With Valentine’s Day now here, many people are rushing to find last minute gifts for a special someone, friends or themselves. Although many people may consider them basic, one of the best gifts someone can give is a bouquet. Flowers come in thousands of varieties and colors, each with their own meaning and symbolism.
Floriography, known as the language of flowers, was mainly popularized during the Victorian Era where secret messages that were considered improper to say in public were encoded in floral arrangements. Often used to express love and courtship, these miniature bouquets were composed of flowers with different meanings that, when put together, conveyed a message. Although this practice is no longer common, one can still apply the fundamentals of floriography to construct a thoughtful bouquet.
During Victorian times, every well-off household would have a dictionary that could be used to decode any floral arrangements. Since these dictionaries are no longer common, below is a compilation of five common flowers and their meanings to help construct the perfect Valentine’s bouquet.
Red rose
The classic symbol of Valentine’s Day, roses, especially red ones, symbolize love and romance. They are beautiful on their own, in a large bunch or mixed in with other flowers.
Baby’s breath
Symbolizing purity and everlasting love, baby’s breath bouquets have recently made a comeback in popularity. Their miniature white blooms make them perfect both on their own and as a filler flower.
Camellia
Camellias are a great choice for something similar but elevated from the classic rose. They come mostly in shades of pink and represent affection, admiration and longing.
Hydrangea
For a more visually intriguing flower, hydrangeas, which means gratitude and sincerity, would be a great option. Their variety of colors also makes them very versatile for any bouquet.
Gerbera daisy
One of the most popular flowers in the world, gerberas are a variety of daisies that come in hundreds of different varieties and colors. They represent cheerfulness and loyal love.
