The Language of Flowers: Victorian Floral Code
In the 19th century, during the Victorian era, the art of "floriography" — the language of flowers — became an important and symbolic form of communication. During a time when strict social norms and etiquette often dictated how people expressed their feelings, flowers provided a subtle and meaningful way to send messages that words alone could not convey. Through a system of specific meanings assigned to different flowers, individuals could express love, sorrow, friendship, or even rejection without uttering a word. In this Bloom & Song Hong Kong Florist guide, we will explore the fascinating world of Victorian floral code, how it evolved, and how flowers were used to communicate deep emotions in a society bound by decorum.
The Origins of Floriography
The use of flowers to convey messages dates back centuries, but the formalization of floriography, particularly in Victorian England, reached its peak during the 19th century. As the Victorian era was characterized by its strict rules of conduct, particularly around courtship, many couples could not openly express their feelings. The use of flowers allowed for a more discreet form of communication.
While the language of flowers flourished in Victorian England, it spread to other parts of Europe and North America. In fact, floral dictionaries were published, providing comprehensive guides on the meanings of various flowers. People would often carry bouquets or send floral arrangements as gifts, with each flower chosen carefully for its specific message.
How the Floral Code Worked
In the Victorian floral code, each flower had a specific meaning that was tied to a variety of attributes, such as color, form, and the flower's cultural significance. People would either present a single flower or an entire bouquet, with each bloom contributing to the overall sentiment being communicated. For instance, a bouquet of mixed flowers could send a message when the individual flowers were interpreted together, but the meaning of a single bloom could also be nuanced.
Color also played an important role in the symbolism of flowers. A red rose might signify passionate love, while a white rose could symbolize purity or innocence. Certain flowers were considered more formal or appropriate for certain occasions, while others were reserved for more intimate or personal messages.
Floriography was often used in courtship and romantic relationships, but it was also employed in other contexts — such as friendship, condolence, or congratulation. Additionally, the floral code was also employed in funeral rituals and other solemn occasions.
Common Flowers and Their Victorian Meanings
Below are some of the most well-known flowers in Victorian floriography and the meanings associated with them:
1. Red Rose – Love and Passion The red rose is perhaps the most iconic flower in the Victorian language of flowers. It symbolizes deep love, passion, and desire. When a suitor presented a red rose, it was understood as an expression of romantic love.
2. White Rose – Purity and Innocence In contrast to the fiery red rose, the white rose symbolized purity, innocence, and reverence. It was often used in wedding bouquets or given to signify a more gentle, innocent form of affection.
3. Yellow Rose – Jealousy or Friendship While roses in the Victorian language were primarily associated with love, a yellow rose was a more complicated symbol. It could represent jealousy or a decline in affection, as it was often interpreted as a sign of betrayal or a cooling of romantic interest. Alternatively, yellow roses could symbolize friendship or a platonic relationship, depending on the context.
4. Lavender – Devotion Lavender was commonly associated with devotion and love that was unwavering and constant. It was often used in bouquets given by those who wished to express loyalty and long-lasting affection.
5. Violet – Modesty and Faithfulness The delicate violet symbolized modesty, faithfulness, and virtue. A bouquet containing violets was a way of showing admiration or respect for someone’s humble and virtuous nature.
6. Lily of the Valley – Return to Happiness This sweet-smelling flower was often associated with new beginnings, and it symbolized a return to happiness or the promise of better things to come. It was sometimes given as a symbol of rebirth after a period of sadness.
7. Pansy – Thoughts and Remembrance The pansy is a flower associated with thoughtfulness and remembrance. In Victorian society, it was often used to send messages of sympathy, or as a token of memory for someone beloved but far away.
8. Forget-Me-Not – True Love and Remembrance Forget-me-nots were used to symbolize true love, loyalty, and remembrance. The name of the flower itself embodies the message, with the flower serving as a reminder that the giver would not be forgotten.
9. Dahlia – Elegance and Dignity Dahlias were regarded as elegant flowers, symbolizing dignity and grace. They were often used to convey admiration and respect for someone's character, and were sometimes given to express formal affection.
10. Carnation – A Range of Emotions Carnations, with their varying colors, had multiple meanings. A pink carnation symbolized a love that was gentle and lasting, while a red carnation conveyed admiration and deep affection. White carnations, however, represented a love that was unrequited or absent, while yellow carnations indicated rejection or disdain.
11. Chrysanthemum – Life and Rebirth Chrysanthemums were widely symbolic of life, renewal, and rejuvenation in Victorian culture. In addition to being an emblem of the fall season, they were often used to express a desire for new beginnings or rebirth after hardship.
The Decline of Floriography
While floriography flourished throughout the 19th century, its popularity began to wane in the early 20th century. As society became more modern and open, people began to communicate their feelings through other means, such as letters and direct conversation. With the decline of this flower language, many of the floral codes were lost to history.
However, the romantic and symbolic meanings behind flowers have not completely disappeared. Modern florists often use the traditional meanings of flowers to help guide customers in expressing emotions through their bouquets, though the rigid rules of Victorian floriography have largely faded. Today, flowers are still used in weddings, funerals, and special occasions to convey deep emotions, but the complex codes of the Victorian era are now mostly a historical curiosity.
Reviving the Language of Flowers
Despite the passing of time, the fascination with floriography endures. In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in the Victorian language of flowers, especially in the world of floral design and art. People are once again becoming curious about the meanings behind the flowers they choose to give or display, and many enjoy learning about the rich symbolism embedded in each bloom.
Floriography also remains a charming way to add an extra layer of sentimentality and mystery to gift-giving. By selecting flowers with careful intent, individuals can once again send subtle and meaningful messages, embracing a tradition that connects them to the past while adding a personal touch to modern communication.
The Victorian floral code, with its rich symbolism and poetic meanings, remains a fascinating and enduring part of floral history. Whether used for courtship, friendship, mourning, or celebration, flowers allowed Victorians to communicate in ways that were both beautiful and discreet. While the specific meanings of flowers may no longer be as widely understood, the legacy of floriography continues to inspire people to choose flowers with thoughtfulness and care, making each bloom a messenger of emotions and intentions.
