Floriography is the language of flowers. Blossoms can have multiple or varied meanings, but some represent prevalent customs.
For her wedding, Kate Middleton continued the royal tradition of carrying myrtle in her bridal bouquet. That flower stands for love and marriage.
White lilies symbolize purity at Easter. Buttercups might butter up one’s boss for a raise. They mean riches.
Ahead of Mother’s Day, Milwaukee School of Flower Design founder Michael Gaffney shared hints on how kids - and dads - can pick a meaningful bouquet for Mom.
He says there's a long history to the language of flowers, and that once you know what a certain type means, you can easily personalize your floral message to Mom.
Gaffney also read an appropriate poem:
"The Language of Flowers"
by Anon.
There is a language little known, lovers claim it as their own.
It’s symbols smile upon the land
Wrought by Nature’s wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak of life and joy,
To those who seek
For love divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers.
