Flowers

History of the Tradition of Flower Giving

Have an anniversary coming up? Give them flowers! Don’t have a gift for your friend’s birthday? Grab a bouquet of their favorite flowers! Want to comfort your loved one but don’t know how? Flowers will do the trick!

Giving flowers as a gift has been consistent through diverse periods and cultures. But when exactly did it begin?

In this article, we talk about the history of the practice of flower giving. We’ll see how it developed through history and spread around the world.

Finally, we discover why this tradition was so vital in the Victorian Era. We see how almost everybody knew exactly the meanings and messages flowers held.

For a crash course on the language of flowers, go to our next article!

Interested in a formal course? Want to get certified as an expert on all things floral? We encourage you to look at organizations that offer programs in floristry, such as:

American Institute of Floral Designers (www.aifd.org).

Society of American Florists (www.safnow.org).

American Floral Endowment (www.endowment.org).

Flowers and Gift-Giving Traditions.

The earliest dates of giving flowers go back to the time of Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and the Roman Empire.

These three societies often used flowers in religious traditions. They based their personal use of flowers on their beliefs.

The Greeks used them as props for plays. They also made them into decoration for ceremonies. Later, they began exchanging flowers to show love towards each other.

Societies throughout history have kept the tradition of gifting flowers. During the Middle Ages, people from Turkey created the first list of meanings for flowers.

This later extended throughout the world. Other cultures matched these to their traditions and beliefs.

The Victorian Era and Flowers.

People from the Victorian Era are often known for being at the height of elegance.

But did you know they used flowers to convey deep, unsaid feelings towards each other?

Back then, people were getting more into gardening and flower care. They sought to grow healthy, lively flowers. They also cultivated new flower varieties.

The flowers, in turn, served as a form of communication. It carried messages between lovers, friends, families, and even acquaintances.

Flowers showed sentiments ranging from “I love you”, to “I adore you, my friend”, to “I’m sorry”. They played a vital role in how Victorian-era citizens made their feelings known.

See, Victorian people thought that stating how you feel was tasteless. So they adapted the list of flower meanings back in the Middle Ages. Then, they applied these into how they interacted with each other.

This even included romances! Courting was usually done through exchanges of flowers.

Some groups even came up with alternative meanings to flowers. They did this to communicate in secret, hidden from prying eyes.

Not long after, most people knew what every flower and floral arrangement meant. They could hold an entire conversation without saying a word.

The custom of flower giving became very popular. Soon enough, people started using bouquets to send certain messages to people. Even the way that the person presented the floral gift became part of their message. This tradition carried on (of course with less melodramatic quality) through history.

Photo by Ina Soulis

A Handy Guide To Giving Flowers In Different Occasions

Flowers have been present all throughout human history.

They act as presents between friends and loved ones. They serve as muses for artists of varying mediums. And, they become beautiful decor for homes and event venues.

Whether it’s first dates, birthdays, or burials, flowers are a standard gift to your loved ones. And floristry has continued to improve to adapt to the changing needs of their customers.

Need to buy a Valentine’s Day surprise present? Bouquets for the bride and her bridesmaids? Want to congratulate new parents on their infant? We have the best floral arrangement for you.

In this blog, we talk about occasions where people usually give gifts to their loved ones. Then, we check out the particular flowers usually used for each event. Later, we learn what kinds of greens and flowers go well with the typical arrangements.

From anniversaries, birthdays, get well soon baskets, to sympathy bouquets for a friend in grief – you got it. We bring you an useful guide to the best flowers to offer on these occasions.

Here is a Top 8 list of occasions for flower giving with the most popular flowers and arrangements used.

Want to register in a formal track on floristry? Want to get qualified as an expert on everything about the field? We suggest checking out professional bodies and schools in floristry, such as:

the American Institute of Floral Designers of the AIFD (www.aifd.org).

the Society of American Florists (www.safnow.org).

the American Floral Endowment (www.endowment.org).

You can also check out other similar organizations offering tracks specializing in floristry.

Top 8 Occasions To Give Flowers.

