Have you ever wondered what makes the rose so special? A lot, actually, considering the flower's rich history and high market demand. Today, roses are found in full bloom for weddings, anniversaries, romantic holidays, and even as a way of saying "sorry" to a loved one who was wronged.
The popularity is due in part to the strong symbolism attached. Red roses have stood the test of time across cultures, representing ideals of beauty, love, romance, and even politics.
But how does the rose's symbolism represent Valentine's Day?
It harkens back to the nineteenth century when Victorians used floral bouquets to deliver a message to love interests — that they were, in fact, interested. This system is called "floriography," and it officially solidified the rose's romantic status. However, cultivation of this garden variety dates back to 5,000 years ago, in eastern Asia. Later in the Roman period, they were raised in the Middle East and used as perfume, party decor and medicine. Most of the roses we see today can be traced back to the late 1700s, when they began to trickle into Europe. The flower itself may not be the only reason for its expression of love. The color of traditional roses, red, represents passion. Interestingly, the pink rose may stand for appreciation and grace, the yellow rose may stand for friendship and happiness, and the white rose may stand for innocence.
Whatever you're trying to communicate this Valentine's Day — letting your mom, friend, or spouse know you love them, for example — the rose remains an ideal (and timeless) choice. http://www.marthastewart.com/1511452/why-do-we-give-roses-valentines-day
So what is Florigraphy? We have seen this in books, in many articles but never knew what it was called. Now you do.
Floriography: The Language of Flowers in the Victorian Era
The Victorian Era ushered in a time of proper etiquette among the upper class in England during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901). Among the many rules and customs, there were expected behaviors that prohibited outright flirtations, questions, or conversations between others.
Although the use of flowers to convey messages had been used in Persia and the Middle East, it was during the Victorian Era and the publication of flower dictionaries explaining the meaning of plants, flowers and herbs, that the tradition began to spread throughout England. Soon it became popular to use flowers to send secretive messages. Though often portrayed to relay positive messages of interest, affection and love, flowers could also send a negative message and at times, the same flower could have opposite meanings depending on how it was arranged or delivered.
The Language of Flowers – Though flowers and other plants have held significance for centuries, during the Victoria Era flowers began to gain special meaning. Flowers quickly increased in popularity as a way to send subtle messages to others. It was during the Victorian Era that a large list of meanings was assigned to flowers and the language of flowers came into being.
Floriography: The Language of Flowers – During the Victorian Era, flowers and plants were used to communicate during a time when expected conventions restricted conversations for a variety of reasons. Flowers allowed secretive messages to be sent. As the long list of flowers and their meanings grew, books containing the meanings of various plants and flowers (floriography dictionaries) were published.
Sensational Color of Roses – According to information here, the language of flowers dates back further than the Victorian Era. It is believed flowers were used as a means of communicating in Persia and the tradition spread to England where it became more widely used during the Victorian Era when open communication in some topics was forbidden or not thought seemingly to express in public or mixed company.
taken from http://www.proflowers.com/blog/floriography-language-flowers-victorian-era
Till next time this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa
The popularity is due in part to the strong symbolism attached. Red roses have stood the test of time across cultures, representing ideals of beauty, love, romance, and even politics.
But how does the rose's symbolism represent Valentine's Day?
It harkens back to the nineteenth century when Victorians used floral bouquets to deliver a message to love interests — that they were, in fact, interested. This system is called "floriography," and it officially solidified the rose's romantic status. However, cultivation of this garden variety dates back to 5,000 years ago, in eastern Asia. Later in the Roman period, they were raised in the Middle East and used as perfume, party decor and medicine. Most of the roses we see today can be traced back to the late 1700s, when they began to trickle into Europe. The flower itself may not be the only reason for its expression of love. The color of traditional roses, red, represents passion. Interestingly, the pink rose may stand for appreciation and grace, the yellow rose may stand for friendship and happiness, and the white rose may stand for innocence.
Whatever you're trying to communicate this Valentine's Day — letting your mom, friend, or spouse know you love them, for example — the rose remains an ideal (and timeless) choice. http://www.marthastewart.com/1511452/why-do-we-give-roses-valentines-day
So what is Florigraphy? We have seen this in books, in many articles but never knew what it was called. Now you do.
Floriography: The Language of Flowers in the Victorian Era
The Victorian Era ushered in a time of proper etiquette among the upper class in England during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901). Among the many rules and customs, there were expected behaviors that prohibited outright flirtations, questions, or conversations between others.
Although the use of flowers to convey messages had been used in Persia and the Middle East, it was during the Victorian Era and the publication of flower dictionaries explaining the meaning of plants, flowers and herbs, that the tradition began to spread throughout England. Soon it became popular to use flowers to send secretive messages. Though often portrayed to relay positive messages of interest, affection and love, flowers could also send a negative message and at times, the same flower could have opposite meanings depending on how it was arranged or delivered.
The Language of Flowers – Though flowers and other plants have held significance for centuries, during the Victoria Era flowers began to gain special meaning. Flowers quickly increased in popularity as a way to send subtle messages to others. It was during the Victorian Era that a large list of meanings was assigned to flowers and the language of flowers came into being.
Floriography: The Language of Flowers – During the Victorian Era, flowers and plants were used to communicate during a time when expected conventions restricted conversations for a variety of reasons. Flowers allowed secretive messages to be sent. As the long list of flowers and their meanings grew, books containing the meanings of various plants and flowers (floriography dictionaries) were published.
Sensational Color of Roses – According to information here, the language of flowers dates back further than the Victorian Era. It is believed flowers were used as a means of communicating in Persia and the tradition spread to England where it became more widely used during the Victorian Era when open communication in some topics was forbidden or not thought seemingly to express in public or mixed company.
taken from http://www.proflowers.com/blog/floriography-language-flowers-victorian-era
Till next time this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa
