Red Roses If I Love You, Yellow If I Don't: The Secret Langu

Flowers have been given a special significance for centuries. They have long been treasured for their scent and their beauty. Perhaps nobody has esteemed flowers, however, as highly as the people of the Victorian age. For them, flowers were so important they even used them to convey secret messages. Using flowers, gentlemen and ladies became more courageous in expressing their feelings. As the English poet Thomas Hood so eloquently stated, "Sweet flowers alone can say what passion fears revealing."

Here are some special flowers and the sentiments assigned to them in floriography, the floral language of the Victorian era.

Aster: Symbol of Love, Daintiness
Azalea:First Love
Camellia (Pink): Longing For You
Camellia (Red): You're a Flame in My Heart
Camellia (White): You're Adorable
Carnation (Pink): I'll Never Forget You
Carnation (Red): My Heart Aches For You
Carnation (Solid): Yes
Carnation (Striped): No, Refusal, Sorry I Can't Be with You, Wish I Could Be with You
Carnation (White): Innocence, Pure Love
Carnation (Yellow): You Have Disappointed Me, Rejection
Chrysanthemum (Red): I Love You
Chrysanthemum (Yellow): Slighted Love
Daffodil: Unequalled Love, You're the Only One
Daisy: Innocence, Loyal Love
Dogwood: Love Undiminished by Adversity
Fern (Maidenhair): Secret Bond of Love
Forget-Me-Not: True Love, Memories
Gardenia: You're Lovely, Secret Love
Ivy: Wedded Love, Fidelity
Jonquil: Love Me, Affection Returned, Desire
Lavender: Devoted Love
Lotus: Estranged Love
Moss: Maternal Love, Charity
Orange Blossom: Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness
Orchid: Love, Beauty, Refinement
Peony: Bashful Love
Primrose: Happy Love
Poppy: Hopeless Love
Rose (Pink): Perfect Happiness, Please Believe Me
Rose (Red): Love, I Love You
Rose (Thornless): Love at First Sight
Rose (White): Innocence and Purity, I am Worthy of You
Rose (Yellow): Decrease of Love, Jealousy
Rosebud (Red): Pure and Lovely
Spider Flower: Elope with Me
Tulip (General): Perfect Lover
Tulip (Red): Believe Me, Declaration of Love
Tulip (Variegated): Beautiful Eyes
Zinnia: Absent Love

Revive the romance of times gone by. Give a bouquet of flowers that not only has a special scent or special beauty, but a special meaning. Share the secret language of flowers.

About the Author

Sherri Allen is the editor of an award-winning website devoted to topics such as family, food, garden, house&home and money. For free articles, information, tips, recipes, reviews and coloring pages, visit http://www.SherriAllen.com/