1st: Anniversary.

Just because you’ve been in a relationship for quite some time doesn’t mean you should let the spark die out. Surprise your significant other with a fabulous bouquet of flowers on your anniversary!

Of course, there are particular flowers linked to each milestone in your relationship. The usual red and pink roses may be your go-to. But mix it in with these blooms for each year for a more personal touch to your significant other. 

2nd: Birthday.

Vivid colors and radiant arrangements will suffice. But, make sure to add in a personal touch for your friend’s special day. 

It’s also normal to add in flowers of the month, so make sure to ask your local florist about it. Oranges and yellows are great colors to go with any type of flower – but do avoid gifting yellow carnations.

3rd: Date/ Valentine’s Day.

Yes, some may say it’s a dying tradition. But most people know you still can’t go wrong with a bouquet of stunning flowers to charm your date. 

Besides, a Valentine’s surprise won’t be complete without long-stemmed roses! The colors red, white, and yellow are perfect for a romantic Valentine’s dinner.

For someone you’ve been seeing a while, you might want to go over dandelions, orchids, or tulips. They can be a gentle reminder of your feelings for them without being too on the nose about it.

4th: Get Well Soon.

Sudden illnesses that leave you in bed all day can get miserable for anyone. If you’ve got a loved one who’s feeling out of sorts, get them a small floral gift. Flowers may help brighten their day and make things a little easier to stick out.

Avoid fragrant flowers like the plague if they’re in the hospital. Instead, go for brightly colored gladioli, irises or tulips. You could also consider buying a fruit basket to match.

Vibrant house plants and marigolds are a fantastic choice if they’re staying at home. They can help them remember that this is not permanent and they’ve got help all around them.

5th: Funeral.

For wakes and funeral rites, it’s common to send over larger arrangements with a gorgeous mix of flowers and greens.

Give tribute with utmost love and respect with roses, chrysanthemums, and lilies. Arrangements usually use white, blue, and green colors. They represent peace and humility and can bring comfort to your friends in a difficult time.

6th: Holidays.

Presents, by now, are a staple for holiday celebrations. Researchers have noted that the holiday season is when flowers are most given out.

In the Christmas season, the poinsettia, amaryllis and hollies are fantastic for presents and home decoration. Paperwhites also make a lovely bouquet. This is because they signify cheer and best wishes as the year comes to an end and goes into a new one. 

7th: Mother’s Day.

” Love your mother, as you will never get another one,” as they say. And what better way to show your love and admiration than a beautiful, fragrant bouquet?

If you’re not sure what her faves are, you can’t go wrong with pink or red carnations and gerbera daisies. These flowers will help you show your gratitude and love for your mom. Plus, it’s an excellent way to celebrate her life on this special day.

8th: Thank You.

Need a classy, sophisticated way to say thank you to a friend or colleague? Let them know how much you treasure them with a custom bouquet of their favorite flowers.

If you’re not sure what their favorites are and don’t want to ruin the surprise, don’t worry. Carnations, daisies and lilies are terrific choices to let them know you’re grateful for them. Go for pinks, whites, and yellows to show your gratitude for them.

Honorable Mention: Wedding.

People don’t usually offer flowers to the newlywed couple (and it’s considered disrespectful to do so). But flowers are a definite staple for wedding celebrations! You can see it everywhere – from the bride’s bouquet to the table centerpieces at the reception.

Flowers for large occasions like these rely a lot on the couple’s chosen theme and motif. But it never hurts to add in seasonal flowers to keep your arrangements lovely and fresh.

For instance, elaborate designs and light colors work best for the spring. Vivid tones and textured arrangements blend in with the fall season.

Photo by Annie Spratt

Flowers, Bouquets, and their Meanings

No history of flowers is complete without learning about the stories behind it. Given that, we’re here to give you a rundown on flower meanings and different arrangements! 

This crash course will help you learn the meanings behind both popular and rare blooms. Then, we consider the development of its position in ancient history. 

In this article, we cover a quick overview of the origins of flower meanings. Later, we talk about how it shaped human behavior and culture across history.

Peaking in the Victorian period, flowers still play a large role in human communications. In fact, it has a role in our relationships with friends and special someone. Of course, people also saw its value as a way to express one’s sentiment.

Flowers also remain significant to artistic works for their symbolic meanings. This included legends in ancient mythologies and folklore. Eventually, this also included sonnets, plays, and productions in the Renaissance era.

Interested in a formal course on floristry? Want to get certified as an expert on everything flower related? We suggest looking into professional bodies and schools in floristry.

These include American Institute of Floral Designers of the AIFD (www.aifd.org), the Society of American Florists (www.safnow.org), the American Floral Endowment (www.endowment.org). You can also look at similar institutions offering tracks in floristry.

Brief History on Flower Meanings

The language of flowers, from The Natural Wedding Company

Ever wonder about violets and their importance to Sapphic relationships? How about daisies and sunflowers and their popularity in friendly floral bouquets? Or the climb of roses to their standing as a favorite flower?

Whatever it is, we’re here to help you. This overview will take you through the development of flower meanings throughout history.

Since its climax in the Victorian era, flowers have influenced the production and retelling of many art forms. This consisted of mythologies and legends in ancient cultures. Later, it turned up in plays authored by world-famous artists like William Shakespeare.

In fact, the Victorians were so into flower meanings that they made entire handbooks for it. It was one way for people to make sure they got their bouquets and flower arrangements right. 

Today, flowers hold the same importance in expressing one’s emotions. This, of course, extends to showing sentiments to their significant others and loved ones.

Everyone has an idea of the basics of the language of flowers. Red flowers, particularly roses, display your love and passion for that special someone. Yellow flowers signify friendship. White signifies purity and innocence. And so on, so forth.

But how sophisticated does it get? 

Does the meaning evolve when put together with other flowers, other colors, other arrangements? Does it matter if the variety of flowers is a mix of different species or only one species? Does it matter if the arrangement leans towards the left, the right, or stands still and upright?

The short answer is, yes.

There are generally accepted meanings for each color. But there are further differences to each color for various species.

Colors and Species

Flowers often mean nice things, like passion and affection. But they can also just as easily represent negative emotions like conceit and disdain.

For instance, red roses are a clear display of feelings for another. At the same time, red tulips are a love confession from one person to another.

In the same way, white violets meant innocence, but purple ones meant emotions of love. Pink carnations said “I’ll never forget you,” while pink roses meant poise and gentleness.

While calla lilies signified magnificent beauty, peonies showed bashfulness, and tulips showed passion.

Of course, even the presentation of these flowers and specific arrangements matter. Trust us, you’ll need it if you want to properly crack the meaning behind flower gifts.

Arrangement and Presentation

Flowers provided people a very delicate means of communicating.

Suitors used them when trying to woo the object of their affections. Friends made use of them to offer condolences to a mourning family. Now, people also give flowers to celebrate their loved ones’ birthdays and achievements.

We’ve talked about the various meanings that a species’ various colors may express. Now, we take a closer look into the specifics of arrangement and presentation. We also discover how they may change or amplify the message that we would like to send.

Here is a great example. Suitors usually made use of tulips, roses and carnations to confess their love. Women answered one of two ways.

Some gave the suitor yellow carnations to express disdain and rejection. Some were more reserved and responded to their suitor with how they gave a bouquet. Giving with the right hand said “yes”, while the left hand meant “no”.

In addition, the presentation and state of the bouquet added meaning to the gift. For instance – presenting the arrangement upside down. This implied that the giver meant the reverse of what the flowers typically meant.

Another example is the angle of the ribbon binding the arrangement together. The meaning applied to the giver if the ribbon pulled to the left. The symbolism symbolized the recipient if it went to the right.

List of Flowers, Bouquets, and their Meanings

As we’ve learned, flower meanings have evolved and developed over time. Today, they continue to be useful in our relationships and how we express ourselves.

Here is a quick compilation of various species and their meanings. This also consists of variants from the colors they come in.

