Friday, February 13, 2009

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM THE TEA SOCIETY



The Victorian's were great believers in symbolism and few jestures proved this more than when receiving flowers. Given that Valentine's Day is tomorrow, I thought it appropriate to include a sampling from The Language of Flowers. Whenever a Victorian lady received a lovely bouquet or even a single flower, she could decode the hidden meanings of the flowers sent to her by her suitors.



The Language of Flowers

Carnation- Fascination

Chrysanthemum- Friendship

Daisy- Loyal love

Orchid- Love and beauty

Lily- Purity and sweetness

Red rose- Romantic love

Pink rose- Secret love

Yellow rose- Friendship

White rose- Innocent love

Rose, Yellow & Orange: Passionate thoughts

Forget-me-not- True love

Baby’s Breath: Happiness

Lilac, Mauve: “Do You Still Love Me”

Honeysuckle - The Bond of Love

Ambrosia: Your Love is reciprocated

Camellia, red: You’re a flame in my heart

Camellia, white: You’re adorable

Forget-me-not: Faithful Love, Memories

Hibiscus: Delicate Beauty

Hyacinth, purple: I am sorry, Please forgive me, Sorrow

Oleander: Beauty and Grace

Periwinkle, White: Pleasures of Memory

partial list and vintage photo found at Art of Manliness

10 comments:

Barb said...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Betsy Brock said...

Beautiful flowers with lovely sentiments! Hope you have a love-filled Valentines Day!

steviewren said...

Very interesting! Too bad tulips weren't listed. I was surprised with a flower delivery today from my son. I almost cried. Too sweet. Whatever he meant I am thrilled.

Happy Valentines Rebecca!

Lavinia said...

Rebecca I have a book about this very subject. I wish the meanings of all these flowers were still in practice today, although I know that yellow roses do remain popular as "friendship" bearers.

Lavinia said...

Forgot to add that your first image is incredibly romantic. I like that near-swooning with love expression on the young lady's visage, and the dog with the cute ears....

Mmm said...

Well Rebecca, I'm sending you then virtual Lilies with baby's breath, a yellow rose in the middle and Hibiscus nestled in there too.

Enjoy your V. Day!

Rebecca said...

Thanks Barb and Steviwren...

The same to you....

Rebecca said...

Lavinia, I love books like this..-denfinite must-haves...The sweet collie reminds me so much of Lizzie that I had to post this! And yes, the woman's love-lorn expression is so sweet...

Rebecca said...

M,

I posted your floral delivery from me on your blog...

Thank you so much...The flowers are lovely:-)

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I always keep a vase of white lilies in my den and the scent they share is indeed pure and sweet. Such a lovely list. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine weekend!