Showing my support in a rainbow of flowers.
FLORIOGRAPHY
Floriography is another name for the language of flowers. Within the art of floriography, every flower carries its own special meaning or symbolism, according to its variety and colour.
Some flowers even take on a new meaning dependent on the number gifted – for example a single red rose denotes ‘love at first sight’, whereas a dozen red roses say ‘be mine’.
The language of flowers is most commonly associated with the Victorian era. It was during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 – 1901) that flowers were used to communicate feelings that the strict etiquette of the era would not allow to be openly expressed.
The flowers were sent in the form of small bouquets, known as tussie-mussies or nosegays. They typically consisted of fragrant herbs and a single, meaningful flower wrapped in a lace doily. Suitors presented tussie-mussies to their prospective lovers and watched to see if they were accepted.
So, how did you know if a potential lover accepted your advances?
Held at heart level – Well done! You’ve been accepted with joy.
Held downwards – Not this time. Better move on.
To answer ‘yes’ – Flowers are given in the right hand.
To answer ‘no’ – Flowers are given in the left hand.
Interflora
Wasn’t it a romantic era if all you had to do to ask someone out was to buy flowers and see how they were held! A lot easier I’d say!
sjbutler.photography 
I have always been fascinated by the language of flowers
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully illustrated and interesting post! I knew all about the language of flowers but never realised that it had a name, floriography 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person