The Secret Language of Flowers

Diana Cochran, Author and Owner of Vann Jernigan Florist, Inc.


Since ancient times people have used flowers to communicate their feelings, thoughts and ideas to others. Lewis Carroll sent Alice in Wonderland through the looking glass into a garden filled with talking flowers. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians endowed flowers with the power of Gods and the spirit of humanity. Many today give flowers with only a partial understanding of the message the flower holds for the receiver. Below, explore the messages of some of humanity's most cherished flowers.
Thistle, Scotland's national emblem, is a symbol of hard work, suffering and is believed to be a flower capable of dispelling melancholy according to the ancient Greek botanist Diosorides. Thistle is sometimes featured in fairy tales, symbolizing enduring love that can overcome pain, suffering and difficulties.
Iris, a symbol of faith, authority, victory and conquest is also believed to protect from evil spirits. The ancient Greeks named the Iris after a messenger of the Gods who guides the souls of women and girls into the afterworld. Even today, many Greeks place the Iris on the graves of women.
Honeysuckle has stood the test of time as a symbol of lasting pleasure, permanence and steadfastness since the middle ages.
Lily, a flower of purity, has been used as a strong religious symbol especially during the Christian celebration of Easter. According to the ancient Greeks, white lilies were created from the milk of Hera, the mother of Gods.
Tulip, a symbol of spring, wealth and life after death, this flower was originally grown in Persia; but is currently known as the flower perfectly cultivated by the Dutch. During the 16th and 17th century this flower was so sought after that people traded their homes and ships filled with cargo for only a few bulbs.
Roses symbolize love, joy, virtue and beauty; but can also symbolize death as in a single rose on a grave. Cleopatra was said to sleep on pillows filed with rose petals.
Daisies symbolize a sharing of sentiments, childhood innocence, freedom and sweetness.
Giving flowers can send a powerful message. It’s fun to know the message that you're sending with your next gift of flowers.