More about flower language

We send flowers to the ones we love and care on many occasions. Be it a new beginning for a new born, a new home, a fresh start, or for someone with romantic interest, or for remembrance etc. In a way we sense the personalities of the different flowers and intuitively choose one over another one to fit the mood or occasion. Interestingly, we also use them as a form of communication. In the 17th century, The Japanese called flower language as Hankotoba, the name for associating certain flowers with different meanings. During the Victorian era, they called it Floriography.

I would like to share some interesting meanings of some commonly use flowers that I have read. Check it out:

May you have many children, Beautiful lady, Refinement * The Orchids

For healing, protection or spirituality * Frangipani

Stay as sweet as you are, egotism * Narcissus

I’ll ever tell, trust, loyalty *Daisy

Loneliness * Anemone

Hospitality & welcoming * Anthurium

I’m sorry, please forgive me * Hyacinth-Purple

You’ve disappointed me * Carnation-Yellow

I adore you *Sunflower (Open face turn to adore the sun)

Magnificent beauty * Calla Lily

Gratitude * Statice

Happy marriage & happy life * Peonies

True love and memories * Forget-me-nots

Strength of character * Gladiolus

Father will always be with you * Rosemary

Perfection & beauty * Sakura blossom

I can’t live without you * Primrose

Good luck to you * White carnation or bells of Ireland

Industrious & hardworking * Clover

Hydrangeas (Mixed Bag)

Positive side   - Heartfelt emotions, gratitude, thankfulness

Negative side – Frigidity and heartless

In Mexico giving hydrangeas are a symbol of bad luck

Lilies

White – Purity

Orange – Hatred

Yellow – Gay, walking on air

Tiger Lily - Pride

Roses

Pink – Perfect happiness

Yellow – Friendship, sympathy, jealousy

Red – I love you

Blue – Mystery

White – Purity

Meaning of  flowers at funerals (in general context)

Floral arrangements at funerals conveys respect and honour for the deceased as well as shaping a 

common belief regarding the presence of flowers at funerals, that the pleasant aroma masks the 

odour of the decomposing bodies.  Flowers also symbolise the short lived beauty and vitality of life 

itself, which is an especially poignant sentiment at funerals.

The common flowers used on a condolence wreath with its meaning:

Hydrangeas – Heartfelt expression

Carnations – Pride & beauty

Lilies – Life

Rose - Love

Chrysanthemums – Fidelity

Orchids – Beauty

Forget-me-nots – Remembrance

Gladiolus – Strong character