The Language of Flowers

 "O, Tiger-Lily!"said Alice, addressing herself to one that was waving gracefully about in the wind, "I wish  you could talk!" "We can talk," said the Tiger-Lily, "when there's anybody worth talking to." Alice in Wonderland, Through The Looking Glass

  

Today's Focus:

*Tussie-Mussies

*Language of Flowers

Tussie-Mussies

Ah, as the heart turns to Valentines Day, we bless the existence of flowers and their beauty. But did you know flowers were used for more than gifts?

Back in Victorian times, people did not bathe regularly and therefore flowers were most helpful in hiding odors that were not appreciated. A 'Tussie-Mussie', or nosegay of flowers were often used to wave in front of the nose.In England during Elizabethan times, judges carried tussie-mussies into their courtrooms to protect against 'gaol fever'.Tussie-Mussies were typically a small, round nosegay of different flowers used to convey a coded message. The Victorians also turned flower-giving into an art. It was a common practice at the beginning of a courtship for suitors to give their intended a tussie-mussie.

The Language of Flowers

Floriography, the Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowed individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. Sometimes a small piece of paper was enclosed to make sure the meaning was understood, since many flower dictionaries have been compiled and many are very different.But, more often than not, it was a secret language of lovers, and they did not want any paper evidence left to be discovered.

So, here are some interpretations of flower languages so you can send a secret message tussie-mussie to the one you love!

Rosemary.... remembrance

Ivy....fidelity

Lilies....purity

Laurel....victory

Parsley....festivity

Rose...love

Artemesia....dignity

Basil....best wishes

Calla Lily....style or flair

Red Geranium....comfort, health

Hydrangea....devotion

Sage....wisdom

Pine....loyality, longevity

Blue salvia....I think of You

White Zinnia....the thoughts of absent friends

Red Roses....passionate love

sunflowers....haughtiness or respect

White Rose....chastity or virtue

Yellow Rose....friendship or devotion

Daisy....innocence or purity

Iris....sending of a message

Anemone....disappearance of hope

Pansy....thought

Daffodil....regard

Jonquil....return my affection

These are just a few ideas to get you started! Have a comment to share? We would love to hear from you. Click here to share!