Language of Flowers & Fans

During the Victorian era, flowers and pictures of flowers spoke a language all their own.  Blossoms, buds, and herbal bouquets were sent to friends and lovers not only for their beauty and fragrance, but also to convey messages -- sometimes messages that the sender dared not speak in words. 

Here are some of the meanings listed in Victorian "flower dictionaries"

Roses ~ Love, Faith, Secrets, Eternity Red Rose ~ Romantic Love, Passion Pink Rose ~ Admiration, Appreciation White Rose ~ Innocence, Humility, Comfort Yellow Rose ~ Friendship, Love for Friends Pansies ~ Thoughts of You, Thoughtfulness Violets ~ Modesty, Youth Forget-me-nots ~ Remember me, Faithfullness Iris ~ A Message Purple Lilac ~ First emotions of love Daisies ~ Innocence, I share your sentiments Wild Daisy ~ I will think of it. Cyclamen ~ Shyness Daffodil ~ New Beginning, Rebirth, Truth Sunflower ~ Opportunity, Happiness Geranium ~ Comfort

Red Carnation ~ Alas for my poor heart Pink Carnation ~ Gratitude, Thank You Red Camellia ~ Excellence Jasmine ~ Amiability, Friendship Lily of the Valley ~ Return of Happiness Day Lily ~ Coquetry, Flirtation Red Poppies ~ Consolation Dead leaves ~ Melancholy Rosemary ~ Remembrance Cedar ~ Strength Sweet Basil ~ Best Wishes, Luck Thyme ~ Courage Ivy ~ Fidelity, Marriage Sweet Pea ~ Sweetness, Pleasure Camellia ~ Longing, Miss You Zinnia ~ Thoughts of absent friends

A flower presented upside down would have the opposite meaning. 
A ribbon tied on the left meant the quality referred to the giver; tied to the right, it referred to the recipient.  Flowers in combination could convey complicated sentiments!

 

At parties, sometimes the hostess would decorate with assortments of flowers and plants, from which the guests would select those that expressed their thoughts and feelings. 
Use our beautiful flower images (or real flowers and herbs!) to send symbolic messages and greetings!
 

Lovers of flowers will please note our Lunagirl Victorian Flowers

featuring 900 printable images of Victorian roses & other flowers & plants.

THE LANGUAGE OF FANS

A Victorian lady's fan could speak volumes as well, especially in a society in which certain sentiments were not properly spoken aloud between unmarried young men and women.  According to the Young Ladies Journal in 1872: