Floriography Today

The Symbolic Meanings & The Possible Powers of Trees, Plants and Flowers

As the Floriography Reference Book of Choice for the 21st Century, Floriography Today by S.Theresa Dietz is the original tour de force result of painstakingly researched and carefully organized information. It had never been available in one volume. Floriography Today is a must-have for every reference book shelf.

FLORIOGRAPHY TODAY is concise, consolidated and extensively cross-referenced for easy research. This very exceptional reference book consists of over 7,500 plant names; over 2,000 symbolic meanings; and over 600 possible powers for over 900 individual species trees, plants and flowers with additional notes of interesting “Folklore and Facts” throughout.

The extensive three column, three part index in the back of Floriography Today consists of an astonishing 100 pages of meticulously cross-referenced Plant Names, Symbolic Meanings, and Possible Powers.

Without a doubt, Floriography Today is absolutely the best, most informative book on the subject of the secret language of flowers in the world!

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ABOUT FLORIOGRAPHY

Floriography reveals the symbolism of certain trees, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and flowers.

Floriography defines a plant’s spiritual and magical powers.

When it comes to Floriography’s power, the power of a particular tree, plant or flower might easily be more legend than fact. However, oddly enough, there is a great deal of fact. It depends on belief. The more belief, the more power. And this power is increased the more and the longer it is believed to have the ability to resonate or vibrate in a particular manner. Power is cumulative.

In folk magic it is common… in some cases absolutely habitual… that a particular plant is believed to harness a particular power or powers. That is why one plant is selected over another that might not have the power that is desired for use in a particular spell. Then again, certain spells can be enabled or banished as the particular plant decays or the fragrance dissipates. It all depends on the what, the why, the how, the when, and the who involved. Spell-casting is an art form. Those who can do it well have confidence in the plants that have been selected because it is understood that the power or powers have proven to be dependably potent over time and practice.

Floriography can help plan the perfect personalized garden.

Floriography has a growing interest when planning an event or a garden, drawing positive energy towards you or pushing negative energies away. Explore the possibilities so that you can incorporate the meanings, the symbolism, and the power of trees, plants and flowers into your life.

MEANINGFUL MESSAGES

The whole idea of attaching a meaning to flowers was most appreciated in Victorian England. When flowers were selected by the Victorian sender as a gift bouquet to the Victorian recipient, each flower was carefully selected to represent a specific particular feeling, endearment, intention, hope, or even damning condemnation. The meaning of flowers was more important than the beauty or the scent of the blossoms themselves.

The bouquet was somewhat like an envelope with each blossom and leaf delivering the message to the recipient. For the most part, flowers were sent to convey words of love that were difficult to speak aloud.  *sigh* Those Victorians were deeply romantic and highly emotional…inside themselves. *sigh again*

If it were not for posies, love would be wafting in the air like a scent.

It seems so sweet! So, what could possibly be a problem?

Alas, The Victorians were shy folks. This is when and how the use of Floriography’s meaning of flowers came to the rescue. Especially when it came to the subject of romance.

It seemed when a gentleman fancied a lady he would engage a go-between to deliver his sweet but heavily veiled love notes to her, because God forbid any one of them might be intercepted and fall into the wrong hands. In particular, her father or even worse – her disapproving mother!

To get to that level of inter-personal interaction was a long leap to being forward. The usual method of sending messages with meaning was less direct and considerably less definitive. And although it was romantic to receive a secret message, a note did not always have the Wow-factor that flowers still have. To this very day, nearly every woman loved to receive flowers. Unless she was allergic.

It was mysteriously lovely to receive flowers. But still quite mysterious. Too mysterious. What could the lovely bouquet possibly mean?

Messages with heartfelt meaning can be sent with flowers.

During the Victorian era, sweet liittle bouquets, better known as “tussy-mussies” were the vogue in messaging. A meaningful nosegay sent to anyone was the genteel Victorian floral equivalent of texting.

The emoticons of engagement were the flowers themselves. Some of the flower meanings were widely understood and well know. But most other flower meanings were secretive – hidden within the pages of books that listed the specific meanings of each flower. Even the colors translated messages.

To look back, it all seemed so utterly romantic. Or, so it would seem.

It was extremely romantic! However, messages sent were solely dependent on a mutual understanding. That understanding was the Victorian version of an app. Yes, there actually was somewhat of an app for that! The flower meaning book!

Every thoughtful Victorian had access to at least one flower meaning book. But, if you didn’t have the exact same book that the sender used to devise his or her message, then the message itself could be… and often was… scrambled… to mean entirely something else.

This was because there were, and still are, many plants that have multiple and even contrary meanings. One person’s message of friendship could easily be misconstrued to mean a betrayal if that is what your book indicated. Just what would be going through the now entirely confused recipient’s mind? Get the picture.

A confusing flower meaning can confuse the floral gift recipient

After a while, perhaps due to huge misunderstandings, the meaning of flowers with regards to the practice of using flowers as messengers went out of practice.

