We are all familiar with some of the more common meanings behind flowers – roses symbolise love and poppies symbolise remembrance. But the language of flowers in an extensive, comprehensive thing, with years of history behind it. So today, I wanted to explore some lesser-know meanings behind flowers!
Bird’s Foot Trefoil
With the meaning of revenge, the visual of trefoil has been used in things like the biohazard and radioactive symbols.
Camellia
The camellia is a deeply romantic flower, with meanings ranging from grace and beauty to perseverance and devotion. A very specific meaning, though, is “my destiny is in your hands”. It is a unique way to express one’s devotion, whether to someone you admire from afar (white camellias), someone you miss (pink camellias), or someone you are with (red camellias).
Chicory
Chicory is a plant that has been used for a variety of things, from making coffee to a mild laxative. In the language of flowers, it symbolises frugality, especially when carried on one’s person. However, it is difficult to know where exactly this meaning arose.
Evergreen Clematis
Evergreen clematis, also known as the “Old Man’s Beard”, has many different meanings. One of the more unique ones is the symbol of poverty. This, combined with another of its meanings, “mental beauty”, could definitely send an interesting message!
Forsythia
In the Victorian language of flowers, forsythia symbolises anticipation. Historically, it may have been used to send the message, “Why haven’t you asked me to marry you yet?” In other parts of the world, it carries other meanings, such as the arrival of spring and wealth and prosperity.
Gardenia
Perhaps due to its pure white petals, gardenia symbolises purity, harmony, and most uniquely, refinement. They have been connected to numerous different folklore, from the Greek God of Dreams, Morpheus, to love potions in China.
Hyssop
In the language of flowers, the hyssop symbolises sacrifice and repentance. It has strong biblical ties in regards to being clensed, as it is mentioned over ten times in the Old and New Testaments.
Impatiens
A flower that comes in a multitude of different colours, it is a funny one on the wordplay. Although they usually represent motherly love, impatiens do, sometimes, represent impatience.
Laburnum
The laburnum means pensive beauty and is associated with feelings of being forsaken and an impending abandonment. Considered beautiful but toxic, this flower (and its entire plant) is considered a warning.
Nasturtium
The nasturtium has the distinct meaning of patritism and conquest. Historically, soldiers would wear them as a symbol of victory, especially after hard-won battles.
Orange Lilies
Despite lilies’ largely positive connotations, orange lilies can symbolise hatred and contempt. However, it is also argued that they usually symbolise a deep passion and energy. Perhaps this came about from passion turned to hatred?
Rhododendron
A mouthful of a name, the rhododendron was used by Victorians as a warning, a way to tell someone, “beware.” This likely arose from its poisonous nature, as they are beautiful but dangerous plants. Something to be wary of.
Saffron
Among saffron’s many meanings, “beware of excess” may be the most unique. This it thought it have come from the harmful effects of consuming too much saffron, which can lead to saffron poisoning. Saffron is also considered one of the most expensive spices in the world, which may contribute to its meaning.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons have both positive meanings, like strength and grace, and negative ones, like deception and deviousness. This may come from the Victorian belief that hiding a Snapdragon on you made you more charming to others – tieing into that idea of misleading someone.
Tansies
Last but not least, tansies symbolise resistance and a declaration of war. They are bitter and can be harmful when ingested, which contributed to the idea of them being a threat when gifted. When used in situations less extreme than war, they were a way to tell another person that you “thought of them with hostility.”
Despite the fact that the language of flowers is considered an extremely niche interest today, it is still fascinating to look at the meanings that they once held and where they originated from. My hope is that you have learned something new from this, or that you found it entertaining. Thank you for reading!