Language of Flowers
Further information: Language of flowersFlower symbolism originated in Asia and the Middle East, where certain flowers, such as the lotus, were considered sacred, or at least to be associated with spiritual themes. This was often reflected in artwork, for example the use of bamboo in Chinese art to represent longivity and eternity. The language of flowers was introduced to England in the early 18th century by Mary Wortley, Lady Montague, whose husband was Ambassador to Turkey. It was in Turkey that Wortley became familiar with local customs, and the sentiments attached to certain types of flowers exchanged in bouquets as a way exchanging messages. By the Victorian era, almost every flower had a specific meaning attached to it. Small nosegay or "tussie mussie" bouquets might include chamomile flowers, which a woman might send to a romantic interest to tell him "Patience"; goldenrod represented indecision.
Read more about this topic: Flower Bouquet
Famous quotes containing the words language of, language and/or flowers:
“And what the dead had no speech for, when living,
They can tell you, being dead: the communication
Of the dead is tongued with fire beyond the language of the living.”
—T.S. (Thomas Stearns)
“It is silly to call fat people “gravitationally challenged”Ma self-righteous fetishism of language which is no more than a symptom of political frustration.”
—Terry Eagleton (b. 1943)
“The flowers left thick at nightfall in the wood
This Eastertide call into mind the men
Now far from home,”
—Edward Thomas (1878–1917)