Eventually the idea of it became an enchanting idea all over again, and the practice of linking meanings to flowers took on a new life. However, considering that the books and online copy/pasted lists found in the world’s marketplaces today are just as contrary as back in Victorian times.

Because of that, it is strongly advisable to include an actual note… one that clearly defines your intentions… along with your floral gift. And, if it is your usual practice to send flowers to your significant other, make a gift of the book you, yourself, intend to use to design your bouquets. It’s the better way to send a secretive message. Without unity there could be a great deal of confusion. Just saying. Keep things real and clearly explained. That makes for a much better relationship.

ORIGIN OF SYMBOLIC TREES, PLANTS & FLOWERS

The entire concept of the symbolism of trees, plants and flowers had to start somewhere. That somewhere is with religion. Every major religion has at least one tree, plant or flower that is considered, for whatever particular reasons, to be entirely sacred to believers of that faith.

From the pre-dawn of religious belief throughout the spiritual history of humankind, there has been a Tree of Life that is considered to be sacred. From belief to belief, the specifically related symbolism of the Tree of Life varies. But one thing is consistent throughout each belief, that being The Tree of Life is revered. 

For Christians their most sacred book, The Holy Bible, relates in Genesis 2:3 that there was another particularly sacred tree located in the center of The Garden of Eden that was The Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil. No one knows, exactly, what the genus of this immensely powerful tree actually was.

What we do know is that The First Man and The First Woman, Adam and Eve, were specifically forbidden to even touch it. Or else that would be the end of… well… everything… because, to disobey God, who passed on this command would initiate Death. As a consequence, when a fruit from that tree was eaten, being as it was The Forbidden Fruit, the Garden of Eden was destroyed after Adam and Eve were forced to vacate the premises. Eventually, for them, Death did come. And now we all come and go by way of birth and death.

Nobody knows for certain what the actual Forbidden Fruit was. Symbolically, it has been represented with an apple. 

Folklore supports the apple theory because if you cut an apple across the center between stem and bud end, the core pith forms the shape of a star. However, up until an eager botanist decided to call the genus of the fruit we know as an apple, to be Malus, all hard fruits… at the time… were called apples. Why was the apple we know called Malus? Hmm. Perhaps it is because a botanist decided that would be a good name for it… all things considered. And perhaps, because up until then the only fruit that presented a star shape was that particular fruit. The tropical Star Fruit had not yet been discovered to give it a star-like name… based of course, upon its obvious shape. Was the Star Fruit the fabled Forbidden Fruit? Who knows? Nobody. But whatever we might speculate, back then… in The Garden of Eden… the particular fruit in question was forbidden. And now the apple we know so well, Malus domestica, is the quintessential symbol of The Forbidden Fruit. So be it. Whatever.

In the story of the legendary Forbidden Fruit we have a symbolic fruit that is not only immensely sacred as to be entirely forbidden to eat or even touch the tree. As it turned out, the consequence was eventual but certain death wrought down by the angry God. In that respect, it was a killer fruit to be sure. It is a fruit that, for all practical purposes, might be merely a legend.

However, the thing about legends is that they tend to originate with a true or true-ish event that might be embellished somewhat along the way of its telling.  We, today, have long since discovered, via dreadfully unfortunate trial and error, that there actually are fruits so dangerous… so deadly… that to eat even a nibble from one will bring certain death. 

Oddly enough, there is also a tree that is so dangerous… so deadly… that the tree itself will kill! That tree is the Manchineel Tree. The Machineel Tree is native to Florida in the United States, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. Hippomane mancinella, commonly known as the Manchineel Tree is one of the most poisonous trees in the entire world.

The ancient Carib Indians would kill their enemies by simply tying their victim to the trunk of that tree and let the tree effectively do all the dirty work for them, slowly and painfully. One of the common names of the Manchineel Tree’s fruit is called “The Devil’s Apple.” Under the circumstances, symbolically, it seems quite suitable since the native Caribe indigenous people used the Machineel Tree for all forms of eliminating when it came to being rid of people who the Caribe’s did not want anywhere near them. They were not the only indigenous tribe in Florida who knew of the Machineel’s deadly nature.

It is a matter of documented fact, it was a Manchineel sap tipped arrow let loose by a Calusa native that delivered explorer, Ponce de Leon, his fatal wound when rounding near to where Saint Petersburg, Florida is now. Ponce de Leon’s ship sailed onward to Cuba, where he died.

We might not have a singular clue as to exactly what The Forbidden Fruit might have been, but we surely do know all about Hyssopus officinalis, which is better known as Hyssop.

Hyssop was mentioned several times in The Bible. Firstly, in Leviticus where it was described as a purification herb. Even so, Hyssop was first used symbolically during its first mention in Exodus 12:20. There it is told that Hyssop was to be used by the Israelite’s as a paintbrush of sorts, to dip into the blood of a lamb then use the herbal branch to mark… or paint… their own door posts. This was to be a sign to The Angel of Death to pass that household by on that deathly night when death claimed the firstborn of all–man or beast.

