The Victorian era was a time of few words. There were often not enough or too dangerous to express aloud. One of the most fascinating methods was sending coded messages through flowers. A single flower or a beautifully arranged bouquet could say what lips dared not utter. This subtle art allowed lovers, rivals, and friends to share emotions without saying a word.
Why Did They Do This?
In the 19th century, strict social rules governed public behavior, especially for women. Expressing love, anger, or even friendship openly could lead to scandal or misunderstanding. So, people got innovative and turned to flowers to express their secret message.
This practice gave individuals a way to send private messages disguised as a gift. A bouquet was a letter made of petals. It became a refined and romantic way to navigate the complex world of relationships, politics, and etiquette during an interesting time in history.
Flower Meanings: Old vs. New
Now, for the fun part: what did these flowers mean back in the day? Here are some of the meanings behind more popular flowers:
- Roses: Red roses meant "I love you," while yellow roses meant jealousy. Today, the red remains consistent. But yellow usually means friendship.
- Violets: These tiny purple flowers represented modesty and faithfulness. If there was a violet in a pocket or pinned on their clothing, it often meant they were engaged or taken.
- Lilies: In the Victorian age, lilies signaled royal power. Now, they're more commonly associated with purity and are often used for religious or memorial purposes.
- Carnations: A solid red carnation showed admiration, while a striped one meant refusal or disappointment. Today, carnations are often seen as cheerful additions to bouquets without such strong emotional ties.
Some flowers changed meaning completely over time, so understanding the original symbolism can offer an entertaining look into the past. A small bouquet made by a local Brooklyn florist can express hidden messages to your loved ones today.
Hidden Meanings of Lesser-Known Flowers
While roses and violets may be familiar, many other flowers carry unique and sometimes surprising meanings in the Victorian flower dictionary:
- Basil: Despite its culinary dominance, basil meant “I hate you.” It was considered a harsh rejection when included in a bouquet.
- Delphinium (Larkspur): With its tall spikes of blue blooms, delphinium stood for haughtiness or arrogance. Perhaps because of its regal appearance, it was not a flower to give lightly.
- Birdsfoot Trefoil: Named for its seed pods resembling bird’s feet, this small yellow flower symbolizes revenge. Definitely not a flower to include unless you want to make a passive-aggressive statement.
- Oleander: Beautiful yet poisonous, oleander was a clear warning: beware. It was often sent to those who needed to be kept at arm's length.
- Azalea: A lovely pink or white bloom that simply said, “Take care of yourself.” It was often used to end conversations or send someone off gently.
- Green Carnations: Popular among certain literary circles, green carnations were quietly associated with homosexuality. Oscar Wilde famously encouraged his followers to wear them as a coded sign of identity.
These lesser-known meanings reveal how secretive and layered the floral code really was.
How You Can Use These Meanings in Modern Times
There’s something timeless about sending flowers to someone in the age of emojis and single texts. Whether you're planning a congratulations, a thoughtful gift, or a meaningful floral arrangement for a wedding, you can still use coded messages through flowers to add depth and intention.
For example:
- Sending an apology: Prepare a bouquet with ivy (faithfulness) and white tulips (forgiveness).
- Confessing your feelings: A few red roses mixed with baby’s breath (innocent love) might do the trick subtly.
- Rejecting or refusing: Yellow carnations are a beautiful way to let someone down easy.
Hidden Messages in Everyday Life
Beyond big events like weddings, you can incorporate coded messages through flowers into daily life.
Even houseplants can carry meaning. A gift of a fern may once have said, “I am fascinated by you,” making it a charming, understated way to flirt or show interest. These gestures may seem quaint by modern standards, but they offer a sweet and creative way to connect without needing to spell everything out.
Here’s Our Secret Message
We’ll hand you a pink rose as thank you to you! The Victorian fascination with coded messages through flowers was more than just a trend. It was a form of communication that allowed people to express complex emotions in a socially restricted world. While meanings change, the tradition doesn’t. Keep celebrating the people around you with a single flower or a lovely arrangement by getting in touch with Dragonetti Florist.