Seventeenth-century Turkey is thought to be the birthplace of the practice of giving meanings to different flowers, such as the use of different flowers traded between lovers to convey different messages. Then, Victorian era Britain took hold of the custom of such ‘flower language’ with vigour, whereupon numerous books of ‘florography’ were published.
From expressing love, whether concealed, everlasting or just the love manifested in friendship, to expressing sorrow, there are a range of emotions that can be conveyed by giving flowers; to complement kind words, or simply at times when words might fail.
Which Flower For Which Day?
There is nothing better than giving someone what they want. In other words, if you know somebody loves daffodils, then you might as well give daffodils whatever the occasion. The same thing can be said when thinking of particular colours. However, for people who appreciate the symbolism of things, different flowers have come to represent different emotions, as have different types of flower arrangements.
For feelings of love or admiration, people often send the flower thought to represent the most passion, the rose. But remember, different types of roses convey different feelings! If you want to convey a message of happiness, perhaps to a sick friend, then daisies or sunflowers are cheery. Meanwhile, carnations are often given at funerals, in a wreath or other form. This brings us to the topic of different flower arrangements.
Flower Arrangements
Depending on the occasion, the florist you use may suggest a different type of flower arrangement.
For weddings, bouquets, ‘nosegays’ (a round shaped design with tightly packed flowers and little greenery), cascades (as in waterfall) and hand tied bunches, with a more natural appearance, are very popular.
At funerals, wreaths are the most popular design. Presented in a circular form representing birth, life, death and rebirth, they feature tightly packed flowers and are most traditional. Symbolic shapes such as hearts, crosses or the deceased’s name are also growing in popularity, while ’sprays’ or ‘casket sprays’ are usually a fairly low key arrangement, often purchased by the family to place on or near the casket.
Respected Australian florist – Flowers For Everyone offers a wide selection of Valentine’s Day flowers and gifts. Have a look at the arrangements available at http://www.flowersforeveryone.com.au
