Valentine, What Shall I Give Thee?

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For centuries lovers have pondered the question, "What shall I give my love?" Flowers were often given as a symbol of love, but during Victorian times the simple nosegay was raised to the level of language and the tussie-mussie was born. Today, people still create these little gifts from nature that mean so much. Tussie-mussies are small bouquets of flowers and herbs, but what is special about them is that each plant has a meaning.

During Victorian times young ladies and gentlemen would flirt or feud with each other by sending a tussie-mussie. A "conversation" may have gone something like this: A young man may send his lady fair a bouquet of forget-me-nots (for true love), rosemary (for remembrance) and maybe southernwood (for constancy). Now if she wasn't convinced by this gesture, she may send him a tussie-mussie of yellow roses (for infidelity) and larkspur (for fickleness). If he was smart, he would gather up some white violets (innocence) or a bunch of rue (repentance). If this did not dissuade her, then the young man could have received a handful of fumitory (for hatred).

Today you will find tussie-mussies as bride's bouquets, as gifts for new mothers, departed friends, new neighbors, for special days or just to let someone know you care. You can make your own tussie-mussies from the herbs and flowers in your own garden. Arrange the plants with the one which expresses the main sentiment in the center and place the others in a circle around it. If it is to be carried, wet a cotton ball and place it in the middle of a plastic wrap square, then fold the square and twist it around the base. Secure it with florist's tape. To complete the bouquet, a round paper doily (with an X cut in the middle) and some ribbon add a special touch. I like to write a note telling the names of the plants and their meaning.
 

Some herbs and flowers that convey love and friendship and their meanings:

Angelica - inspiration
Basil - love, good wishes, hate
Bay - achievement and fame
Beebalm - virtue
Chamomile - wisdom, fortitude
Chervil - sincerity
Costmary - sweetness
Dill - good cheer, survival in the face of odds
Geranium, scented - happiness
Geranium, unscented - folly
Goldenrod - encouragement
Iris - pure heart, courage, faith
Lavender - devotion
Marjoram - joy
Mint - refreshment
Mugwort - pleasant journeys
Parsley - merriment
Rose - love success
Sage - long life, wisdom
Salad burnet - cheerful disposition
Santolina - full of virtue
Savory - interest
Southernwood - constancy
Sweet woodruff - humble spirit
Tarragon - lasting involvement
Thyme - daring
Violet - modesty, devotion
Yarrow - health

Many other flowers and their meanings can be found in Kate Greenaway's the Language of Flowers.
 

Acacia, Yellow ..... Secret Love
Almond (Flowering) ..... Hope
Allspice ..... Compassion
Amaranth (Globe) ..... Immortality, Unfading love
Amaranth (Cockscomb) ..... Affection
American Linden ..... Matrimony
Azalea ..... Temperance
Bay Tree ..... Glory
Cape Jasmine ..... I'm too happy
Cardinal Flower ..... Distinction
Chickweed ..... Rendeavous
China Rose ..... Beauty always new
Chrysanthemum, Red ..... I love
Chrysanthemum, White ..... Truth
Clematis ..... Mental beauty
Clover, Four-leaved ..... Be mine
Daisy ..... Innocence
Dittany of Crete, White ..... Passion
Fern ..... Fascination
Garden Sage ..... Esteem
Iris, German ..... Flame
 

Designs by naturegirl7

Jasmine ..... Amiability
Jasmine, Spanish ..... Sensuality
Jonquil ..... I desire a return of affection
Justicia ..... The perfection of female loveliness
Laurel ..... Glory
Lemon Blossoms ..... Fidelity in love
Lily, Day ..... Coquetry
Lily, Imperial ..... Majesty
Lily, White ..... Purity. Sweetness
Magnolia ..... Love of Nature
Mint ..... Virtue
Morning Glory ..... Affectation
Mugwort ..... Happiness
Myrtle ..... Love
Pear ..... Affection
Peppermint ..... Warmth of feeling
Ranunculus ..... You are radiant with charms
Ranunculus, Garden ..... You are rich in attractions
Rudbeckia ..... Justice
Sorrel, Wood ..... Joy
Stock ..... Lasting beauty
Sunflower, Dwarf ..... Adoration
Tulip, Yellow ..... Hopeless love