Think about having an intimate conversation with a loved one. Would it be possible to have that conversation without speaking or writing? Suppose you found someone you'd like to know better. How could you develop that relationship without speaking or writing?
That was the situation in 1800's Victorian England. They had a very strict etiquette. Extreme discretion was demanded at all times. Romantic conversations, even in a whisper or in writing, were off-limits. Emotional expression however, will not be denied. People soon found ways around the rules as they attached hidden meanings to many otherwise normal gestures and objects. Flowers in particular were given special meanings.
The result was "secret" messages hidden in bouquets of flowers. Different meanings were attached to every type and color of flower, how they were presented, and how they were received. Many of the messages were romantic in nature. Some messages were rejections, and even insults. An exchange of flowers became a complete conversation.
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.
Flowers were an important part of the courtship process in many cultures over the centuries. These elaborate and lengthy rituals would bewilder our modern culture, but led directly to the prominent use of flowers in our modern culture. Flowers are an important part of many holidays such as Easter, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.
Like the Victorians, we still use flowers to express our emotions. Unlike them, our messages are typically much simpler. For Valentine's Day this year, instead of sending a simple message, try a bouquet of mixed flowers for a message full of hidden meaning. Search online for "language of flowers" for some great ideas. Be sure to add a note to the bouquet to explain the deeper message. Don't forget to order your Valentine's flowers early to ensure a timely delivery.
That was the situation in 1800's Victorian England. They had a very strict etiquette. Extreme discretion was demanded at all times. Romantic conversations, even in a whisper or in writing, were off-limits. Emotional expression however, will not be denied. People soon found ways around the rules as they attached hidden meanings to many otherwise normal gestures and objects. Flowers in particular were given special meanings.
The result was "secret" messages hidden in bouquets of flowers. Different meanings were attached to every type and color of flower, how they were presented, and how they were received. Many of the messages were romantic in nature. Some messages were rejections, and even insults. An exchange of flowers became a complete conversation.
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.
Flowers were an important part of the courtship process in many cultures over the centuries. These elaborate and lengthy rituals would bewilder our modern culture, but led directly to the prominent use of flowers in our modern culture. Flowers are an important part of many holidays such as Easter, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.
Like the Victorians, we still use flowers to express our emotions. Unlike them, our messages are typically much simpler. For Valentine's Day this year, instead of sending a simple message, try a bouquet of mixed flowers for a message full of hidden meaning. Search online for "language of flowers" for some great ideas. Be sure to add a note to the bouquet to explain the deeper message. Don't forget to order your Valentine's flowers early to ensure a timely delivery.
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.
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