Mastering the Language of Valentine's Day Flowers

The first records of sharing flowers are recorded in ancient history. Today, women look forward to receiving flowers and candy on February 14, Valentines Day. Men try to choose a flower that will capture the heart of his intended. There is more than just giving or receiving a bouquet of flowers involved. Every flower has the potential to send a secret message. That secret message is written in a special language that floral experts know as floriography.

Floriography was popular in the Victorian Era. The concept was developed as a secret method to communicate a message that should not be spoken aloud. The flower and the flower arrangement both had significant messages to send. Around the middle 1800's through the turn of the 20th century women wore nosegays or tussie mussies. These special small arrangement often sent messages of availability in a more subtle way than today's single women. Most of the original secret code has been forgotten, but many historians and florists are keeping it alive as much as they can with flowers as significant holiday gifts-like red roses on Valentine's Day.

Sometimes your delivery is more important than the flower. Does your lady love tiny stuffed animals? Consider a teddy as your messenger. Perhaps your girlfriend adores music boxes, consider a small arrangement with a music box or a musical score wrapped around the flowers instead of cellophane. Use your imagination; let your girl know that you are paying attention to her likes and dislikes, dreams and frustrations. Flowers can express your emotions, but the art of listening communicates your love!

Take heart, gentlemen, even in the prime of the secret code-there were many chances for missed cues. Women wore tussie mussies for a variety of reasons. Some floral arrangements included flowers that exuded a strong fragrance, women could avoid the vapors (suddenly fainting) by smelling their nosegays. This acted like the ammonia sticks we use today to revive someone. Other arrangements were delicate and beautiful, but the contained herbs and flowers designed to keep the nasal passages clear-how romantic is that? Some arrangement were simply designed to match a gown or compliment the lady's attire in some way.

You might consider writing a secret code of your own with your special lady. If her favorite flower is an orchid--give the orchard a special message, like thinking of you or I cannot wait to see you tonight. Anytime you send her flowers, and especially on Valentines Day, make sure your flower arrangements contain your special message. It could be fun to work out a code of your own, imagine all the things you can learn about her to make your relationship even stronger.