Little Known Facts: The Secret Meanings of Flowers

February 14, 2017 | Inspirational, Interest

Did you know in the olden days that suitors would declare their affection through flowers and not words? The young lover sent his beloved a bouquet of red roses, tulips, or carnations. If the lady sent her gentleman friend a bouquet of lilacs in response, she was communicating to him her shared affection. Isn’t that romantic? If she sent him ivy on the other hand, it was an invitation to be “just friends.” That’s a lovely way to communicate disinterest without hurting someone’s feelings.

Today, most of the meanings behind different flowers are lost to us. We usually show up at the flower shop and pick the bouquet that looks the prettiest. Am I right? You would benefit from a few tips on which flowers to buy for what occasion. You may even be able to have a conversation with someone based only on flowers!

The Meaning of Roses

Overall meaning: love. Roses are always a declaration of affection, even if it’s just friendship. This is why red roses are so popular on anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. Depending on the color, you can convey different meanings.

Red – passionate love
Pink – admiration/appreciation
Red & white – unity
White – purity
Orange – fascination
Yellow – friendship

The Meaning of Tulips

Overall meaning: declaration of love. Sending a bouquet of tulips is great option for dudes who are trying to figure out what flowers to send the woman they’re interested in. They’re not as flashy as roses, but have a deep symbolic meaning.

Pink – caring
Purple – royalty
Red – declaration of love
White – forgiveness
Yellow – hopelessly in love

The Meaning of Carnations

Overall meaning: pride and beauty. You might want to watch out for yellow and striped carnations if you’re going to be sending the flowers, because they represent something you probably don’t want to convey.

Pink – gratitude
Red – admiration
White – remembrance
Striped – refusal
Yellow – disappointment

The Meaning of Chrysanthemums

Overall meaning: fidelity, joy, and long life.

White – truth, loyalty
Red – love, sharing
Yellow – secret admirer

The Meaning of Lilies

Overall meaning: majesty, innocence, purity. The lily is always a delicate way to express these themes, and as such, are usually used as part of a bouquet with other flowers.

Calla – magnificence
Casablanca – celebration
Day – enthusiasm
Stargazer – ambition

Meaning of Orchids

Overall meaning: exotic beauty. The orchid is one of the most delicate flowers because it requires propping up and controlled environment. Send them to make a strong statement about the mystery of delicate, strong beauty.

Purple – royalty, respect
Pink – innocence, femininity, joy
Red – courage, strength, passion
White – elegance, beauty, humility
Yellow – new beginnings, joy, friendship

More Meanings

Lilac
First love
Daffodil
Chivalry, new beginnings
Daisy
Innocence, youth, motherhood
Hyacinth
Sincerity, constancy, playfulness
Queen Anne’s Lace
Delicate femininity, sanctuary
Sunflower
Adoration, joy