Floriography: Discovering the Language of Flowers: A Historical and Modern Perspective

Floriography, also known as the language of flowers, is the practice of assigning symbolic meanings to flowers, plants, and other botanicals. This practice has been around for centuries and has been used in various cultures and traditions as a way to convey hidden messages, emotions, and sentiments through flowers.

While the origins of floriography are unclear, some historians believe that the practice can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who used flowers in various religious ceremonies and believed that certain flowers had healing properties. The Greeks and Romans also used flowers in their religious ceremonies, and in medieval Europe, flowers were used to convey messages of love and affection, particularly between members of the royal court.

However, it was during the Victorian era that floriography became a popular practice in Western culture. During this time, Victorian society was marked by strict social norms and etiquette, and floriography allowed individuals to express themselves and their feelings in a subtle and coded way. In fact, it was not uncommon for lovers to communicate through the language of flowers, as it allowed them to express their feelings without breaking the social norms of the time.

Floriography works by assigning meanings to specific flowers or plants, and these meanings can vary depending on the culture, time period, or personal preference. For example, the red rose is a symbol of love and passion in Western cultures, while in Eastern cultures, the lotus flower is a symbol of purity and enlightenment.