Send Your Sweetheart A Secret Message This Valentine’s Day

Say something more to that special someone when you use floriography. Floriography, or the language of flowers, is a form of cryptologic communication. Flowers and plants have been given meanings throughout time. Examples can be found in books and poems and works of art. During the Victorian time period, the practice of sending coded messages through flower bouquets, plants or single blooms became very fashionable. It was a way to speak your true feelings when it was not allowed to be spoken aloud. This bouquet was called nosegays or tussie-mussies. The recipient would wear or carry them in a certain way to convey a response. Several books were written to explain the meanings and arrangement of the bouquets. Most recently Mandy Kirkby wrote A Victorian Flower Dictionary: The Language of Flowers Companion. Today with the first tussie-mussie you send you may want to include a copy of the book; so the recipient will understand your message. After that, the two of you will be able to send floriographic messages to each other. Others who may see the bouquet will just think it is a pretty arrangement

Lilacs mean the first emotions of love; daisies are for innocence. However, roses are the most popular gift on Valentine’s Day. Few people may know what the color of a rose is meant to convey. As a result, even the most head-over-heels-in-love man or woman may not be saying what they mean to say when giving roses. It might be best to keep this guide, courtesy of ProFlowers®, in mind.

• Red: Red roses say “I love you.” Red is symbolic of love, especially romantic love. Red also symbolizes beauty, courage and respect.

• Pink: Pink is a popular color on Valentine’s Day, but sweethearts should know that pink roses say “Thank you,” which makes them a better choice for friends than lovers.

• White: White roses say “I am the one for you.” White symbolizes true love, purity, innocence, reverence, humility, youthfulness, and charm.

• Yellow: Yellow roses say “We’re friends and I care about you.” Joy, gladness, friendship, delight, and remembrance are just a few of the sentiments yellow conveys.

• Yellow with red tip: Yellow roses may be best for friends, but yellow roses with red tips say “I’m falling in love with you.”

• Orange/coral: Another awe-inspiring color, orange/coral roses say “I want you in my life.” This color indicates desire, enthusiasm and fascination.

• Red and white together: A mixed bouquet of red and white roses says “We are a great match.”

• Peach: Peach symbolizes intimacy, telling a lover, “Let’s make this a memorable Valentine’s Day.”

Different color roses say different things, meaning Valentine’s Day celebrants can find a rose to convey any message they hope to send this February 14. If that special someone has a favorite color of rose, then it might be wise to give that color regardless of what tradition suggests. When accompanied by a box of chocolates, a bouquet of long-stemmed roses is sure to make a sweetheart smile on February 14.

Catherine Boeckmann, Digital Editor for the Old Farmers Almanac has also compiled and published a great article on the meanings of flowers. Her article contains a large list and can be found by clicking here to take you to their website.