Language of Flowers

The language of flowers was highly utilized during the Victorian era.  The use of floral gardens by the Royals existed in the Victorian age and it helped to create the list of meanings used to describe these beloved flowers. 

During the Victorian age the language of flowers was as important as being "well dressed."

Image: antique Language of Flowers brochure from the 
St. Louis Exposition (1904)

The scent and message of a bouquet became a silent language to what was not dared to be spoken.  Dictionaries were used to explain the language of flowers and were especially used by lovers.

Recapping the Royal Wedding, I noticed not only did the florist that Kate choose speak of her desire to use the language of flowers so did her baker who made the wedding cake.  

 Image: timesunion.com

So Duchess Katherine's bouquet that she carried became of keen interest to me.  What did her bouquet mean in the language of flowers?
  Her bouquet reportedly had:
Lily of the valley- representing purity
Hyacinth- lovliness
Myrtle- love, emblem of marriage
Sweet William- gallantry (we can all guess why she choose this)
References: victorianbazar.com (for an online dictionary of the language of flowers)
                       treehugger.com

So, for May Day I couldn't think of anything more perfect than a post on the Language of Flowers.  The before and after could be how we can look at flowers in a whole new way.  I think it would be wonderful if the language of flowers caught on and became a new floral trend for today.

I will be linking with these lovely ladies.  Go and visit their blogs:
Seasonal Sundays  at The Tablescaper

Before and After Party  at Thrifty Decor Chick

Mosaic Monday  at The Little Red House

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Wow Us Wednesday  at Savvy Southern Style