Think about having an intimate conversation with a loved one. Would it be possible to have that conversation without speaking or writing? Suppose you found someone you\’d like to know better. How could you develop that relationship without speaking or writing?

That was the situation in Victorian England for much of the 1800\’s. Due to the strict social etiquette of the time, extreme discretion was required. Conversations of a romantic nature were strictly off-limits. But emotional expression cannot be denied for long. Symbolism and meaning became attached to everyday objects and gestures, and especially to flowers.

Specific meanings were given to every variety and color of flower. As a result, a bouquet of flowers could become a secret message. In addition, the way the flowers were presented, the way they were accepted also added special meanings. Many of the secret messages were romantic, but some were rejections and some were even insults. Complete conversations could be carried on using only flowers.

Tussie-mussies, small bouquets of flowers, became very popular. Using the language of flowers, Victorians developed secret messages that declared their intentions, issued rejections, and made acceptances. Emotions that were forbidden in speech or writing could now be expressed in flowers.

As the symbolism grew more complex, many details of the secret codes were written down. Eventually dictionaries and even books were written to clarify the meanings and to help people better create and understand the messages.

Before the Victorians, other cultures used flowers to express emotions. In ancient times cultures like the Greeks and Persians gave their own meanings to flowers. The Japanese too, created their own flower language. The exact meanings of the flowers and colors change over time to fit the needs of the culture but the use of flowers to express emotions continues to this day.

Many cultures had elaborate and lengthy courtship rituals. The giving and receiving of flowers was often an important part of the process. Those practices led to the prominent place of flowers in our modern culture. Valentines Day, Mothers Day, and Easter, among others, simply wouldn\’t be the same celebrations without flowers and plants.

Although we don\’t use flowers in quite the same way as the Victorians, we still use flowers to express our emotions. For Valentine\’s Day this year, rather than sending a simple message, such as \”I love you\” with roses, think about using a hidden message with a bouquet of mixed flowers. Search online for \”language of flowers\” to jump start your ideas. Don\’t forget to add a note to explain the hidden message. Remember to order Valentine flowers in advance for a timely delivery.

Need Valentine flowers? A-Bow-K delivers to Tampa. A-Bow-K, As Tampa\’s Valentine florist, we can deliver fresh Valentine flowers and gifts to those you care about in Tampa and neighboring communities. Be sure to order early. http://www.a-bow-kflorist.com