Flower festivals were held by ancient cultures to celebrate springtime. Plants and flowers then became to be used in early religious ceremonies and festivals to transfer the symbolic meaning of flowers from pagan to religious meanings. The social custom of giving flowers on certain occasions developed over time. Flowers held special meanings according to their origin or religious and mythological symbolism. The specific flower or bouquet of flowers expressed the sentiment felt on the part of the giver.
Floriography became known as the "language of flowers." Dictionaries were developed in the 19th century which assigned meanings to flowers. The first floriography dictionary was was Le Language De Fleurs by Charlotte de la Tour in Paris. Under Queen Victoria's reign in England in the 19th century, many more dictionaries were produced. A truly comprehensive book on the meaning of 100 flowers and bouquets was written by John Ingram called Flora Symbolica. Floral gifts during this era represented the feelings of the giver to the receiver in accordance with the strict etiquette guidelines set by the floriographers. The color of the flower and the presentation of the flowers were significant to the feelings that were being expressed.
Today many florists on the Internet contain a few meanings and origins of flowers to help the customer decide which flower will help express his/her feelings. My favorite site is The Grower's Direct site at http://www.grower.com/flowertriva.htm . Not only do they list the meanings of flowers, they also explain the origins of the names and meanings. A few current books on floriography have been written. The Language of Flowers by Kate Greenaway and Flora's Dictionary: The Victorian Language of Herbs & Flowers by Kathleen M.Gips are good sources for discovering the meanings of flowers that were assigned during the Victorian Period.
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