Flower dictionaries of different nations. Victoria's Floral Dictionary. Love messages in flowers

Quote from advertising agent Patrick O'Keefe Say it with flowers! - “Say it with flowers!” - first appeared in the American magazine Florist's Exchange in 1917. The Society of American Florists immediately made this advertising “slogan” its motto. And until now, everyone who is directly connected with the magical world of flowers never tires of repeating and advising us: “Say it with flowers!”

Cover of the Farm and garden annual (1922). In the upper left corner is the phrase: “Say it with flowers!” Photo: Biodiversity Heritage Library/flickr/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

But, of course, the witty Patrick O'Keefe did not open America to the world: flowers became a special language of communication long before his advertising triumph.

There is an interesting painting by the 19th century English Orientalist artist John Frederick Lewis, “The Intercepted Message,” which depicts a scene in an oriental harem.

An excited woman, in the presence of her “sultan husband,” was caught receiving… a bouquet of flowers. Flowers are a message from a lover. Now everyone will find out its secret by carefully examining what flowers the bouquet consists of.

A bouquet in a harem is not a simple sign of attention - it is a letter written in the secret language of flowers. "Selam" - special language, born in Turkish harems and spread first in Turkey and then throughout the world.

The reasons for the occurrence of selam are clear. Life in isolation, without the right to communicate with outside world and will teach you not such tricks.

"Intercepted Message", painting by John Frederick Lewis

They say that the Swedish king Charles XII, who fled to Turkey after the defeat at Poltava and lived there for some time, became very interested in the language of flowers, studied it and, after returning to Europe, created the first Selam dictionary. This made his contemporaries and especially his contemporaries very happy.

But a little later, the French traveler Aubrey de la Mottere told the world even more interesting things about Selam. He described his vivid impressions in the book “Travels in Europe, Asia and Africa,” which was published in 1727. In it, he interestingly talks about the secret language of Selam.

The Englishwoman Mary Wortley Montagu continued the topic. She was the wife of the British Ambassador in Istanbul. With interest and attention, Mary studied the features of the colorful East. She was interested in the language of flowers. She set herself the goal of learning to “speak” and “write” in this love Esperanto.

Returning to England, she published Letters from the Turkish Embassy. In them, Lady Mary described the language of symbols as follows: “There is no paint, flower, fruit, grass, stone, bird feather that would not have a corresponding verse, and you can quarrel, scold, send letters of passion, friendship, courtesy, or exchange news without getting your fingers dirty.”

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu in Turkish dress in a painting by Jean-Etienne Lyotard, 1756. Photo: en.wikipedia/Public Domain

Europe is gripped by flower fever. Never before have so many bouquets been given, never before have flowers been so fashionable in hairstyles, buttonholes, hats and dresses. And all this was now filled with special meaning.

Now people were not content with just the impression of “beautiful-ugly”, but sought and found the meaning of the “flower message”. It was new and interesting. Of course, the Russian nobility took up the idea of ​​love flower Esperanto. The language of flowers was especially popular at the court of Catherine II.

Starting from the end of the 18th century and throughout the 19th century, “Flower Dictionaries” were published in various European countries with a detailed explanation of the meaning and meaning of a particular flower or plant. Ancient flower dictionaries described a huge number of plants and flowers, sometimes more than 300 names. Here are some of them.

Acacia - friendship, pure love.
Astra - grace, sophistication.
Hawthorn - courage and hope.
Gladiolus - the willingness to sacrifice oneself for the sake of one’s beloved.
Jasmine - sensuality, passion, first love languor.
Lily of the valley - innocence and purity of morals.

Posted by Ekaterina Pavlukhina (@katerinapavlukhina) Aug 25, 2017 at 10:33 PDT

It was first possible to read about Selam in Russian in 1830. Poet and translator Dmitry Oznobishin published the book “Selam or the language of flowers.” In it, the author gave an interpretation of the symbolic meanings of over 400 plants.

The book was beautifully illustrated, witty, and Russian society a sensation, giving rise to the parlor love game “Flirting Flowers.”

The young ladies of Pushkin's time, along with French and English, enjoyed studying new language. Thus, another killer technique appeared in the arsenal of Russian coquettes. Here are lines from Anna Kern’s letter to one of her many fans: “I have Thyme, I dreamed of Mignonette, I need to add a lot of Yellow Nasturtium to my Sensuality to hide the Marigold and Rosehip that torments me...”

