Spring Into the Language of Flowers
We have all heard the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers,” but what do those flowers tell us?
Throughout the month of April, early signs of spring allude to the blossoming of flowers. However, this seasonal repetition of emerging flora emphasizes a more sensational message conveyed through its color, conditions, and origins. The origins of a flower’s upbringing can be referred to as floriography: the code-related communication through variety, arrangement, etc. of a flower. This term was coined during the Victorian Era (1837-1901). Emotional thoughts that couldn’t be expressed verbally catalyzed the dependence of flower communication as a source of flirtation and secret messages between two givers.
During the Victorian Era, flower symbolism was examined in two ways: bouquets and singles. When handed a bouquet, its composition of multiple flowers conveyed a complexity of emotions and messages confined in one setting. Each distinct flower exhibited sentiments, such as friendship, purity, or love – all of which were dependent on its arrangement and diversity. These elaborate gifts tended to appear at weddings, funerals, or anniversaries, where the depth of emotions accentuated unspoken thoughts.
A stark contrast to these elaborate bundles are single gifted-flowers. Through this, a straightforward sentiment emphasized clarity which perfectly captured the essence of the specific meaning of the flower, thus a reflection of the gifter’s empathic emotion. In particular, single flowers were commonly exchanged between lovers that served as tokens of affection.
Examples of these flowers that resonated with floriography during the Victorian Era include a red tulip, symbolizing the declaration of love or passion itself; the lotus, representing purity and enlightenment; and the hollyhock, corresponding to ambition and abundance. Each diverse species embodied a distinct intellectual human emotion that captured the state of their thoughts, sentiments, or the generality of that given person as a whole.
Flower language originated in France during the first decades of the 19th century. In 1819, 300 floral meanings were published in Charlotte de la Tour’s work, Le Langage des Fleurs. This sensational publication catalyzed various practices across distinct cultures and was popularized in Britain with middle and upperclassmen during the Victorian Era. Individuals sought to integrate this new activity into their everyday hobbies. However, the transition from the Victorian Era to present day society accentuates the lack of attention to detail when selecting flowers. Minimal significance is perceived towards a floral’s sentiments or color, but rather the attractiveness of the exterior that allures the eye of the buyer.
Through this, we hope that you take into consideration the sentiments and floral language these flowers possess when browsing through the Tinker Swiss Cottage gardens! The museum grounds are open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year, and the gardens are free to visit. We hope to see you soon.
~ Tiffany T.
Jr. Volunteer at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum
A Truly Victorian Experience 