• Aloe – bitterness, healing, protection
• Amaryllis – worth beyond beauty
• Angelica – inspiration
• Anthurium – hospitality, abundance
• Aster – love, daintiness
• Begonia – beware, warning
• Bird of Paradise – magnificence, joyfulness
• Dahlia – dignity, pomp
• Daisy – innocence, hope
• Forget-me-not – memories of true love
• Gardenia – secret love, purity
• Gerbera – cheerfulness
• Hydrangea – heartfelt emotions, gratitude, sometimes frigidity and heartlessness
• Orchid – exotic beauty, mature charm, glorious femininity
• Peony – bashfulness, compassion, sometimes shame and indignity
• Sunflower – purity, adoration, dedication

Camellia

• Red – “You’re a flame in my heart”
• White – “You’re adorable”
• Pink – “Longing for you”

Carnation

• Red – love, pride, “my heart aches for you”
• Pink – “I’ll never forget you”, mother’s love
• Purple – capriciousness, erratic
• Yellow – disdain, rejection
• White – innocence, agape (unconditional love), “lovely and sweet”
• Striped – refusal

Chrysanthemum

• Red – love
• White – truth, loyalty/fidelity
• Yellow – jealousy, wounded love

Daffodil – rebirth, chivalry, eternal life

• Single – misfortune
• Bunch – joy and happiness

Hyacinth

• Red or Pink – playfulness
• Blue – constancy
• White – loveliness
• Purple – sorrow
• Yellow – jealousy, infidelity

Iris

• Purple – wisdom, compliments
• Blue – faith, hope
• Yellow – passion
• White – purity

Lilac

• Field – charity
• White – humility, youthful innocence
• Purple – first love

Lily

• Lily of the Valley – sweetness, purity of heart
• Easter – Virgin Mary
• White – modesty, chastity
• Yellow – gaiety
• Orange – passion

Rose

• White – purity, innocence, a fresh start
• Red – passion, “I love you”
• Deep crimson- mourning
• Pink – grace and gentleness
• Yellow – jealousy and infidelity
• Orange – desire, enthusiasm
• Lavender – love at first sight
• Coral pink – friendship, sympathy

Tulip

• Red – passion, declaration of love
• Yellow – “There’s sunshine in your smile”

Violet

• White – innocence
• Purple – love, affection

Photo by Annie Spratt

In ancient history, flowers were a major part of religious traditions. They served as offerings to gods and played roles in handing down their myths. Blooms also came to represent values and virtues in many societies.

People knew how crucial flowers were in interactions. So they began to assign unique meanings to flowers. They became a way to share thoughts and feelings.

In the 1700s, French and Englishmen created a way to give meaning to flowers. This led the way to the field of floriography or the language of flowers.

In this article, we discover the origins behind the language of flowers. We go back to a quick history of the practice of gifting flowers.

We look at the ways that the language of flowers has evolved over time, across diverse cultures. We also learn about the meanings we give certain flowers and arrangements today.

Interested in a formal course? Want to get certified as a flower expert? Look into associations offering classes in floristry, like:

American Institute of Floral Designers (www.aifd.org).

Society of American Florists (www.safnow.org).

American Floral Endowment (www.endowment.org).

History of Floriography.

The Greeks and Romans held flowers in high regard. They admired blooms’ natural charm and vibrant colors.

In their vast collection of myths, the tale of Persephone centers on flowers. The gentle girl is also called the Spring Goddess.

Persephone tended to gardens both in the Underworld and on earth. Bright blooms flourished in full with her care. Different species blossomed in her gardens. Many asserted that they grew even more beautiful in her presence to delight her.

Likewise, Ancient Egyptians adorned their carts with wreaths before going off to war. They also set flowers inside their loved one’s tomb before burying them.

The Egyptians hung flowers around their offerings to their gods. They did this as a gesture of love and adoration. The lotus flower was their most revered flower. It held meanings of rebirth, so they used them in their gifts.

