Roses are Red, Violets are Blue

People give flowers to convey feelings without saying them aloud. As an example, red roses say, “I love you." Although the language of flowers has been expressed for thousands of years, it grew in popularity during the Victorian Era. In fact, there is a name for the language of flowers – it is floriography. Dictionaries have been written so people could interpret the messages of silent communications.

A Complicated Code

There is meaning behind the flower itself, but also the color; whether the flowers were offered with the right or left hand or upside down; whether they were tied together to the right or left. Even wilted flowers conveyed a message.

Yellow is generally not a good color. A yellow rose has a variety of meanings ranging from romantic rejection to jealousy to friendship. Yellow chrysanthemums can mean slighted love.

Today’s bridal bouquets have meaning in the arrangement – marriage, love, devotion, family, and loyalty. The next time you give the gift of flowers, think about what they are saying. To help you, the link below lists a variety of flowers and their meaning.

Check out the Almanac's complete list of Flower Meanings and Plant Symbolism below.