The language of flowers

As you know, I love flowers. With Valentine's Day right around the corner there's no better time to write about them. This is the first in a series of posts on the subject.

I just read The New York Times best selling novel The Language of Flowers. The novel's main character  -- aptly named Victoria -- is obsessed with flowers and their meanings so much so that she creates her own dictionary. It is included at the end of the book.

I've been fascinated with the meaning of flowers since I took a class many years ago given by floral poet Geraldine Laufer author of Tussie-Mussies: The Victorian Art of Expressing Yourself in the Language of Flowers. A tussie-mussie aka "talking bouquet" or "word poesy" is a circular nosegay whose fragrant herbs and flowers carry a message to the recipient. Geraldine signed my book "To Maureen with magnolia and mint!" Magnolia: sweetness, beauty and perseverance. Mint: warmth of feeling.

The Victorian language of flowers began with the publication of Le Language des Fleurs, written by Charlotte de Latour and printed in Paris in 1819. To create the book--which was a list of flowers and their meanings--de Latour gathered references to flower symbolism throughout poetry, ancient mythology and even medicine. The book was translated into most European languages, and was widely imitated (and plagiarized). 

I have several flower dictionaries. I like Geraldine's best because it's organized by flower, as well as sentiment. So if I wanted to send someone a sympathy gift I just look under sympathy, sorrow or remembrance. Rosemary, BTW, is an excellent choice. It is inexpensive, fragrant and can be planted in the garden for long-lasting memory.

Peonies -- preferably pink -- are my all-time favorite flowers. I have several plants in my garden and look forward to blooming season each year usually around Mother's Day. Unfortunately, the blooms last for only a few weeks.

What is its meaning you ask?

If you love peonies, you have high ideals and strongly held values. You are courageous enough to maintain your opinion even when it makes you stand out from the crowd. Since others admire you and find you inspirational - they might even be a little jealous or in awe of you - you are likely to achieve great things in life. [like this blog!]

--from The Secret Language of Flowers by Samantha Gray

Photo image Tracey Ayton 

From one of my favorite shelter mags Style At Home I just love how this white vase of pink peonies is juxtaposed with the zebra-covered book beneath it.

Hydrangea  -- the namesake of this blog -- means devotion, remembrance, boastfulness. 

What's your favorite flower? Did your wedding bouquet contain any sentimental flowers? 

Send me your faves in comments below, and I will reply with their meanings. Please specify color. A white rose signifies something completely different than say a yellow one.