The
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A Vic tor ian means o f communicat ion
The ar t o f Floriography
The language of flowers known as ‘Floriography’
was a Victorian means of communication. This
book celebrates this ‘lost’ language with
definitions for the most well known plants and
flowers. It is curated in a ‘Floriography Alphabet’
using illuminated letters to represent the flowers.
The book is complete with 2 additional posters
and bouquet cards to accompany the flowers you
wish to send.
The
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1 - 2
3 - 8
9 - 1 5
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Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
FLORIOGRAPHY
The hi s tor y and or ig ins o f the f lora l language
FLORAL ETIQUETTE
How to pre s ent your f lower s correc t l y
THE FLOWERS
The Flor iography a lphabet and the i r meanings
CONTENTS
The
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I ’ D R AT H E R H AV E
R O S E Son my table , than diamonds
O N M Y N E C K- Emma Goldman
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F L O R I O G R A P H YThe hi s tor y and or ig ins o f
the f lora l language
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FLORIOGRAPHY
For centuries, flowers, herbs and various
plants have given much pleasure to
people of all the nations, their beauty has
the unique ability to bring cheer when
someone is ill or downhearted, their
fragrances can be used to make lovely
perfumes, delicate foliage can be used for
certain medicines and foods, and
pungent smells can bestir mood. In
fact, they have been so outstanding in
this regard, that there is no wonder that
mankind has attached significant
meanings to them, actually going as far
as to formulate a language all their own
called Floriography. This ‘language’ was
particularly utilized during the Victorian
era; however, flowers well into past
generations have had religious and
symbolic meanings, and still do today.
For example, there were references given
to flowers, herbs and plants in Biblical
times, and during the Middle Ages,
herbs were even believed by some to have
magical powers. Therefore, they were
given a place of honour in the royal floral
gardens. The use of these floral ‘gardens’
existed well into the Victorian era, and
helped to create the elaborate list of
meanings to describe these beloved
flowers. History relates that during the
reign of Queen Victoria, which lasted
from 1837 to 1901, (known as the
Victorian era) the language of flowers
was as important to people as being “well
dressed.” For example, the recognizable
scent of a particular flower, plant or
perhaps a scented handkerchief sent its
own unique message.
Flowers adorned almost everything, hair,
clothing, jewellery, gowns, men’s lapels,
home décor and china, and stationery, to
name a few. A young man could either
please or displease a lady by his
gift of flowers.
Flowers would convey messages of love
or dislike upon which ones were given,
their sizes how they were held, and also
grouped together. They had a silent
meaning of their very own, and could
“say” what was not dared to be spoken.
Even the manner in which flowers were
sent had a special meaning.
Information on this is included in the
‘Floral Etiquette’ chapter.
Dictionaries were written to explain
The
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1.
this language to all, and were especially
used by lovers. One could learn that
Roses symbolized love, in general, but
each variety and colour had each, his
own meaning. The Lilies, generally
symbolized beauty, but it also has
many varieties, thus many diversified
meanings. Consider the quandary that
could have developed if lover’s used two
different dictionaries, with each possibly
having its own connotation. There
could, potentially, be some real
misunderstandings. So, we see the
importance of acquiring accurate
information in this regard.
Those of the Victorian era liked to make
up bouquets. Tussie-Mussies were
generally very well liked gifts. These
were small bouquets of flowers wrapped
in a lace doily and tied with satin. The
intrigue of secret messages sent this way,
became a popular pastime. Today, one
may find it difficult to express his true
feelings. One may wonder, “How do I
say I love you?” or “I want to be your
friend” or “You are special.” If one is
gifted in such a way, he could compose a
song, or write a poem. Or, he could
do something much easier and more
significant, he could give flowers!
Speak with finesse and bring the
language of flowers into your modern
day romance. Incidentally, be sure to
include an accompanying bouquet card,
found in the back of this book, that
explains their meaning.
victorianbazarr.com
They had a silent meaning of their very own, and could
“say” what was not dared to be spoken. Even the manner
in which flowers were sent had a special meaning.
2.
E T I Q U E T T EHow to pre s ent your
f lower s correc t l y
Flora l
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E T I Q U E T T EFlora l
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PRESENTATION
As well as individual flowers having
specific meanings, the manner in which
flowers were given did also. Depending
on which hand flowers were presented
in and their position, meant a yes or no
answer. For example, handing over
flowers with the right hand meant yes,
while with the left meant no, so if a beau
gave red roses the young lady might
reciprocate by extracting one and
handing it back with her right, or send
him packing with a bud from her left.
Inverted flowers represented the opposite
of the usual meaning. As well as the hand
used to present flowers, a bouquets
position also had meaning. Flowers
presented in an upright position meant
yes, in a downward position meant no.
This section includes:
1. Information on creating your own
Victorian Tussie Mussie
2. The appropriate way to give flowers
as well as receive them
3.
{ but spare the buds}”“Gather the f l ower s
- Andrew Marvell
4.
T U S S Y M U S S YCreat ing your
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DEFINITION
{Tussy Mussy: “A talking bouquet”}
A Tussy Mussy is a small, hand-held
bouquet popular in mid- 19th-century
Victorian England as an accessory
carried by fashionable ladies. Composed
of mixed flowers and herbs and edged
with a paper frill or greens, the
arrangement was sometimes inserted into
a silver filigree holder. When supplied
by an admirer, a Tussy Mussy became a
vehicle for the language of flowers.
5.
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INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1 Create a small cluster of central flowers. Cut the central flowers to six inches long.
Hold one or two central flowers in one hand, and begin to add more flowers to the
central cluster. Make sure the diameter of the cluster is around four inches and that the
central flowers are creating a visual balance.
