Flower Meanings
Florigraphy, the Language of Flowers
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During the 18th century sending flower messages based on a Turkish secret language of flowers became very popular. Lovers began using floral exchanges to convey messages. This was known as sending a 'Persian Selam' - a coded bouquet to reveal your feelings of love or attraction.
Different types of flowers have come to be associated with specific emotions. There were underlying meanings in floral gift giving, the term for this was Florigraphy, it literally means "the language of flowers".
The first "Flower Dictionary" was written by Mme. Charlotte de la Tour in 1818. It was titled Le Language des Fleurs. AVictorian woman named Miss Corruthers of Inverness, was inspired by this book and wrote another book on the subject in 1879. This book has become the standard of flower symbolism.
The Victorians became very knowledgable in the flower language and chose their bouquets carefully. Flowers gave them a secret language that enabled them to communicate feelings that the propriety of the times would not allow, there were strict restraints on courtship and any displays of emotion. Flower selections were limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words.
The secret meanings all depended on the chosen flower and its shade or color. And to make things complicated, a combination of flowers would indeed send a very different message. Much the same way with using deliberate words in a sentence. Take heed when sending flower arrangements as a gift, make sure the appropriate message is conveyed.
But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules - it's the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning. Many people assign their own personal meanings - a flower or color that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives.
Before making your final decision with your bridal floral arrangements, have a look as some bridal bouquet ideas & Pictures and ask your florist which bridal flowers are in season. More time and money is required if choosing exotic or out of season blooms as they need to be imported. However if money is not an issue, go ahead and pick your favorite flowers, just give you florist plenty of time to source the blooms.
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