The Language of Flowers - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade

 

There is a language, little known,

Lovers claim it as their own.

Its symbols smile upon the land,

Wrought by nature's wondrous hand ...

–The Language of Flowers, London, 1875

 

 

Flowers are a colorful and important part of our lives, used for many important occasions and given as tokens of love and devotion.  They can play a large part in most weddings, birthdays, graduations, Mother’s Day celebrations, Valentine’s Day and funerals and are often given as a “thank you” hostess gift.  Some flowers also have a great religious significance.

 

 

Girls neck warmer Daisy Button Basket Weave Cowl Lavender Blue Scarf Handmade by Nancy of Kazz it Up with Designs by Nancy

 

The “Language of Flowers” is an age old art form.  The Japanese call it Hanakotoba, associating certain flowers with different meanings.  King Charles of England brought the idea to Europe from Persia in the 17th century.  Floriography, the technical name for the language of flowers, was coined and flourished in the Victorian era. heaven help you of you showed up with the wrong type flowers for a specific occassion! The Victorians even had a meaning for the colors and shades of particular flowers:  a red rose meant “love,” but a deep red rose meant “bashful” or “shame” or the rather harsh, a dried white rose meant “death is preferable to loss of virtue.”  Original translations of the floral language might have shifted over time, but the notion that through flower symbolism expressions of love, sorrow and many other feelings still hold true. To find out more, here's a good list: Language of Flowers

 

Monarch Butterfly Migration Original Contemporary Folk Art Canvas Painting, Flower Tree with Butterflies by Jeanne of Jeanne Fry Art

 

Along with sharing wonderful handmade flower designs by artist friends on Indiemade, I decided to share several of my favorite flowers and their “language”:

 

• Alstroemerias are symbolic of wealth, prosperity, fortune and friendship.
• Amaryllises symbolizes “splendid beauty” and are used to indicate “worth beyond beauty.”
• Daffodils represent rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life. They also symbolize unrequited love. A single daffodil foretells a misfortune while a bunch of daffodils indicate joy and happiness.
• Daisies symbolizes innocence and purity and conveys loyal love.  The gerbera daisy specifically conveys cheerfulness.

 

Serenity Blue and Buttercup Yellow Ceramic Daisy Cabochon Handmade by Linda of Linda Landig Jewelry

 

• Freesias symbolize innocence and thoughtfulness.
• Gladioli symbolize strength and moral integrity.  They also represent infatuation, a bouquet conveying to a recipient that they pierce the giver's heart with passion.
• Lavenders symbolize admiration, solitude and beauty.
• Purple lilacs symbolize the first emotions of love, while white lilacs represent youthful innocence.

 

Rose Garden Rain Drops Fused Glass Post Earrings Handmade by Jo of Umeboshi

 

• Orchids are a symbol of the exotic beauty, refinement, thoughtfulness and mature charm. They also symbolize proud and glorious femininity.
• Peonies symbolize bashfulness and compassion.  They can represent a happy life, happy marriage, good health and prosperity.  However, they can be used to express indignation or shame.
• Scarlet lobelias (cardinal flowers) represent distinction and splendor.
• Sunflowers signify pure thoughts, adoration, dedication and dedicated love. They are however, also symbolic of haughtiness, especially the tall ones.

 

Here are more beautiful artisan handmade flower themed creations:  

 

Southwestern Wrapped Copper Flower Dangle Earrings White Green Boho Rustic OOAK Jewelry Handmade by Gloria of Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

 

Wall Flower Blank Greeting Card, Set of 5 Cards, Handmade by Jacki of Christie Cottage

 

Transparent Cobalt Blue Large Hole Bead With White Flowers Trapped Air Bubbles Handmade by Charlotte of Covergirlbeads

 

Colorful Hand Painted Large Copper Flower Focal Handmade by Kristi of KristiBowmanDesign

 

Blue Paisley, Flowers and Stars Dog Bandana, Scrunchie Style Handmade by Donna of Sew Amazin

 

Copper Tube Earrings with Pink Jasper and Green Garnet Handmade by Pamela of Pebbles at My Feet

 

Mother's Day Card With Bright Flowers Handmade by Lisa of Cards by Li Be! 

 

Hand Painted Sunflower Earrings, Red Turquoise Yellow Boho Gemstone Flower Spring Jewelry Handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs

 

I hope you enjoyed the bried histroy of the language of flowers and the many artisan selections!  If you would like to make my day and the day of the artists featured, please leave a comment.  And any promotion you can do will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

 

 

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