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The
Flowery Language of Love
You know a co-worker
has done something great, or fallen in love,
or lost someone close to them when you suddenly
see flowers appear on his or her desk.
Flowers seem to be the ubiquitous language of
love that says more than words ever could.
Hundreds
of years ago, flowers actually DID speak.
In the days of Queen Victoria and the ultimate
propriety, lovers exchanged messages through
the kind and color of flowers they sent one
another, carried or wore. At a glance,
the message was clear.
We've lost a bit of
that ability to know what the colors of flowers
symbolize, so let's go through the vocabulary
of roses. That way when you give
them or receive them this Valentine's Day, they'll
be more significant than ever. (If you
choose flowers with a meaning in mind, share
the meaning in your card.)
Color
Me Love
You can purchase roses
in a variety of colors, and each has a meaning
that has evolved over time. Here are a
few of the more well-known:
- Red
-- Romantic love, passion, congratulations,
"I love you!"
- Coral
-- Desire, excitement, "You are my heart's
desire."
- Orange
-- Fascination
- Yellow
-- Friendship, joy, gladness, new beginnings,
"I care". (Good for new parents, graduates,
newlyweds, friends.)
- Dark
Pink -- Gratitude, thanks,
appreciation. (Good for a special teacher
or mentor, caretaker, childcare provider,
pet sitter.)
- Light
Pink -- Sweetness, grace,
admiration, gentleness. (Good for young girls,
Mom and Grandma alike.)
- Lavender
-- Love at first sight, "You enchant me."
- White
-- Innocence, happy love (Bridal), purity.
You can
also mix colors together to enhance the meaning:
- Red
and white -- Unity, "I love
only you".
- Red
and yellow -- Congratulations!
- Pastels
-- "I care", "All the best".
- Or
mix and match your favorite
meanings and colors above.
Of course, if the one
you love also loves yellow roses above all else,
don't let meanings stand in your way -- send
what is preferred. But when you're trying
to make a statement, a rose can carry the fragrance
of your message in a memorable way.
Learn
More
Roses
aren't the only flowers with meaning.
The links below will give you more information
about roses and other flowers and their meaning.
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