Over time, these societies used flowers based on the meanings linked to them. Lilies, for example, represented purity.

The colonial era produced the first complete guide to flowers and their meanings. This developed side by side with floristry. People began to adjust floral designs to the meanings behind flowers.

The Art and Science of Flower Meanings.

The Victorian Era set the pace for the more complex language of flowers today. People from this time relied quite a lot on flowers to convey their emotions. As such, experts had to draw up entire books on flower meanings.

Greeks and Egyptians used bunches of the same blossom. In contrast, the Victorian period saw arrangements with a vast range of flowers. This was to share a mix of meanings of different flowers.

Floriography then grew into an entire field of study. It set out to give flowers meaning based upon where and when it grew.

Today, people know that flowers hold a large range of meanings. One needs to regard the flower’s history, color, and its place in its arrangement. This is the perfect way to embody true feelings and sentiments.

In recent years, people have begun to factor in flowers’ scents. They’re now as vital as the colors and shapes of flowers in floral design. Flower shops also include scents in their marketing appeal.

To this day, we still use flowers based upon their meanings. We even have a whole field of study on the meanings of flowers and arrangements!

This has helped us honor important occasions. It has allowed us to show our feelings to others. Most important of all, it lets us mourn the loss of loved ones.

We give bouquets of long-stemmed roses for Valentine’s Day. We present baskets as a birthday or housewarming gift. We pay respects with floral tributes for grieving families. Whatever we go through, flowers always let us express ourselves in the most heartfelt way!

Photo by Annie Spratt

“Stars: they’re just like us!”

Well, when we see their glam lifestyles, this might not strike so true. Parties, deluxe jewelry, designer clothes, private planes and yachts. These are what we associate with the rich and famous!

But despite being in the public eye 24/7, stars also indulge in their share of life’s simple pleasures. These include picking their favorite blooms for a charming bouquet.

You ‘d be shocked to know how many superstars love flowers as much as we do!

Check out this lineup of celebrities and their favorite flowers! You can find out if you share the same favorites as famous superstars. Better yet, you can find inspiration to get a few of these for your next bouquet!

Interested in a formal course? Want to get certified as an expert on everything related to flowers? We recommend checking into establishments that offer programs in floristry, such as:

American Institute of Floral Designers
Society of American Florists
American Floral Endowment

Katy Perry

Colors: White, purple, pink, blue
Native to: Asia and America
Type: Shrub
Meanings: Grace, honest sentiments, deep desire for understanding

This music diva rose to fame with fun, snappy pop hits. And she’s actually a huge fan of fresh flowers!

As a matter of fact, her dressing rooms on tours and concerts are often adorned with flowers. Among her favorites are the showstopping white and purple hydrangeas.

Known for their lavish, dense look, these blooms inspire beauty and imagination. Just like this pop singer’s original musical and fashionable styles!

Audrey Hepburn

Colors: White, whitish pink
Type: Woodland Plant
Native to: Eurasia and Eastern North America
Meanings: Renewal, good luck, prosperity

Classic, delicate beauty with strength of character. This represents both the ageless actress Audrey Hepburn and her most cherished flower, the Lily of the valley.

Hepburn loved these tiny white blooms. She even carried a bouquet of them at her wedding to Mel Ferrer. The arrangement was also used in one of her most famous films, Funny Face (1957 ).

The lily of the valley blooms in spring season with a subtle perfumed scent. It is also known for its distinctive bell shape, which is thought to bring comfort and good spirits.

With its soft yet striking elegance, it’s easy to understand why Hepburn loved this flower. It reflects her own refined persona.

Scarlett Johanssen

Colors: White, yellow, pink, orange
Type: Bulbous Perennial
Native to: Europe, North America and Asia
Meanings: Purity, femininity, good luck

Favorite Flower: Rose

Colors: Red, white, pink, yellow
Type: Woody Perennial
Native to: North America and Asia
Meanings: Love, romance, passion

Being in the public eye while taking on taxing roles is a challenge for most stars.

