The Language of Flowers: A Beginner’s Guide to Floriography

You might have heard the term "floriography" before, but even if this is the first time you’ve come across the concept, the name probably gives away what it’s all about.

Floriography is a cryptological communication through the use of flowers. In other words, it is a way to send secret messages to loved ones or friends using flowers and their meanings. In an era where text messages and digital interaction have replaced much of our social connection, using floriography to send a special message feels not only intentional but pretty darn magical.

A Brief History of Sending Secrets

Floriography has been documented since the 1700s in the letters of Lady Montagu, where she noted the practice of giving certain meanings to flowers, expressing everything from love and devotion to hate and dislike. But the practice was truly popularized in the Victorian era, when people needed an outlet to communicate their feelings because society deemed the public expression of strong sentiments inappropriate.

It wasn't until 1819 that the first book of flower meanings was published by Charlotte de la Tour: her dictionary-style Le Langage des Fleurs. (This is actually still available to the public as a digital study by the Biodiversity Heritage Library!) This book acted like a spark, popularizing floriography in many countries around the globe.

I chose to bring this beautiful concept back through The 47th Muse in the form of a Mail Club because I honestly adore the practice. I love everything about flowers, and I believe the world needs more of the whimsical and a little less of the general news reports.

Common Flowers and Their Meanings

Here is a list of some of the most popular flowers and their meanings to get you started:

The Classics of Love & Friendship

• Red Rose: Deep love, passion, and "I love you."

• Pink Rose: Grace, admiration, and gentleness.

• Yellow Rose: Friendship, joy, and new beginnings (traditionally it meant jealousy, but we’ve reclaimed it for joy!).

• Chrysanthemum: Truth, loyalty, and a simple reminder that you are loved as you are.

Flowers of Hope & Rebirth

• Daffodil: New beginnings and rebirth. A sign that the sun is returning to your heart.

• Lotus: Potential and resilience. The beauty of rising through the dark to bloom into your true self.

• Sunflower: Adoration and loyalty. An invitation to let your inner strength shine toward the light.

Whimsical & Sentimental Blooms

• Dandelion: Perseverance, faithfulness, and the magic of a simple wish.

• Forget-Me-Not: True love and memories. A promise to keep someone in your heart forever.

• Peony: Compassion, bashfulness, and a happy life.

• Lavender: Devotion, serenity, and grace.

• Daisy: Optimism and cheerfulness.

One thing to keep in mind is that the color of the flower can change the meaning as well. For example, a White Carnation means "pure love," but a Striped Carnation once meant "I cannot be with you."

How to Use Floriography Today

There are many ways to use floriography in our time, but here are a few examples to get your imagination started:

• In Home Decor: Styling prints with meaning. Try arranging a gallery wall in your family room mixing family ephemera, photos, and art pieces of the birth flowers of each family member.

• In Gift Giving: Choosing the right floral art piece for a friend. For example, a t-shirt with a sunflower print would symbolize friendship, devotion, and loyalty.

• Using Fresh Flowers: Sending a simple bouquet of fresh flowers, like white tulips, to represent pure joy.

• How I use Floriography: One of my favorite ways is through my Floriography Mail Club. I send a print of an original floral arrangement that contains a secret, uplifting message. I also design a card that serves as both a glossary of the flowers included and a scratch-off card to discover the message.

The Golden Rule

Here is my pro-tip: Always respect the Golden Rule of Modern Floriography. There are no "wrong" floral combinations. If a flower makes you feel a certain way, that is its truest meaning for you, and that is what you should use. Your loved one will feel your sentiment even deeper if it comes directly from your heart. So have fun with it, and enjoy the magic that comes just from being in the presence of flowers.

Want to learn a new flower's meaning every month? Join my Floriography Print Mail Club and get a piece of "speaking" art delivered directly to your door.

What is your flower? If you had to choose one flower to represent your strength right now, which would it be?