Say it with flowers

Did you know that flowers have more than beautiful colors and wonderful smells? They have a language…This week I want to discuss with you the language of flowers and their meaning. They can reflect what you are thinking or what you are feeling for a special someone. They always accompany us in life, birth, marriage, graduations, and even death.

The flowers have always been associated with women because of the similar qualities they have- delicate, beautiful but mostly for the symbol of life. You can see that in the Buddhist Religion as Buddha is born from a lotus flower. Flowers are a method of communication that has been created by women.

In the late Middle Ages flowers were used by the Christendom during the epoch of the Renaissance. Gentlemen were often painted with a carnation in their hands; it was a sign of fidelity! But we can say even if the language of flowers has existed for centuries, it developed to a high level during Victorian times. At this time because of the strict protocol, it was impossible to express openly any emotion, wish or thought. Instead, they developed a language based on flowers meaning. Single flowers or bouquets sent clear messages to the person receiving it. A few examples are: a bouquet of wisteria was a sign of friendship or a daffodil was giving a message a little bit more compromising. Treating someone with some lilly of valley and fern meant: “Your innate charm is fascinating to me”. In case of anger against someone you could even exchange some rude remarks by sending some nasturtium or the flowers of the strawberry tree which demonstrated meanness.

The language of flowers became more and more complicated so some handbooks were written to help people to understand their meanings and give them the opportunity to express themselves using flowers. “Le Language des Fleurs” by Madame Charlotte de la Tour in 1819 was the first book wrote on this subject in the modern era, but the most popular one which still a really good resource today, is Kate Greenaway’s Language of Flowers from 1884.

In the 21st century flowers are still a good way to express our feelings. If you want an opportunity to win one of our big jackpots during a game of bingo, join one of our rooms online of course! But first be sure to procure a flower of chance; you have the choice between, the lily of the valley, the four-leaf clover or the mistletoe (from the druids time). If you have the three of them at the same time it is even better! Good luck to all and remember to take time to smell the roses!