This may be why leading lady Scarlett Johnasson loves setting flowers all over her home. She says that they make her feel calm and relaxed. In the hustle and bustle of show biz, having this is sure to be a treasure.

Lilies and roses are among her favorites. While they differ greatly in look and meaning, they do have one good thing in common.

They both have a delightful fragrant aroma which always engages the senses. Their scents also soothe the soul, which explains the actress’s fondness for them.

Princess Diana

Preferred Color: Blue, pink
Type: Biennial
Native to: Eurasia and North America
Meanings: Faithful love, remembrance

Passionate and strong-minded, Princess Diana is honored all around the world. Her philanthropy work and human rights causes made her an icon beyond her royalty standing.

To celebrate her memory, Kensington Palace keeps a garden brimming with flowers in her name. This lovely garden spotlights her favorites: forget-me-nots.

Its name holds a notably poignant sentiment after her untimely demise. While small and discreet, these blooms remind us that love that prevails even after parting ways or passing away.

They remind us that it’s important to cherish the time and memories spent with loved ones, so their legacy lives on. Likewise, Princess Diana’s life has continued to influence her children, her family, and so many people across the world.

Angelina Jolie

Colors: White, purple
Type: Nonwoody Perennial
Native to: U.S.A., Asia, Australia
Meanings: Luxury, strength, love

This award-winning actress apparently goes with orchids as her blooms of choice.

Orchids are known for being tricky to grow. But when they do, they blossom into wondrous beauty!

Like these blooms, Jolie has had her share of life’s troubles. Behind her tough and mysterious front, she has experienced illness, pain, and loss in her personal life. But she has gotten out of it with more strength and savvy!

Orchids are also a well-loved gift for mothers on special events. It seems fitting that Jolie adores them, since she takes pride and joy in her six beautiful children.

Of all her achievements, she considers being a mom the most priceless to her heart.

Kim Kardashian

Colors: White, pale yellow
Type: Evergreen Climbers
Native to: Tropical regions of Eurasia, Australia, and Oceania
Meaning: Love, sensuality

Favorite Flower: Gardenia

Color: White
Type: Evergreen
Native to: Africa, Asia, and Pacific Islands
Meanings: Trust, peace, protection

It’s not always splashed across headlines, but Kim Kardashian has a liking for flowers! The mega-popular reality star enjoys floral fragrances, particularly those of jasmines and gardenias.

In fact, she’s launched her own line of perfumes which feature their aromas. In interviews, she says it’s because she links them with love and joy.

Both jasmines and gardenias have a loud presence with their flouncy petals and potent essences. Like the celebrated star, these flowers have a way of turning heads and fixing the limelight on them.

Marilyn Monroe

Colors: Blue, lavender, pink, scarlet
Type: Perennial
Native to: Central and Eastern America
Meanings: Hard work towards dreams, indulging in life, celebrating the positive

” Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, sings Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 smasher film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

But in her private life, the blonde bombshell enjoyed down to earth thrills. This involves tending to plants and flowers! She cherished delphiniums in particular.

Delphiniums take people’s breath away with their dense blooms and rich colors. But they also signify deep thoughts and feelings.

This can also be said of Monroe, a fascinating stunner with unseen depths. Through her movie roles and her sadly short life, she endeavored to become a success and enjoy the finer things in life.

Michael Jackson

Colors: Yellow, orange, red
Type: Annual
Native to: North America
Meanings: Positivity, bliss, warmth

In 2008, Lisa Marie Presley, Michael Jackson’s ex-wife, asked fans to bring a “sun shower” to the King of Pop’s burial ground. She had paid him a visit and saw that there weren’t enough bouquets and presents for the late singer.

So she asked fans to bring him the flowers that never failed to make him happy: sunflowers! In fact, Presley said he labelled them “happy flowers“, because they always looked so jovial to him.

Devoted fans quickly responded. In a short time, his resting place was filled with countless flowers!

Like the King of Pop and his wholehearted songs, sunflowers carry a lovely reminder. Even when we face grim days, the sun will shine again tomorrow.

Photo by Farrinni