The Language of Flowers in Literature

Ever thought flowers might mean more than just their pretty looks and sweet smells? In literature, authors have used the language of flowers to send secret messages. From Shakespeare to the Victorian times, flowers have carried deep meanings in stories. Let's dive into how flowers in literature tell us more than we think at Lily's Florist. But before we do that we take no shame in giving you some insights as to our best selling flowers :)

Floriography, or the idea of giving flowers certain meanings, has been around for ages. But it really took off in the Victorian era. Back then, showing feelings openly was seen as wrong. So, flowers became a secret way to share feelings. Writers like Charlotte and Emily Brontë, Jane Austen, and Frances Hodgson Burnett used flowers to add depth to their stories.

Flowers aren't just for the Victorian times. William Shakespeare loved using flowers in his works too. In Hamlet, Ophelia uses flowers to send secret messages. By looking closely at these flowers, we can understand the deep meanings authors wanted to share.

Key Takeaways

• Floriography, or the language of flowers, has been used in literature to convey secret messages and emotions.
• The Victorian era saw a surge in the popularity of floral symbolism as a means of coded communication.
• Authors such as Shakespeare, the Brontë sisters, Jane Austen, and Frances Hodgson Burnett incorporated floral symbolism into their works.
• Analysing the use of flowers in literature can provide insights into the cultural significance and hidden meanings behind the stories.
• The language of flowers continues to be a fascinating aspect of literary analysis and a testament to the enduring power of symbolism in storytelling.

The History and Origins of Floriography

The language of flowers, or floriography, started in Ottoman Turkey. It became popular in Constantinople's court in the 1700s. This tradition, called sélam, from the 14th century, helped shape this secret flower language.

In Europe, Mary Wortley Montagu and Aubry de La Mottraye made floriography popular. Montagu brought it to England in 1717, and de La Mottraye introduced it to Sweden in 1727. Soon, it caught on, especially with the upper classes, who loved its secret nature in Victorian times.

The first book linking flowers with meanings was Joseph Hammer-Purgstall's Dictionnaire du language des fleurs in 1809. But the full guide, Le langage des Fleurs, came from Louise Cortambert, writing as Madame Charlotte de la Tour in 1819.

Floriography became more popular in the Victorian era. Many books and guides came out to help people understand this secret language. It let women in the 18th and 19th centuries express themselves creatively with flowers. They could send messages through bouquets and arrangements.

Symbolic Meanings of Flowers in Literature

Flowers have been key symbols in literature, sharing deep emotions, virtues, and ideas. In Western culture, each flower has its own set of meanings. These meanings often come from the flower's look or how it behaves.

The mimosa stands for chastity because its leaves fold at night or when touched. The red rose symbolises Christ's blood and intense love, with its five petals showing Christ's five wounds. Pink roses mean less love, white roses stand for virtue, and yellow roses show friendship or loyalty. The black rose, a deep red or purple flower, is linked to death and darkness.

The lily is a big deal in literature, often seen in Anglican churches in England. It's shown in art and stained glass as the lily crucifix, symbolising Christ. The violet, with its beauty and scent, represents modesty, faithfulness, and innocence in stories.

The Victorian Pre-Raphaelites, artists and poets from the 19th century, loved beauty and symbolism. John Everett Millais' painting Ophelia (1852) shows Shakespeare's drowned heroine surrounded by flowers. Each flower in the painting has a special meaning, adding to the story.

The symbolic meanings of flowers in literature have made stories, poems, and plays richer for centuries. They add depth and meaning to the words. By knowing the language of flowers, readers can appreciate how authors use them to share complex ideas and feelings.

The Language of Flowers in Literature

The language of flowers, or floriography, has been a key part of literature for ages. Famous authors have used flower symbolism in their works, making their stories richer. William Shakespeare, a top playwright, often used flowers in his plays and sonnets. In "Hamlet," Ophelia gives flowers to others, each with its own meaning: pansies for thoughts, rosemary for remembering, and rue for regret.

In the works of Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, and Emily Brontë, flowers are important. In "Pride and Prejudice," a rose shows love and respect. In "Jane Eyre," thorny roses symbolise the tough times the main character goes through. "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett uses flowers to show how characters grow and heal.

Modern authors like J.K. Rowling and John Steinbeck also use flower symbolism. In the Harry Potter series, Professor Snape's love for Lily Potter is shown through his Patronus, a doe, linked to lilies. In Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums," the flowers stand for the main character's deep desires and her limits in a society ruled by men.

Floriography's lasting presence in literature shows how flowers can touch our hearts, send messages, and add depth to stories. As readers, we're still captivated by the beauty and meaning of flowers. They offer a timeless way to connect with our feelings and the human story.

Floriography in Victorian Literature and Culture

In Victorian times, flowers were key to sharing feelings without words. The language of flowers, or floriography, was all the rage in the 1800s. Each flower had its own meaning. People used guidebooks to pick the right flowers for their bouquets.

During this era, many homes had conservatories for exotic plants. These places were symbols of wealth. Flowers were big in fashion and home decor too.

Exchanging flowers was a way to show feelings. A rose meant "devotion," while an apple blossom showed "preference." Returning a yellow carnation meant "disdain." Straw was for "union." This way, people could talk feelings without breaking rules.

Myrtle was a symbol of luck and love in marriage. Queen Victoria's daughter carried myrtle at her wedding in 1858. This started a royal tradition. Kate Middleton, not the Princess of Wales, the wife of Prince William, followed this custom in 2011.

"Tussie-mussies" or nosegays were small bouquets with deep meanings. They were kept in posy holders. Victorian women loved making and understanding these bouquets. They let people share feelings through flowers, using the secret language of flowers.

Floriography was big in Victorian literature too. Authors like Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austen used flowers to add depth to their stories. Flowers helped readers understand the deeper meanings behind the words.

Today, Victorian floriography still affects our culture. Many couples pick meaningful flowers for their weddings. The language of flowers lets people share feelings in a special way. It's a romantic way to communicate that lasts through time.

Modern Interpretations and Adaptations of Floriography

The Victorian era was the peak of floriography's popularity. Yet, its impact still inspires today's interpretations and adaptations. For example, "Attack on Titan" by Hajime Isayama uses flowers to symbolise and foreshadow. Isayama draws on Hanakotoba, Japan's flower language, to enrich his stories.

Nowadays, birthday flowers are all the rage, linking a flower to each day of the year. This twist on floriography lets people express feelings with a special floral gift for birthdays. Florists and online shops now offer these unique flower arrangements and bouquets.

Floriography's core ideas are still important today. Roses symbolise love and affection, while a bright bouquet can show deep apologies or condolences. The lasting impact of the language of flowers shows the power of nature's beauty in communication.

Floriography's influence is still seen in our culture today. From classic literature to modern manga, flowers hold deep symbolic meanings. They invite us to understand their hidden messages and value the feelings they share.

Seeds of Wisdom

The language of flowers, or floriography, has a rich history across many cultures and times. It has been used to send messages that words can't say. The Victorian era was a peak time for this, thanks to Queen Victoria's influence in the UK and beyond.

Now, while floriography isn't as strict today, flowers still carry deep meanings in literature, art, and culture. Writers use flowers to add layers of meaning and touch readers' hearts. Flowers like the red rose and white daisy are symbols that touch us all.

Looking into floriography in literature shows us how writers use flowers to tell stories and share big ideas. Flowers stand for love, loss, purity, or passion. Their meanings keep our imaginations alive and deepen our understanding of the world. As long as flowers bloom, their stories in literature will too.