Floriography and Etiquette

Floriography is a means of cryptological communication, through the use or arrangement of flowers and plants. In Kate Greenaway’s illustrated “Language of Flowers.”, there are over 30 meanings for as many types of roses. — photo source Cliff Graber

Symbolic meaning has been attributed to flowers for centuries. Originating in the Courts of Constantinople in early 18th-century Turkey, and spreading throughout the world, the term for this is “Floriography.” Floriography has been practiced in some form in traditional cultures throughout the world. 

Both flowers and plants are used as symbols in the Hebrew Bible, particularly for love and lovers. In the “Song of Songs,“ flowers and plants are symbolic for the Israelite people, as well as for the coming Messiah. 

In Western culture, popular authors like Shakespeare, ascribed symbolic meanings to flowers, which encouraged readers to employ the symbolisms. Interest in floriography soared in popular culture in Victorian England and in the United States during the 19th century. 

Most books on etiquette and decorum offered lengthy lists of flowers and their meanings. Coded messages, created with flowers, were sent as romantic gestures. The sender of such a bouquet could express feelings which would not be socially appropriate to verbalize or send in writing, during the Victorian era. 

Numerous books on flowers, plants and their meanings, were published in The 17th and 18th centuries. The most popular book in Western culture on floriography is Victorian, Kate Greenaway’s illustrated “Language of Flowers.” The book’s popularity continued into the Edwardian era and beyond.

In Greenaway’s book, no flower was left off of her extensive list. Roses had many meanings, depending on the type and color, as shown below:

1. Rose, Austrian — Thou art all that is lovely
2. Rose, Bridal — Happy love
3. Rose, Burgundy — Unconscious beauty
4. Rose, Cabbage — Ambassador of love
5. Rose, Campion — Only deserve my love
6. Rose, Carolina — Love is dangerous
7. Rose, China — Beauty always new
8. Rose, Christmas — Tranquillize my anxiety
9. Rose, Daily — Thy smile I aspire to
10. Rose, Damask — Brilliant complexion
11. Rose, Deep Red — Bashful shame
12. Rose, Dog — Pleasure and pain.
13. Rose, Guelder — Winter, Age
14. Rose, Hundred-leaved — Pride 
15. Rose, Japan — Beauty is your only attraction 
16. Rose, Maiden Blush — If you love me, you will find it out 
17. Rose, Multiflora — Grace 
18. Rose, Mundi — Variety
19. Rose, Musk — Capricious beauty
20. Rose, Musk, Cluster — Charming 
21. Rose, Single — Simplicity 
22. Rose, Thornless — Early attachment 
23. Rose, Unique — Call me not beautiful 
24. Rose, White — I am worthy of you 
25. Rose, White (withered) — Transient impressions.
26. Rose, Yellow — Decrease of love, Jealously
27. Rose, York and Lancaster — War 
28. Rose, Full-blown, placed over two Buds — Secrecy 
29. Rose, White and Red together — Unity 
30. Roses, Crown of — Reward of virtue 
31. Rosebud, Red — Pure and lovely
32. Rosebud, White — Girlhood 
33. Rosebud, Moss — Confession of love

        *From a variety of sources, including Wikipedia 

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia©️ Etiquette Encyclopedia