Using the language of flowers, this phrase can be interpreted as follows: “I have a desire, I dream of the fleeting happiness of love, but I must hide my secret sensitivity under mockery in order to hide anxiety and worry.” So understand what a woman wants.

Everything comes and goes, and end of the 19th century centuries, the culture of speaking the language of flowers began to fade away. The turbulent twentieth century pushed it into the past. Now it is understandable to a narrow circle of specialists - historians and art critics. But this does not mean that people have stopped loving flowers. Flowers continued and continue to decorate a person’s life as before. And let Patrick O’Keefe’s phrase “Say it with flowers!” - just a publicity stunt. Let the language of SMS messages be in fashion today. But if a person with whom you are accustomed to calling and corresponding suddenly gives you a rose when you meet, then... Then this is a completely different matter.

Mademoiselle, accept this modest bouquet from me!
- Oh, hyacinth and one-two-three... twelve bells... Thank you, Count. I will definitely be there.

For the gallant 18th century, such a dialogue was an ordinary event. Every educated person understood that the count had arranged a date with the girl for 12 hours. The date was not difficult to determine by the number of hyacinth buds. The language of flowers was then known no worse than French.

True, the meaning of flowers is different countries and it could differ in different literary sources, which is why confusion sometimes arose in the decoding of messages. The more popular the plant was, the more interpretations it had. Cornflower, for example, could mean the sincerity of a relationship or cruelty.

But the queen of flowers - the Rose - was considered a symbol of beauty and love among all peoples and at all times. Especially red. I think this meaning continues to this day. The remaining shades also have a special meaning. Burgundy roses they say that your chosen one is the most passionate, seductive and temperamental, pink ones - that she is gentle, graceful and elegant. Combination of red and white roses will emphasize the unity of your thoughts and intentions, and yellow roses in a bouquet will tell you about the joy you get from communicating with this person. And no separation or jealousy. Yellow in the language of flowers means brightness, interest, curiosity, optimism and is associated with the sun and sunlight. And golden yellow primarily symbolizes wealth and happiness. White Rose They express purity of thoughts and a festive mood, which may be why they are often included in wedding compositions. Blooming Roses hint that their giver is in heaven of love, but buds They say that you are too young for love.

Please also consider that single flower- a sign of attention, bouquet of three plants- respect, out of five- confessions, and only out of seven- love... But sometimes all the roses are not enough to express what has accumulated in the soul.

Fortunately, the range of our flower shops is quite diverse.

Choose an azalea - a symbol of femininity, fragility, meekness, but at the same time passion and sadness. This flower is usually given before an unwanted separation in the hope of see you soon. A bouquet of pansies will promise fun and entertainment, for now this is only a frivolous air kiss, hope for the future. But a composition of asters will remind you of past love. By giving water lily (water lily), you will hint to your chosen one that she is your soulmate. A bouquet of gardenias is a sign of admiration and recognition that the giver considers himself unworthy of you.

Carnations can have the most different meaning: It all depends on the color. Pink carnations- a sign of endless gratitude, as a rule, they are given to mothers. Reds talk about victory, success, respect. Such flowers are usually presented for anniversaries. Bouquet of white carnations- wish you good luck in all your endeavors. Yellow- a request for attention and sympathy. Some striped carnations means final refusal.

Dahlias offer some hope. But still it is a flower of inconstancy and fleeting hobbies. Geranium advises you to settle down. But the gerbera expresses its sympathy. This is the best gift for friends, colleagues, and lovers. The gentle hyacinth hints: “You suit me, and we won’t be bored together.” Gypsophila is a symbol of timidity and uncertainty, but in mixed compositions it does not carry any meaning. Gladiolus - the flower of Roman gladiators, signifies courage and unwillingness to compromise. If a man gives you calla lilies, he recognizes your magnificence; camellias are your perfection.

But with lilies everything is a little more complicated. orange lily asks: “Is your heart free?” White admires nobility and purity. Yellow directly indicates your inconstancy and whims, and brindle- also on arrogance.

A bouquet of daffodils speaks of the strong but unrequited feelings of the giver. Modest forget-me-nots are always nice to receive as a gift, because they mean sincerity, constancy and fidelity. Refined orchids can only be presented to lovers; they are a sign of love, tenderness, sensuality, and serious relationships. Cheerful peonies look good in the hands of newlyweds and predict a long life together. The tulip is a symbol of pure love, happiness and pride. Violet - modesty and innocence, and also secret love.

