There is a language, little known,
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by nature’s wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers.
- The Language of Flowers, London, 1875
Flowers are an important part of Glass Wrappings. We take great care to create beautiful containers to complement bouquets of many types.
Flowers have been used throughout history to convey various meanings and messages. Did you know that flowers have their own language, known as “floriography”?
Whether you are giving flowers to a mother on Mother’s Day, a friend on their birthday, or a loved one on Valentine’s Day, nearly every sentiment imaginable can be expressed with flowers.
If you are trying to communicate a message through flowers, you might want to know just what those meanings are in order to choose appropriately…or worse, inappropriately. For example, you might want to avoid giving chrysanthemums, as they are generally associated with death!
Here is a guide to some common symbolic meanings associated with different flowers:
Carnations:
- Red Carnations: Deep love and admiration
- White Carnations: Pure love and good luck
- Pink Carnations: Gratitude and appreciation
Chrysanthemums:
- Associated with death and used in funeral arrangements in many cultures
- In other cultures, they symbolize longevity and joy
Daffodils:
- New beginnings and rebirth
- Arrival of spring and hope
Dahlias:
- Elegance, dignity, and a lasting bond between people
Daisies:
- Shasta Daisies: Innocence, purity, and simplicity
- Gerbera Daisies: Cheerfulness and optimism
Forget-Me-Nots:
- True love, remembrance, and faithfulness
Hydrangeas:
- Gratitude, understanding, and heartfelt emotions
- Abundance and prosperity
Iris:
- Faith, hope, and wisdom
- Purple Irises, in particular, symbolize royalty and intelligence
Lilies:
- White Lilies: Purity, virtue, and renewal; often present at funerals
- Calla Lilies: Magnificent beauty and sophistication
- Day Lilies: Flirtation and playfulness
- Orange Lilies: Hatred
Orchids:
- Rare and delicate beauty
- Love, strength, and luxury
Peonies:
- Prosperity, good fortune, and happy marriage
- Known as the “King of Flowers” in Chinese culture
Roses:
- Red Roses: Love and passion
- White Roses: Purity, innocence, and new beginnings
- Yellow Roses: Friendship, joy, and happiness
- Pink Roses: Sweetness, admiration, and gratitude
- Orange Roses: Desire, enthusiasm, and energy
Sunflowers:
- Dwarf Sunflowers: Adoration, loyalty, and longevity
- Tall Sunflowers: Haughtiness
Tulips:
- Red Tulips: Declaration of love
- White Tulips: Forgiveness and worthiness
- Yellow Tulips: Cheerful thoughts and sunshine
- Purple Tulips: Royalty and admiration
The symbolism of flowers can vary across cultures and historical periods. Additionally, personal preferences and regional customs may influence the interpretation of flower meanings. When you are giving flowers, it is always a good idea to consider the recipient’s preferences and the context of the occasion.
There is a language, little known,
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by nature’s wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers.
- The Language of Flowers, London, 1875
Glass Wrappings offers a variety of beautifully decorated containers that will complement the meaning of any flower. See what’s available: glasswrappings.com