers have greatly impacted my mood time and time again. Nothing is better than having some fresh flowers when having a rough day. The sweet smells and vibrant colors are so refreshing,” Sanchez said.
Flowers can be used for a multitude of occasions and uses. Their scents can be included in perfumes, along with petals showcased in culinary presentations, or used for tea. They are typically seen in a bouquet for a loved one, whether that’s a partner or a relative who passed away. They can be made into corsages and boutonnieres, which is a tradition done during prom and homecoming season as a romantic or friendly gesture. Not only are they appealing, but flowers express our love and respect.
The practice of gifting flowers is reflected throughout a wide variety of cultures and time periods; however, the oldest known record ties back to Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire where flowers were utilized in religious traditions. This phenomenon isn’t limited to their culture: it’s a worldwide phenomenon. Being depicted in artworks, photography, literature, religion, and even festivals. Although we may not speak the same language, it seems that flowers have found a way to reach the hearts of people of all cultures.
Particularly in the Victorian Era in Britain, floriography became extremely common. Floriography focuses on expressing emotions and or communicating through the meaning behind particular flowers.
“Some of the hidden meanings come directly from the root name which was sometimes based on mythology… Other meanings came from the flowers directly. The colors, medical properties and even “magical” superstition surrounding these flowers helped create this hidden “language.” according to Planterra Conservatory. Although the meanings behind certain flora are more fluid and aren’t bound by Victorian code, there are certain characteristics and norms that give connotations to these plants.
Roses are beyond the most popular flower and a general symbol of love. A go-to choice in almost any grocery store and often given during holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, and birthdays. Although roses are universal, you may want to consider the color of their petals when purchasing them for particular occasions.
The Red Rose is a classic flower that communicates romance and passion. A timeless look that signifies commitment and is purchased abundantly for Valentine’s Day. There is also reasoning behind its presence in films such as Beauty and the Beast, where the rose is symbolic of the Beast finding his true love. A yellow rose on the other hand showcases joy and friendship; however, during Victorian times it was often a symbol of jealousy. Today it has evolved to become something more positive, considering the connection of bright yellow to cheerfulness and wishing someone good luck. Furthermore, white roses connect to young love and innocence, pink roses with elegance and sweetness, blue roses with mystery and uniqueness, the list could go on.
Lily flowers ultimately carry multiple meanings depending on their color and variety, but as stated by Bloom and Wild, “the most common meaning is purity and fertility. The sweet and innocent beauty of the lily flower has given it the association of fresh life and rebirth.” Although there are multiple ways the lily presents its meaning, a couple examples are specifically the Madonna Lily representing the Virgin Mary and the lily representing Hera in Greek Mythology.
The Poppy flower is tied to remembrance and sacrifice, specifically associated with times of war. Their meaning originates from The First World War, and the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae which mentions the poppies that grew on the battlefields where soldiers had lost their lives. They even symbolized sleep and death in ancient times because the opium in the poppy was used as a sedative and linked to sleep.
Every flower has origins that carry significance for or because of a certain purpose. Whether that’s through historic, religious, or even societal norms.
Ultimately, flowers are a gift from nature that demonstrate beauty and care. They hold significance all around the world for religious and social purposes. The language of flowers presents symbolism through unique stories, interpretation and color schemes. People continuously purchase flowers, as it enriches the lives of many and can serve as tribute to those who have passed.
“Flowers can convey emotions, serving as a way to express feelings like sympathy, gratitude, or affection when words may not suffice. They can enhance social interactions and foster connections among people,” Sanchez said.