STEP 2 Add filler flowers. To add variety to the Victorian Tussy Mussy, you must place filler
flowers all the way around the central flowers. The best filler flowers are Baby’s Breath,
Pansies, Violets, and Hydrangeas. Now, secure the Tussy Mussy with ribbon or string,
making sure that the central flowers and the filler flowers are bunched up together in a
neat and beautiful manner.
STEP 3 Wrap the Tussy Mussy with a doily. You should wrap the doily around the Tussy
Mussy, making sure you cover the stems. If you don’t have a doily, you can also make
use of a handkerchief. Use it in the same way you use a doily. Or if you prefer, you
can use any ribbon or lace. Run it from below the leaves, spiralling it all the way to
the stems. Upon reaching the bottom, run it upwards to cover any exposed area. Now,
make sure you finish off the Tussy Mussy with a ribbon and an accompanying bouquet
card to explain the meaning.
howtodothings.com
EQUIPMENT:
One pair of scissors
Flowers, based on the message
you wish to convey
Ribbon
A lace doily
6.
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PRESENTATION
NOWith your l e f t hand
Presenting flowers with your
left hand means no, as well
as taking flowers with your
left hand.
“Sorr y I can’t be wi th you”
7.
YESWith your r ight hand
Presenting flowers with your
right hand means yes, as
well as taking flowers with
your right hand.
“Your a f f e c t ions are re turned”
8.
F L OW E R SThe Flor iography a lphabet
and the i r meanings
The
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F L OW E R SThe
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A TO Z
A is for Acaciameaning ‘Secret Love’.
Acacia trees prefer soil that
is not too wet. Though, this
plant grows quickly, it is a
short lived plant.
B is for Bluebellmeaning ‘Humility’.
Bluebells grow in clusters
and are usually, but not
always, blue as the
name implies.
C is for Carnationmeaning ‘Bonds of affection’.
Carnations grow easily, and
in a variety of conditions,
including rocky areas.
D is for Daffodilmeaning ‘Unrequited Love’.
Daffodils belong to the
genus Narcissus. Daffodil
flowers have a trumpet
shaped structure.
E is for Eglantine Rosemeaning ‘A wound to heal’.
The Eglantine Rose is an
agressive plant which
grows in Central Otago,
New Zealand.
F is for Forget Me Notmeaning ‘True Love’.
Forget Me Not refers to
plants of the genus
Myosotis. There are roughly
50 species in this genus.
9.
G is for Gardeniameaning ‘You’re Lovely’.
This flower demands
high humidity to thrive
and bright (not direct)
light. Many Gardenias are
strongly scented.
H is for Honeysucklemeaning ‘Generous and devoted affection’.
The delightful fragrance of
Honeysuckle, is strongest in
the evening which attracts
pollinating Moths.
I is for Ivy meaning ‘Friendship’.
Ivy is a wild evergeen
climbing vine that attaches
itself to the back of trees
and other surfaces.
J is for Jonquil meaning ‘Affection returned’.
Jonquils are part of the
Narcissus family and are
very similar to Daffodils.
K is for Kingcupmeaning ‘Desire for riches’.Kingcup is a herbaceous
perrenial plant of the
Buttercup family, native to
marshes and wet woodland.
L is for Lavendermeaning ‘Devotion’.
Lavender is part of the
mint family, specifically the
Lamiaceae family, the genus
containing 25-30 species.
10.
The Language of Flowers was as important to people as
being ‘well dressed.’
M is for Marigold meaning ‘Comforts the Heart’.
Marigolds come in different
colours, yellow and orange
being the most common.
N is for Nasturtiummeaning ‘Conquest’.
Nasturtium’s peppery-
flavored flowers are good
to eat and taste good in
salads. The flower buds and
seedpods are also edible.
P is for Primrosemeaning ‘Young Love’.
The primrose, a common
and favoured wildflower
of England, has often been
celebrated in poetry.
Q is for Quincemeaning ‘Temptation’.
Quince is one of the earliest
known fruits. For over
4,000 years, Quince trees
have grown in Asia and the
Mediterranean.
R is for Red Rosemeaning ‘I Love You’.
The largest Rose ever bred
was a red Rose measuring
approximately 33 inches
in diameter.
O is for Orchidmeaning ‘You flatter me’.
The most important factors
for success with Orchids are
temperature, light, water
and fertilisation.
11.
S is for Snowdropmeaning ‘Hope’.
There are 75 different
species of Snowdrops. They
are all white.
T is for Tulip meaning ‘Fame’.
Tulips have been cultivated
for about 500 years. They
have their origin from
Central and Western Asia.
U is for Uvularia Grandiflora meaning ‘Good Luck’.
Uvularia grandiflora also
known as a Bellwort is a
plant in the family
Colchicaceae.
V is for Viscariameaning ‘Will you dance with me.’
The Viscaria flower also
known as Ultraviolet, is a
Perrenial flower.
W is for Water Lilymeaning ‘Purity of heart.’
The Water Lily is an object
used repeatedly in the oil
paintings of Claude Monet.
X is for Xeranthemummeaning ‘Cheerfulness under adversity.’
The Xeranthemum can be
used for it’s nectar which is
said to have health benefits.
12.
Y is for Yew meaning ‘Sorrow’.
The oldest tree in Europe
is said to be the Fortingall
Yew of Fortingall, Scotland,
near Loch Tay. It is 3,000
years old.
Z is for Zinnia meaning ‘Thoughts of friends’.
Zinnias bloom from mid
summer all the way until
frost. Zinnias come in an
array of colours.
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thegardener.co.uk
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The
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