An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers: A Journey Through Nature's Enchanting Lexicon

The roots of floriography can be traced back to ancient cultures, but it flourished in the Victorian era. During this time of heightened social etiquette and restricted communication, flowers became a discreet means of expressing one's feelings.

Books and dictionaries dedicated to the language of flowers emerged, providing detailed explanations of the meanings associated with different species and varieties.

• Rose: Love, beauty, passion
• Lily: Innocence, purity, sympathy
• Violet: Modesty, faithfulness, secret love
• Daisy: Innocence, simplicity, new beginnings
• Sunflower: Joy, adoration, loyalty
• Ivy: Fidelity, friendship, eternal love
• Forget-Me-Not: Remember me, true love

Victorians crafted bouquets with meticulous care, each arrangement conveying a specific message.

A bouquet of red roses, for instance, symbolized passionate love, while a combination of white lilies and violets represented innocence and faithfulness.

The language of flowers permeated Victorian literature and art.

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Ophelia's tragic end is foreshadowed by the flowers she carries: pansies for remembrance, rue for repentance, and daisies for innocence.

Pre-Raphaelites, a group of Victorian painters, incorporated flowers into their works to convey symbolic meanings and create a sense of romanticism.

Although the Victorian language of flowers may not be as widely used today, its legacy continues to influence our understanding of flowers and their role in communication.

Flowers remain an integral part of romantic gestures, wedding bouquets, and expressions of sympathy.