Sunday, May 11, 2008
i adore flowers. the Victorians used to use flowers as a symbol to express their feelings. flowers have had hidden meanings derived from mythology, folklore, religious and historical symbolism. the floral bouquet you send or receive brings a special coded message, depending on the flowers you choose.
the study of the meaning of flowers is an actual science known as floriography, and it reveals an extra underlying meaning to sending or receiving flowers - subtle and secret messages can be passed through the different blooms.
during the 18th century sending flower messages based on a Turkish secret language of flowers became popular. this was known as sending a 'Persian Selam' - a coded bouquet to reveal your feelings of love or attraction. the Victorians became very knowledgable in flower language and chose their bouquets carefully. flowers gave them a secret language that enabled them to communicate feelings that the propriety of the times would not allow, there were strict restraints on courtship and any displays of emotion.
i love going down to the market or wholesalers for fresh flowers. the colours, smells and variety plays with my senses. having the freedom to browse, admire and hand pick my own flowers for that perfect bouquet. i do not like fancy florists.
today, i had a special reason to get some fresh flowers for a very special person. i pick out 20 stalks of two-toned carnations... without any trimmings. save the baby's breath and all the other accompaniments. perhaps just a ribbon wrapped around the stalks. that's how i like my flowers... on its own, raw, fresh and beautiful.
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