Chrysanthemum is a complex plant. Its meaning largely depends on the color of the petals. Red chrysanthemums promise friendship white talk about sincerity yellow express gratitude. In the East, the chrysanthemum has long been considered the personification of flattery. But in China this flower is associated with autumn and harvest. The chrysanthemum is one of the four Chinese "noble symbols" (along with bamboo, plum and orchid) and the official symbol of the Old Chinese Army. The Chinese believe that a chrysanthemum given to a beloved and rubbed on the lips after drinking wine guarantees immortal love. Chrysanthemums were featured on the Imperial Coat of Arms of Japan. The Japanese believe that its petal, placed at the bottom of a glass of wine, promotes a long and healthy life.

White bird cherry, beloved by all Russian women for the tenderness and trembling flowers and delicate aroma, means joy and the desire to see the recipient (or rather, the recipient!) again. Of course, these are just the basics of science (no, rather, art), in which there are many more nuances, shades and halftones that today hardly anyone will study seriously.

Flower messages are a thing of the past. In service, lovers have a cell phone, email, and other achievements modern technology. And yet, sometimes a bouquet will say more than an SMS. Not all emotions can be expressed in words. Give flowers more often. And when thinking over a wedding bouquet for your bride, try to put your love, passion and tenderness into it. She will definitely feel it, even if she hasn’t had time to read this article yet.

Olga Maksaeva
Magazine "Love, Family, Home"

A bouquet for your beloved can be chosen in flower shops.

Everyone knows what roses mean. Did you know that the color of roses is also very important and can either make a surprise or, conversely, ruin a relationship? And other flowers can say a lot.

The custom of giving flowers is always gallant and romantic. For those who are shy or unsure of themselves, giving a bouquet is the easiest way to express your feelings.

Ancient myths, biblical stories and legends - in all of them you can find words about the meaning of flowers. At the beginning of the 18th century, King Charles II of Sweden introduced a new language to Europe, having visited Persia and learned the eastern “language of flowers.” Floral dictionaries were published throughout the 18th century, telling the secrets of lilies and lilacs, and individual chapters were devoted to arranging bouquets.

The more popular a flower is, the more meanings it has. The greatest burden falls, of course, on the roses.

Some would say we've long since moved on from Victorian days - email makes it as easy to woo a loved one miles away as if they were in the same room. But, on the other hand, it seems that we have lost contact with the earth.

The only flower whose meaning is always clear today is the rose. Yes, communication with the whole world has expanded globally, but the choice of flowers that are given has been reduced to almost one flower.

So, if you want to tell someone else how you feel, expand your freedom to choose from a large number of meaningful bouquets. After all, flowers are much more than just an email, and they look much more beautiful on the table.

Roses deserve the title of the oldest flowers grown by humans; they grew 5,000 years ago in gardens in the East. The wild rose is much older - the remains of roses date back to the appearance of 35 million years ago. Roses are now sold in the millions, which shows that this beautiful flower has truly stood the test of time.

The ancients explain the beauty of the rose by the fact that it was created by the gods. Greek goddess Cloris accidentally stumbled upon a dead nymph and turned her into a flower, Aphrodite added beauty, brightness, joy and charm. Dionysus filled it with fragrant nectar, and the western wind Zephyr swelled the clouds so that Apollo could water the rose in the sunlight. The flower was then named the “Queen of Flowers” ​​and given to the god of love, Eros.

The Romans had their own ideas about the origin of the rose. According to their legend, there lived a beautiful girl named Rodanthe. She had many fans, but she didn't like them. These young people were so full of love and desire that one day it came to the point that they broke down the doors of her house and rushed inside. This story greatly angered the goddess Diana, who turned the girl into a flower and her fans into thorns to teach them a lesson.

Whatever the origin of the rose, this flower is undoubtedly the most famous symbol of beauty and love.

Each of us remembers that the different colors of roses symbolize certain feelings that we experience for the one to whom we give them. However, there are so many interpretations of rose colors that it is very difficult to remember them the first time.

Postcards from the artist Catherine Klein (1861 - 1929)

Everyone knows what roses mean. Did you know that the color of roses is also very important and can either make a surprise or, conversely, ruin a relationship?
The custom of giving flowers is always gallant and romantic. For those who are shy or unsure of themselves, giving a bouquet is the easiest way to express your feelings.

