MEANINGS OF FLOWERS

The Society of American Florists has compiled these lists of flowers meanings from a variety of sources.

In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules – it’s the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning. Your florist can help you send the right message. Many people assign their own personal meanings – a flower or color that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives. For those interested in the historic meanings of flowers, the Society of American Florists has compiled this list from a variety of different sources.

Victoria’s Flower Dictionary in “The Language of Flowers” Novel

Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s novel “The Language of Flowers” tells the story of Victoria, a young woman from the foster-care system who uses the Victorian language of flowers to communicate with others and make sense of her troubled past. Diffenbaugh created Victoria’s Flower Dictionary by reviewing several dictionaries – “The Flower Vase” by Miss S. C. Edgarton, “Language of Flowers” by Kate Greenaway, “The Language and Sentiment of Flowers” by James D. McCabe, and “Flora’s Lexicon” by Catharine H. Waterman – and scanning the meanings, selecting the definition that occurred most often or she liked the best.