• VALENTINE’S
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS Flower meanings and symbolisation were a key element to flower choice many years ago. The flower type and colour all represent different feelings dating back to old-school traditions, so if you’re planning on buying a loved- one a beautiful bunch of flowers this V-Day, take a look at which stem will help you convey the right message...
ORCHID
The orchid is a mature flower and like its elegant appearance, the flower signifies exotic beauty, refinement and glorious femininity. This doesn’t mean that only older couples buy orchids, for the flower can be used to greet a beautiful lady, to show love, thoughtfulness, and if you’re using it in Chinese terms, it stands for ‘many children.’
HYACINTH
A flower made of tiny flowers, just as a hyacinth is an intriguing and pleasant flower, its meanings are also quite enjoyable. This flower symbolises playfulness, haste and downright attitude. The blue hyacinth shows loyalty; the purple is for sorrow, red or pink for play, white for loveliness and yellow for jealousy.
ROSE
Definitely the most popular choice of flower to buy on valentine’s Day, the Rose comes in a variety of colours, each representing different meanings. The red rose conveys romantic love as the colour red is associated with stimulating brain wave activity, increasing heart rate, respirations and blood pressure – this is basically for the flower to say ‘I love you!’ purple roses signify that the giver has fallen in love with the recipient at first sight. Coral and orange roses signal desire. Yellow roses stand for joy and friendship, whereas Pink roses express appreciation and a White rose is a sign of humility. 32
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CHRYSANTHEMUM
IRIS
Not only is it the emblem of France, but the Iris embodies eloquence. The purple Iris is symbolic of wisdom and compliments; the blue one stands for faith and hope, while the yellow means passion and the white iris is for purity. This is the flower you gift to show wisdom, valour and compliments.
It’s a mouthful to say, but Chrysanthemum is a pretty flower, that usually takes a back seat to the Carnation. This flower often stands for joy, optimism and perfection. You would give the Chrysanthemum to show loyalty, happiness and to wish long life. A red chrysanthemum conveys love; a white chrysanthemum symbolises truth and faithful love, while a yellow chrysanthemum depicts slighted love (let’s hope you don’t have to give any of those).
