I’M JUST CURIOUS: Meaningful bouquet

by Debbie Walker

Recently I was given a book called Thinking of You, by Molly Hatch. As you flip through the book there are flowers and their meanings pictured. When the flowers along with each type of flower slides up the picture it looks as though they are a bouquet in a plant pot.

Flowers have always been quite symbolic. It is said they celebrate, commemorate, and communicate beyond words alone. A lot of the meanings involve regions and culture. I’m using the Victorian language for the wisdom of these flowers.

Forget-Me-Nots represent “Cherish Good Memories”. There is a legend in which a knight and his fiancée were picking flowers by the Danube. The knight slipped in the water before he was swept away, he tossed a bouquet to her and shouted “Vergiss Mein Nicht” (forget-me-not}. The flower stands for our innate loyalty and consistency in our lives.

Pansy, it has to do with French for “Thought” and “Think Freely” and in the Victorian floral dictionary it means “You occupy my thoughts”. They also grow from a European wildflower also known as heartsease, Johnny-Jump-Ups and other whimsical names. It is said the pansy reminds us of our individuality .

Poppy – The ancients regarded sleep as a healer and consoler of human nature. Remember this wisdom when you are down and give into sleep, so you wake up with fresh perspective. The poppy represents, “Remember to Rest”.

Dahlias were grown by the Aztecs as an edible crop. The Victorian’s saw the dahlia as a symbol of dignity and elegance. Besides being edible, some are still harvested in Central America for potato-like roots. They say when you see this flower, remember to stand tall and bold, “Never Doubt Your Worth”. There is much more to you than meets the eye.

Hyacinth, the Victorian flower dictionary had many meanings for it but I am coming in for “Practice Self Forgiveness”. Colors could determine games and play, jealousy, sorrow, or forgiveness. Forgive yourself when slip up and adjust your course as you move forward.

Lavendar represents “Seeking Serenity”. Romans used it to scent their baths and homes. After the fall of the Roman Empire washing fell out of favor and became a forever deodorant. The fresh scent and oils became clear for clearing the air and your mind.

Lilac represents pursuing your passion. The blooming reminded the Victorians of the beauty of youth and first love. The message of lilac is never forgetting what captives you in your youth and keep looking for ways to pursue what you love.

Jasmine represents “Be Lovely and Kind”. Robert Tyas in The Sentiment of Flowers reads “There are some persons endowed with a disposition so happy that they seem to be sent into the world to be the bond of society. There is so much grace and ease in their manners that they adapt themselves to every situation. The Jasmine seems as though it had been created to express the quality of amiability. Sometimes we make the strongest impression simply by being accommodating and likeable, Just like Jasmine.

I’m just curious what your favorite flower is. I hope your fall has improved since I left Maine on September 21. It had rained every day I was there. But I am back in Florida now. Have a great week. Contact me with any questions or comments at DebbieWalker@townline.org.