A Story in Flowers
Only l a r u t a N
BY ANNA KRUSINSKI
W
e’ve all given a bouquet of flowers at one time or another to share our love, offer comfort or to express congratulations at life’s joyous occasions. And during the warmer seasons, when wildflowers abound and gardens are bursting with blooms, the fragrant and colorful blossoms call out to us. What better way to bring that cheer and beauty into your home than with a bouquet of fresh flowers? But did you know that the flowers selected for bouquets each carry individual symbolism? In the language of flowers, also known as floriography, plants and flowers are used to send messages in the form of floral arrangements. During the 19th century, the Victorians would exchange “talking bouquets” (also known as tussie-mussies or nosegays) which were small bundles of flowers that could be worn or carried, much like the corsages and boutonnieres with which we are familiar today. For the more poetic at heart, one might even create elaborate floral arrangements to send coded messages unsuitable to express openly in polite Victorian society. Wouldn’t it be fun to bring this tradition into your floral gifts? An easy way to carry on this charming tradition and bring joy into someone’s day is by gifting them with a lavender tussy-mussy. In the language of flowers, lavender signifies love, devotion and loyalty, making it a perfect choice for sending a message of affection.
Check out these fun and fascinating reads on the history of floriography, and for guidance on creating your own symbolic floral arrangements. The Posy Book: Garden-Inspired Bouquets That Tell a Story, Teresa H. Sabankaya A Victorian Flower Dictionary: The Language of Flowers Companion, Mandy Kirkby Flowerpaedia: 1,000 Flowers and their Meanings, Cheralyn Darcey 24
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