Flowers: Understanding their Meaning and Significance to Special Occasions by Clinton Porter

Flowers have taken on various meanings throughout time, and for as long as people have existed. However, it is believed that during the Victorian era, flowers were used not only as decoration, but also to convey a strong, and commonly understood meaning. Colour, shape, and scent were all used as part of the overall message that was conveyed. In addition, the art of growing, arranging, and preserving flowers was thought to refine a woman. Hence, Victorians developed fluorography, or the study of flowers. In 1818, Mme. Charlotte de la Tour compiled the various meanings of flowers and published Le Language des Fleurs. Later, in 1879, Miss Corruthers, a Victorian lady of Inverness, wrote an entire book on fluorography.
These two books are used as the standard sources for flower symbolism in England and the United States. The love of flowers and the interest in the meanings of flowers did not end during that period. Instead, it continues to this day, and the significance of flowers is still quite influential.

Because flowers carry many meanings, it is important to realize the message that they hold and to use them accordingly.

Listed below are the most common flowers and their respective meaning to help you choose the perfect flowers for any occasion. Although the symbolic meaning of a flower is important, it is crucial to keep in mind the recipient and their flower preference. In addition, it is often helpful to include a small note to express your feelings, especially if the individuals flower preference has a negative connotation.

Flowers and their Respective Meanings:

Aster - Symbol of Love, Daintiness
Azalea - First Love
Camellia Pink - Longing For You
Camellia Red - You're a Flame in My Heart
Camellia White - You're Adorable
Carnation Red - 'My heart aches for you'
Carnation Pink - 'I'll never forget you'
Carnation White - Sweet and Lovely
Carnation Pink - I'll Never Forget You
Carnation Striped - Sorry I Can't Be with You
Carnation Yellow - You Have Disappointed Me, Rejection
Chrysanthemum Red - 'I Love You'
Chrysanthemum White - Truth
Chrysanthemum Yellow - Slighted Love
Daffodil Yellow - Respect or Joy
Daisy - Innocence, Loyal Love
Dogwood - Love Undiminished by Adversity
Fern Maidenhair - Secret Bond of Love
Forget-Me-Not - True Love, Memories
Gardenia - You're Lovely, Secret Love
Ivy - Wedded Love, Fidelity
Jonquil - Love Me, Affection Returned, Desire
Lavender - Devoted Love
Lily White - Youth or Beauty
Lily Tiger - Prosperity
Lily Purple - Beginning of Love
Lotus Flower - Any Estranged Love
Moss - Maternal Love, Charity
Orange Blossom - Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness
Orchid - Love, Beauty, Refinement
Peony - Bashful Love
Primrose - Happy Love
Poppy - Hopeless Love
Rose Red - 'I Love You' or Passion
Rose Pink - Happiness
Rose Yellow - Friendship
Rose White Innocence or Purity
Rose White - Innocence and Purity, I am Worthy of You
Rosebud Red - Pure and Lovely
Spider Flower - Elope with Me
Sunflower - Yellow Adoration
Tulip General - Perfect Lover
Tulip Red - Love
Tulip Yellow - 'Sunshine of my life'
Tulip Variegated - Beautiful Eyes
Zinnia - Absent Love

Sometimes, a single flower does not convey the message you desire. In this case, a beautiful display of one type of flower or a bouquet of multiple flower types can be ideal.

Birthdays - Selecting the Ideal Floral Arrangement:

Creating the perfect birthday arrangement for a friend or loved one can be difficult. However, by selecting the traditional flower associated with the individual's birthday month, the bouquet can be tailored to suit their needs. Because each flower is selected according to its most prolific flowering time, you are receiving the most beautiful flowers for the season, at a reasonable price. The following are examples of the types of bouquets that can be created for a loved ones birthday:

January Carnations / Snowdrops
February Violets / Primroses
March Daffodil / Jonquils / Violets
April Sweet Peas / Daisies
May Lilies of the Valley / Hawthorn / Lilies
June Roses / Honeysuckle
July Larkspur / Delphinium / Water Lily
August Poppies / Gladiolus
September Aster / Morning Glories
October Calendula / Marigold / Cosmos
November Chrysanthemum
December Narcissus / Poinsettia / Holly

As discussed above, flowers carry many meanings; birthday flowers are no different. For example, daffodils are regularly regarded as a symbol of rebirth as they are so often associated with springtime. Carnations generally carry connotations of love, fascination, and distinction. In addition, Lilies typically symbolize purity of heart because people instantly connect lilies with the colour white � signifying innocence and sweetness.

Although flowers are most often associated with Valentine's Day and birthdays, a flower bouquet can be a thoughtful and well-appreciated gift for any occasion. It can also be used to say "I'm sorry" or to brighten up the lives of a loved one who is sick. The effect that flowers have on our lives is astounding; it creates a sense of well-being and happiness and can be used for any occasion.

Online florists, flowers4.co.uk can help you select flowers for birthday months. You can send flowers using their same day flower delivery service to UK and other European destinations. You can also use their next day flower service to send flowers to loved ones to countries outside Europe.

About the Author:

Clinton Porter is a search engine optimisation consultant with Nvisage