You might have heard of “the language of flowers”, but did you know it’s a real thing? Also known as floriography, each type of flower and its respective colour carries a message pertaining to a particular type of love – romantic, platonic, or familial.
So don’t just choose a beautiful bouquet – choose a meaningful one. Here are some of the more popular flowers and their corresponding meanings.
1. Roses
You can’t go wrong with roses on Valentine’s Day, but just like not all violets are blue, not all roses are red. Yellow and black roses should be avoided at all cost: the former means infidelity or mere friendship; the latter means death.
That said, if yellow roses are included in a bouquet of red ones, it can mean joy and excitement.
If this is your first Valentine’s together, the rare blue rose or purple ones symbolise love at first sight. A combination of red and white roses means unity in the relationship.
2. Tulips
Tulips symbolise romantic love, but not every colour means the same thing. Red and purple ones communicate positive romantic feelings, indicating that your love is undying or forever. Pink tulips convey caring and well wishes.
Beware, however, of yellow and white tulips. These mean your love is hopeless or unrequited.
3. Primroses
Primroses come in various colours such as purple, blue, pink, white, orange, red and yellow – all of which convey the message of eternal love.
Across various cultures, these beautiful flowers signify spring, protection, safety and affection.
4. Violets
Violets of all colours have positive meanings, but blue and purple ones are more suitable between couples. They convey faithfulness towards each other and a commitment to the relationship.
5. Jasmines
Jasmines are often seen as a symbol of eternal and unconditional love. It’s a suitable flower to be given not just to your romantic partner but your parents as well.
6. Gardenias
These are often mistaken for roses due to their similar shapes and petals. They are great for newlyweds and young couples as they mean “sweet love”.
Gardenias are also symbols of purity, gentleness and good luck, which can bring some positivity into your relationship.
7. Heliotropes
Heliotropes are usually included in mixed bouquets and are not commonly presented on their own.
Often overshadowed by roses and other popular choices, these purple flowers represent devotion and the strong bond that exists between lovers, owing to its attraction to the sun.
8. Daisies
Daisies are symbols of trust, loyalty and innocence, especially white ones that look pure and fresh. Red daisies stand for love and romance, yellow for happiness, pink for adoration, and orange for joy and sunshine.
Daisies can also be used to symbolise beauty, love, and fertility, along with motherhood, childbirth, and new beginning.
This article first appeared in kaodim.com.
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