Ancient myths, biblical stories and legends - in all of them you can find words about the meaning of flowers. At the beginning of the 18th century, King Charles II of Sweden introduced a new language to Europe, having visited Persia and learned the eastern “language of flowers.” Floral dictionaries were published throughout the 18th century, telling the secrets of lilies and lilacs, and individual chapters were devoted to arranging bouquets.

The more popular a flower is, the more meanings it has. The greatest burden falls, of course, on the roses.
Some would say we've long since moved on from Victorian days - email makes it as easy to woo a loved one miles away as if they were in the same room. But, on the other hand, it seems that we have lost contact with the earth.

The only flower whose meaning is always clear today is the rose. Yes, communication with the whole world has expanded globally, but the choice of flowers that are given has been reduced to almost one flower.

So, if you want to tell someone else how you feel, expand your freedom to choose from a large number of meaningful bouquets. After all, flowers are much more than just an email, and they look much more beautiful on the table.

Roses deserve the title of the oldest flowers grown by humans; they grew 5,000 years ago in gardens in the East. The wild rose is much older - the remains of roses date back to the appearance of 35 million years ago. Roses are now sold in the millions, which shows that this beautiful flower has truly stood the test of time.

The ancients explain the beauty of the rose by the fact that it was created by the gods. The Greek goddess Cloris accidentally stumbled upon a dead nymph and turned her into a flower, Aphrodite added beauty, brightness, joy and charm. Dionysus filled it with fragrant nectar, and the western wind Zephyr swelled the clouds so that Apollo could water the rose in the sunlight. The flower was then named the “Queen of Flowers” ​​and given to the god of love, Eros.

The Romans had their own ideas about the origin of the rose. According to their legend, there lived a beautiful girl named Rodanthe. She had many fans, but she didn't like them. These young people were so full of love and desire that one day it came to the point that they broke down the doors of her house and rushed inside. This story greatly angered the goddess Diana, who turned the girl into a flower and her fans into thorns to teach them a lesson.

Whatever the origin of the rose, this flower is undoubtedly the most famous symbol of beauty and love.

Each of us remembers that the different colors of roses symbolize certain feelings that we experience for the one to whom we give them. However, there are so many interpretations of rose colors that it is very difficult to remember them the first time.

The red rose is a symbol of love and passion. However, if you give it to a subordinate or business partner, then it expresses approval of a job well done or respect.

A dark burgundy rose is a rose that is usually given to representatives of the older generation. This is the color of “unconscious” but unfading beauty.

A pink flower is a traditional gift for a young girl. It denotes youth and its inherent modesty.
In addition, it symbolizes trust, tenderness and grace. Giving such a flower to a girl who attracts you means starting a relationship between you and hinting about your feelings.
However, pink can have another meaning, depending on the color saturation. So, dark pink means gratitude and appreciation, and light pink means sympathy and admiration.

You can safely present a white rose to a very young lady. But creamy white is the color of a wedding bouquet. It symbolizes happy love.
It is a mistake to think that yellow roses have a negative interpretation. In fact, yellow is the color of friendship and joy. These flowers look great in any floral arrangement.
An orange or coral rose is a great way to express enthusiasm and desire for a goal.

A tea rose will also tell you about your romantic feelings, a musky rose will express your admiration, and a centifolia rose is another way to confess your love. All light roses usually symbolize friendship.

Roses in buds, given in a bouquet, symbolize beginning, innocent love. The buds of red and pink roses say: "You are young and beautiful", unbloomed white roses mean: "You are too young for love."

For the first declaration of love, use light green roses.
If two buds are attached to a blooming rose, then some kind of secret must be seen in this message.

Two roses tied together are an invitation to a date, and they also mean anticipation of marriage.
Roses in the form of a wreath are a symbol of chastity. Since ancient times, rose wreaths at weddings have symbolized purity.
Rose foliage signifies hope and optimism.

The number of roses in the language of flowers also plays an important role. Thus, a single rose is a symbol of modesty; One red rose is a well-known way of declaring love. To invite someone on a fun date, a red rose is given in a bouquet, usually accompanied by two yellow roses.

The combination of white and red flowers in a bouquet signifies your agreement and unanimity. The combination of red and yellow is your sincere “Congratulations!” A rose in full bloom with two buds exudes mystery.

If the roses have leaves, then this is a symbol of reliability; if you tear them off, then the bouquet will say that, alas, there is no more hope.
But if you cut off the thorns, you will assure the person to whom you are giving the bouquet that he has nothing to be afraid of around you.