Language of flowers

    The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, was a Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. King Charles II brought the art to Sweden from Persia in the 17th Century. The Japanese flower language is called Hanakotoba.

    The nuances of the language are now mostly forgotten, but red roses still imply passionate, romantic love; pink roses a lesser affection; white roses still suggest virtue and chastity; and yellow roses still stand for friendship or devotion. While these may not be the exact translations of the Victorian sentiments, the flowers still hold meaning.

    Also commonly known meanings are sunflowers, which can mean either haughtiness or respect -- they were the favorite flower of St. Julie Billiart for this reason. Gerbera (Daisy) means innocence or purity. The iris, being named for the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, still represents a message being sent. A pansy means thoughts, a daffodil regard, and a string of ivy signifies fidelity.