Monday 31 August 2015

The language of herbs fruits and flowers

For centuries various meanings have 
Been attributed to herbs, fruits and flowers...
At one time a delicate posy meant...
Something more than a sweet scented gift
It is an idea found in a 19th century book
"Artistic language of flowers" by an unknown author...

Almond:                             Hope
Angelica:                           Inspiration, magic
Balm:                                Sympathy
Basil, sweet:                     Good wishes, fidelity
Bay leaf:                            "I change but in death"
Calendula:                         Uneasiness; grief despair
Carnation, deep red:         "Alas my poor heart"
Carnation, pink:                  Woman's love         
Chamomile:                       Energy in adversity
Clover, four leafed:            Be mine
Daphne:                             Glory, immortality
Dianthus:                           Bonds of affection
Dog-rose:                          Pleasure and pain
Fennel:                              Worthy of all praise; strength
Geranium, rose scented:  Preference
Gooseberry:                      Anticipation
Heartsease or Pansy:       Thoughts
Heliotrope:                         Devotion, or "I turn to thee"
Hibiscus:                            Delicate beauty
Holly:                                  Foresight
Honeysuckle:                     Generous and devoted affection
Iris:                                     Message
Ivy:                                     Friendship; fidelity; marriage
Jasmine:                            Amiability
Jasmine, Carolina:             Separation
Jonquil:                               "I desire a return of affection"
Lavender:                           Distrust
Lemon:                               Zest
Lemon blossoms:               Fidelity in love
Lily of the Valley:                Return of happiness
Marigold:                            Grief; despair
Mint:                                   Virtue
Mistletoe:                            "I surmount difficulties"
Oleander:                            Beware
Orange blossom:                "Your purity equals your loveliness"
Peach:                                "Your qualities, like your charms, are unequalled
Peach Blossom:                  "I am your captive"
Pear:                                   Affection
Peppermint:                        Warmth of feeling
Persimmon:                        "Bury me among nature's beauties"
Pink, red, double:                Pure and ardent love
Pink, single:                         Pure love
Pink, variegated:                  Refusal
Pink, white:                          ingeniousness; talent
Polyanthus:                         Pride of riches
Quince:                               Temptation
Raspberry:                          Remorse
Rhododendron:                   Danger; beware
Rose:                                  Love
Rose, burgundy:                 Unconscious beauty
Rose, cabbage:                  Ambassador of love
Rose, China:                       Beauty always new
Rose, damask:                    Brilliant complexion
Rose, deep red:                  Bashful shame
Rose, moss:                        Love, voluptuousness
Rose, musk:                        Capricious beauty
Rose, single:                       Simplicity
Rose, thornless:                  Early attachment
Rose, white:                        "I am worthy of you"
Rose, yellow:                      Decrease of love; jealousy
Rosebud, red:                     Pure and lovely
Rosebud, white:                  Girlhood
Rosemary:                          Remembrance
Rue:                                    Repentance
Sage:                                  Domestic virtue
Snapdragon:                       Presumption
Snowdrop:                          Hope
Sorrel:                                 Affection
Stephanotis:                        "Will you accompany me to the East?"
Stock:                                  Lasting beauty
Sweet pea:                          Delicate pleasures
Sweet William:                     Gallantry
Thyme:                                Activity or courage
Verbena, pink:                     Family happiness
Violet, blue:                         Faithfulness
Violet, sweet:                      Modesty
Violet, yellow:                     Rural happiness
Wallflower:                          Fidelity in adversity
Watercress:                        Stability; power
Water-lily:                            Purity in heart

Found in an old copy of The Australian Girl's Journal
Angus and Robertson Publishers...
I guess this is where "Rosemary for remembrance" comes from






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