The Language of Flowers

W hen I’m asked why it is that I appear so in love with flowers, I find it a curious question. While it is true that I do hold a fondness for their beauty, it is their history with us, their qualities nearly forgotten, their language (corrupted and dimmed) and the possibilities of reviving it that fascinate me. Botanical history and the true Language of Flowers are what I love.

Flowers want to be attractive to us because it is part of their job description set down by nature. Heady blossoms, bearing fragrances that delight and forms that intrigue, also trigger our memory centers. Flowers are the reproductive parts of plants in the seed-bearing group known as angiosperms or “flowering plants.” The job of blossoming flowers includes the attraction of pollinators, and it is thought also the attraction of humans. As bees get pollen for themselves while leaving enough to fertilize plants, so do we fulfill physical and sometimes emotional needs from plants while helping them grow. What better way could there be to ensure your survival than to be alluring to a species, particularly those whom you may help with your emotional energy gifts, and who may plant you, care for you and ensure your continuance?

To understand the Language of Flowers was to survive. In our forager times, it was vital to know when fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts and greens for food, medicine, shelter or other uses would be appearing on a plant, or which area in the environment this would be. Flowers would indicate not only the type of plant but also the ending and beginnings of particular cycles, and so flowers shared and still share this information by tapping into our emotions. They announce to us through their color, shape, form, fragrance and behavior that they are here and this is the time, and we remember because our emotions are triggered. The best of ancient foragers would have been those who read the Language of Flowers with clarity.

The Language of Flowers is a dialect of emotions. We may not quickly “see” with our eyes what a plant holds within. Can it nourish? Is it dangerous? Can a medicine be created from it? Is this plant needed for others, or even the environment itself? We can decipher this language through the emotional response a flower imparts and so find an indication of possible usage. Sometimes, all that is needed is the energy of the message itself, for who has not smiled and felt a lightness of heart on experiencing the Language of Daisies? Playfulness, protection, peace of mind, happiness and calm.

Flowers you may be attracted to could indicate something you need in your life as well. You could try having more of them around you in fresh form as cut flowers, in your garden, your perfumes and aromatherapy or flower essence creations, or in design, arts and crafts. Those that are edible could be delightfully added to nourishing treats and refreshments as well.

Some Common Flowers & Some of Their Meanings:

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): get well, strength, happiness, confidence

Red Rose (Rosa): love, courage, respect, passion, lust, relationship, beauty

White Rose (Rosa): truth, honesty, purity, protection

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): victory, support, vitality, independence

Dahlia (Dahlia): encouragement, dignity, generosity, faith, resiliency

Violet (Viola): faithfulness, answers within, subconscious, modesty

Pink Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus): love, encouragement, gratitude

Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus): hope, inspiration, respect, renewal

Red Tulip (Tulipa): desire, passion, declaration of love, belief

Peony (Paeonia officinalis): happy marriage, honor, wealth, health, nobility

Elder (Sambucus nigra): courage, fortitude, nurture, good luck, recovery