A Victorian Lover’s
Code
The language of flowers was a 19th-century code used to make bouquets that passed messages between lovers and suitors. Each flower was given its own meaning and they could be combined to create special messages. The concept was made popular by books that explained these meanings, often embellished with beautiful illustrations and bindings.
Fevrier. Camellia (1842)RHS Lindley Library
The language of flowers originated in France and the first popular book on the subject was published in 1819: Le langage des fleurs by Charlotte de la Tour.
The author offered around 300 meanings for particular flowers to be used in making bouquets.
The Language Travels
The idea of sending messages through flowers took off and inspired many new books, particularly in Britain and North America, apparently aimed at a young female market.
However, British and American writers made several changes to the French tradition. Roman Catholic symbols were usually eliminated, so the passion flower could mean 'superstition' instead of 'faith'.
Tubereuse | Tuberosa (1827/1833) by Jean-Baptiste ChapuyRHS Lindley Library
Anything that seemed too erotic was toned down, meaning the tuberose was no longer associated with ‘voluptuousness' but instead the much tamer, 'I have seen a lovely girl'.
Flattered or Offended?
How good you are at decoding the language of flowers?
Notocactus apricus (1960/1961) by Vera HigginsRHS Lindley Library
How would you feel if someone gave you a cactus? Flattered or offended?
If presented with a cactus, the passionate message intended by a lover is ‘I burn for you’. The spines of the cactus are said to be as hard to remove from the skin, as the flames of cupid are to extinguish from the heart.
Calceolaria: Youngii delecta - Youngii pallida - Browni (1833) by Caroline Maria ApplebeeRHS Lindley Library
Would you be pleased to receive an exotic Calceolaria (a group of plants originally from Central and South America)?
It depends. The interpretation of the Calceolaria given in some books indicates ‘modesty’, however in later books a very different message is conveyed with ‘I am offering you money’!
Cucurbita longa (1700/1701) by Claude AubrietRHS Lindley Library
If you were handed a gourd, would you be flattered or offended?
Definitely offended – gourds were given the meaning: ‘grossness’!
Tab: VIII. [Six Luiker Aurikel]. (1948) by Joseph Alphonse PlansonRHS Lindley Library
What about a scarlet auricula? Flattered or offended?
The auricula has long been aligned elegance, due to its near perfect flower head. Unfortunately, the scarlet auricula has a completely different sentiment, as it may be used to indicate greed for money.
Varieties of Convolvulus (1834) by Caroline Maria ApplebeeRHS Lindley Library
Convolvulus arvensis, commonly known as bindweed. Flattered or offended?
It depends on the colour. The blue flower means ‘extinguished hope’.
The pink flower means ‘sustained by judicious and tender affection'.
The white flower has been used to mean both obstinacy and humility.
Peach Blossom (1821/1822) by C. HullmandelRHS Lindley Library
Finally, a sprig of peach blossom is a lovely thing, but what is someone trying to say if they give you this as a gift?
The peach blossom has a very romantic message to convey, as it is used to mean both ‘I am your captive’ and ‘your charms are unequalled’. Love is in the air!
Orange crocus : Dwarf almond : Snowdrop : Blue Navel Wort (1808) by Caroline Maria ApplebeeRHS Lindley Library
This lovely arrangement painted in the early 1800s describes...
Cheerfulness (crocus)
Friendship (snowdrop)
Hope (almond)
and True love (forget-me-not)
So maybe it could be used to say, ‘I am happy you are my friend, but I hope to find true love with you.
Myrtus communis (1634/1673) by Pieter Holsteyn IIRHS Lindley Library
A 21st Century Revival?
The language of flowers began to fade from popularity and had been largely forgotten about by the early twentieth century. Interest has revived in recent years, however, with the duch*ess of Cambridge choosing flowers for their ‘meanings’ in her wedding bouquet. Her bouquet included Sweet Williams (Gallantry), Lilies of the Valley (Return of happiness), Ivy (Fidelity), Hyacinths (Constancy), and Myrtle (the emblem of marriage; love).
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View themeAs an enthusiast and expert in the language of flowers, I am well-versed in the historical intricacies of this 19th-century code that allowed lovers and suitors to convey messages through carefully crafted bouquets. My knowledge extends to the origins of this romantic language, its evolution in different cultures, and the nuances associated with specific flowers and their meanings.
The concept of the language of flowers originated in France, and the first widely popular book on the subject, "Le langage des fleurs" by Charlotte de la Tour, was published in 1819. This book provided meanings for around 300 flowers, enabling individuals to express sentiments through floral arrangements.
The trend of sending messages through flowers gained momentum, particularly in Britain and North America, with new books catering to a young female audience. However, notable changes were introduced by British and American writers, such as the elimination of Roman Catholic symbols and toning down anything deemed too erotic.
In the language of flowers, each bloom carries a specific message. For instance, the tuberose, once associated with 'voluptuousness,' was transformed into a more modest message: 'I have seen a lovely girl.' Similarly, a cactus, despite its prickly nature, symbolized passion with the message 'I burn for you.'
The choice of flowers mattered, and misinterpretations were possible. A cactus, which might seem offensive at first, actually carried a passionate message. Conversely, a seemingly exotic Calceolaria could convey either 'modesty' or 'I am offering you money,' depending on the interpretation from different books.
Even seemingly innocent flowers like the gourd could hold negative connotations, as it was associated with 'grossness.' Scarlet auricula, known for its elegance, took on a different meaning, indicating greed for money.
The language of flowers is nuanced, considering factors like color. A blue convolvulus suggests 'extinguished hope,' while a pink one signifies being 'sustained by judicious and tender affection.' The white variety, however, carries dual meanings of obstinacy and humility.
Peach blossoms, on the other hand, convey a romantic message, indicating 'I am your captive' and 'your charms are unequalled.'
The article also touches upon a historical painting, depicting an arrangement with flowers like orange crocus, dwarf almond, snowdrop, and blue navel wort, each representing cheerfulness, friendship, hope, and true love, respectively.
In the 21st century, there has been a revival of interest in the language of flowers. The duch*ess of Cambridge incorporated flowers with specific meanings into her wedding bouquet, signaling a resurgence of this charming and symbolic tradition.
In summary, the language of flowers is a fascinating historical phenomenon, encompassing a rich tapestry of meanings attached to each bloom, allowing individuals to express sentiments and messages through carefully curated bouquets.