JF Ptak Science Books Quick Post
I've put together a quick-and-dirty list of some interpretations of what the appearance of flowers may "mean"--say in the hands of the subject of a painting, or as a gift, or a reference in a poem or piece of literature. This in some ways reminds me of an earlier post on this blog, "An Unkindness of Ravens and a Murder of Crows", here.
Here's a short list for further reading on the language of flowers:
- Connolly, Shane. The Secret Language of Flowers, New York: Rizzoli International, 2004.
- Edgarton, Miss S. C. The Flower Vase: Containing The Language of Flowers and Their Poetic Sentiments, Boston: Samual M. Dickinson, 1843
- Greenaway, Kate. Language of Flowers, London: George Routledge and Sons, 1864.
- Hale, Sarah. Flora's Interpreter, and Fortuna Flora, Boston: Benjamin B. Mussey and Company, 1850.
- Latour, Charlotte de. Le langage des fleurs, 1830.
- Lehner, Ernst. Folklore and symbolism of flowers, plants and trees, New York: Tudor Publishing Co. 1960.
- Miller, Thomas. The Romance of Nature; or the Poetical Language of Flowers, New York: J.C. Riker, 1860
- Powell, Claire. The Meaning of Flowers, Boulder, Colorado: Shambhala Publications, 1979.
- Shoberl, Frderic. The Language of Flowers: With Illustrative Poetry; to which is Now First Added, the Calendar of Flowers 1830
- Phillips, Henry. Floral Emblems, 1825.
- Waterman, Catherine H. Flora's lexicon: an interpretation of the language and sentiment of flowers : with an outline of botany, and a poetical introduction. 1855
- Wirt, E.W. Flora's Dictionary, Baltimore, 1855.
and an overall history
- Beverly Smeaton, The Language of Flowers--a very interesting book where Smeaton compares the various meanings for flowers among the five early and integral 19th century flower-symbolism folks, beginning on pp 167. A link to a free read is here.
Some samples of the very rich descriptions of the meaning of flowers:
Almond, flowering - Concealed love.
Althea, Frutex - I am deeply in love.
Amaranth - Immortality, or piety.
Anemone - Fading hope.
Arbor-Vitae - Unchanging friendship.
Auricula, Scarlet - Pride. You are proud.
Bachelor's button - Hope in love.
Balm - I long for your society.
Balsamine - Impatience; or, pray come.
Bay Leaf - I change but in dying.
Box - I believe in your constancy.
Buttercup - Riches. You are rich.
Calla Ethiopica - Magnificent beauty.
Carnation - Pride and Beauty.
Camelia Japonica - Surpassing excellence.
Cedar - Think of me.
China Aster - Caprice.
Cypress - Despair, and without hope.
Dahlia - Dignity - I will sustain it.
Daisy - Youthful beauty.
Dandelion - Coquetry, I accuse you of.
Eglantine - I wound to heal.
Forget-me-not - True love for ever.
Fox-glove - Insincerity. You are false.
Geranium - Gentility and elegance.
Gilly-Flower - Thou art fair.
Golden Rod - Encouragement. You will succeed.
Grass - Submission.
Heart's Ease - Love in idleness.
Heliotrope - Devotion. Let us pray for each other.
Hellebore - Calumny. You have listened.
Hollyhock - Ambition. I seek glory.
Honeysuckle - Dost thou love me ?
Houstonia - Content ever with thee.
Hyacinth, Purple - Sorrow. I am sad.
Hydrangea - Heartlessness.
Ivy - Wedded Love. We are happy.
Jasmine, White - I desire a return of my affection.
Larkspur - Haughtiness.
Laurel - Ambition. I will win.
Laurustinus - A token. Pray remember.
Lavender - Acknowledgment.
Lilac - Fastidiousness.
Lily, White - Purity and beauty.
Magnolia - You are beautiful.
Marigold - Jealousy, I have cause.
Mignionette - I live for thee.
Moss - Patience, or pray wait.
Oak-Leaf - Courage. I will endure.
Passion-Flower - Piety. Trust in God.
Periwinkle - Memory. Never forget.
Pink - Household love. I am at home.
Poppy - Forgetfulness.
Primrose - Neglected merit.
Rose - Love, or I love you.
Rue - Disdain. Go: never return.
Saffron - Marriage - when ?
Snow-drop - Faithful in adversity.
Thyme - Thriftiness. I am diligent.
Tulip - Beautiful eyes. Look on me.
Violet - I dream of thee.
Willow - Forsaken - never more.
Wheat - Prosperity - I wish thee.
Yew - Penitence. I am sorry.
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