How one book influenced our modern appreciation of flowers
Hong Kong Florist explores the fascinating legacy of Charlotte de La Tour and her influential work, “Le Langage des Fleurs” (The Language of Flowers). This enchanting book not only captivated readers but also laid the groundwork for our modern understanding of floral symbolism.
Charlotte de La Tour and Her Pioneering Work
Publication Date: “Le Langage des Fleurs” was first published around 1819. Although not the earliest book on floriography in Europe, it stands out as the first comprehensive treatise devoted entirely to the language of flowers.
Floriography: De La Tour’s system of floriography gained widespread popularity. It was translated and published widely, serving as the foundation for subsequent floriography systems, especially in Britain.
Origins: De La Tour traced the origins of the language of flowers to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu’s 18th-century letters from Constantinople. These letters described messages conveyed through various symbolic objects, possibly used to communicate within the sultan’s harem. However, modern scholarship suggests a more European origin, likely rooted in romantic bouquets in France.
The Beauty of “Flora’s Dictionary”
Illustrations: Like many language-of-flowers books, “Flora’s Dictionary” featured exquisite illustrations. These visuals, whether hand-colored or chromolithographs, enhanced the enchantment of the text.
Hidden Meanings: Each flower held specific meanings. Roses symbolized beauty, while myrtle and ivy represented love and friendship. The arrangement of different blooms conveyed intricate sentiments. For instance, a bouquet might say, “I share your sentiments about the first emotions of love.”
Influence on Modern Interpretation
Victorian Era: The Victorian period embraced floriography with fervor. “Flora’s Dictionary” became a cherished guide for expressing emotions covertly. People exchanged carefully curated bouquets, each petal whispering secret messages. Roses, lilies, and other blooms carried profound significance.
Legacy: De La Tour’s work continues to resonate. Even today, we associate specific flowers with emotions, events, and sentiments. Whether it’s a red rose for love or a white lily for purity, the language of flowers remains a universal bridge across cultures and centuries.
Charlotte de La Tour’s “Flora’s Dictionary” bloomed into a timeless treasure, weaving petals, emotions, and meanings into a delicate tapestry.
Roses:
Symbolism: Roses represented beauty.
Context: When combined with myrtle and ivy, they conveyed sentiments of love and friendship—perhaps a message for an old, dear friend.
Aloe:
Meaning: An arrangement of aloe signified grief or religious superstition.
Basil:
Meaning: Basil was associated with hatred.
Cabbage:
Meaning: Cabbage symbolized profit.
Chrysanthemum:
Variation by Color:
Yellow Chrysanthemum: Represented slighted love.
Purple Chrysanthemum: Conveyed determination to win.
Myrtle and Ivy:
Symbolism:
Myrtle: Associated with love.
Ivy: Symbolized friendship.
Garden Daisy and Lilac:
Message: A bouquet combining garden daisies and lilacs whispered, "I share your sentiments about the first emotions of love".
Lupins, Hollyhocks, White Heather, and Ragged Robin:
Meaning: If you receive an arrangement of these flowers, it implies that someone is impressed with your imaginative wit and wishes you good luck in all your ambitions.
Delphiniums, Hydrangeas, Oleander, Basil, and Birdsfoot Trefoil:
Hidden Message: This combination is intriguingly complex:
Hydrangea: You’re considered heartless.
Delphinium: You come across as haughty.
Basil: The sender declares, “I hate you.”
Oleander: A warning—beware!
Birdsfoot Trefoil: The ultimate passive-aggressive touch—my revenge.
Geraniums:
Questioning: If someone sends you geraniums, they might be subtly asking, "Can I expect to see you at the next dance?".
Striped Carnations:
Response: If you have striped carnations blooming in your conservatory, you can send them to the enquirer to say, “afraid not.” These blooms represent a polite decline or a subtle “no” in the language of flowers.
The language of flowers, or floriography, allowed Victorians to express sentiments and emotions through carefully chosen blooms. Each petal whispered secret meanings—a silent dialogue that transcended mere aesthetics.