It is written that the firstborn behind the blood marked doors of the Israelite households survived, whereas the firstborn of the Egyptians did not. It is written that the Pharaoh reluctantly let the Israelite’s leave Egypt with Moses, as one of the firstborn who died was the Pharaoh’s own son. The event is legendary, considered sacred, and has been commemorated as Passover ever since.

In The New Testament of The Christian Bible, Frankincense and Myrrh made their appearance in the story of the birth of Jesus when The Three Magi presented their gifts to him in Bethlehem. Both of these cherished gifts are derivatives of the plants they are obtained from. The floriography relating to these particular plants is unmistakable and has persisted for thousands of years.

A few others plants mentioned in The Old Testament are Fig, Acacia, Almond, Date, Anise and Palms. The list of plants, trees, and flowers mentioned in The Bible is quite extensive.

Almost all of them have a symbolism of one kind or another.

In the Jewish faith, there are four specific plants mentioned in the Torah in Leviticus 23:4 that absolutely embodies the concept of floriography because the symbolism of these plants is utterly crucial to Sukkot, which is also known as The Feast of Tabernacles or The Feast of Booths.

There are a few interpretations of how to create a sukkah, but it is essentially constructed from the plants and fruits of the four species. The waving of these four plants is considered to be a mitzvah (a commandment) that has been ordered by the Torah, and waving it contains symbolic references to the Jewish commitment and service of God. These four sacred plants are the Palm (lulav), Myrtle (hadas), Willow (arava), and Citron (etrog).

In the Muslim faith, there are fifty-four specific plants mentioned in The Holy Quran. Among them are: Fig, Pomegranate, Olive, Corn, Leek, Garlic, Onion, Lentil, Barley, Wheat, Ginger, Pumpkin, Watermelon, Tamarind, Cedar, Grapes, Banana, Cucumber, and Basil. In Dubai, botanists have had plans to plant and nurture fifty of the fifty-four plants in an extraordinarily unique garden.

Tulsi, means incomparable one, and it is more commonly known as Holy Basil. Tulsi is actually so venerated that Hindu followers worship this plant morning and evening. To Hindu believers, Tulsi is so holy that the plant, itself, is considered to be diefied. No Hindu home would be complete without a cherished and nurtured Tulsi plant growing in an especially revered location very close to it. This is because Holy Basil symbolizes the religious pulse of that Hindu family.

In Buddhism, the Ficus religioso, which is also known as the Bo Tree or Peepal Tree, is a very special tree. So special, in fact, that some of those trees are considered to be particularly holy trees because it is the tree under which sat Lord Gautama Buddha while he was meditating beneath its spreading canopy. It was then and it was there that he attained his spiritual enlightenment. From that point on, that tree became known as a Bodhi Tree which means enlightenment.

Not all Ficus religioso trees are considered to be Bodhi Trees. Only those that can be traced all the way back to the original tree parent may have that esteemed honor. The original tree was destroyed a long time ago. However, a branch cutting from that tree had been taken, rooted, nurtured and grown to replace it. As a matter of fact, a branch of the original tree was rooted in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka in 288 BCE and is known as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. It is the oldest flowering plant in the world.

The leaves of a Bodi Tree are considered to be sacred. To have one in your possession is to have a holy relic. Although it is unlikely that the leaves being sold online are actually from one of the actual holy Bodhi Trees, it is possible to obtain a hand-painted Peepal Leaf. Some of them are extremely beautiful and meaningful in themselves.

To the Druids, the holy plant was Viscum album, which is better known as European Mistletoe. Being a parasitic plant, mistletoe was found up in the tree branches of host trees. Viscum albumis also a part of Greek mythology and it is believed to be THE Golden Bough of Aeneas, which is the ancestor of the Romans. Mistletoe also figures into the Old Norse beliefs. Then in pre-Christian European beliefs, until finally it appears as a Christmas plant under which the custom of kissing during the Christmas season took hold. The Druids cherished it so greatly that to them there is nothing more sacred than mistletoe that is found in an oak tree. The oak tree has been an important element in the selection of sacred mistletoe because it is rarely found in oaks, which made its discovery all the more special. The Druids gathered mistletoe with great ceremonial reverence involving sacrifice and feasting, on… if at all possible… The Sixth Day of The Moon. In the ancient Druid language the mistletoe was called the all-healing.

In some deserts there will be found an oasis that nurtures several perhaps even many different kinds of trees, plants and flowers that seemingly grow up out in the middle of what is seen as vast nothingness. To any who come upon a desert oasis, or if the oasis is large enough to support day to day residence (as some are) it matters not what any book or list assigns to any particular growing thing there around them as all of it is appreciated, cherished, nurtured and spiritually embraced as all that grows in an oasis is symbolic of Life.

On and on the symbolism of trees, plants, flowers, fruit, seeds, sap, leaves, and wood developed throughout history until the floriography of these earthborn wonders became something we have not considered at all. This is because we have been taken them for granted. They are always there… somewhere… outside of our homes, inside our refrigerators and cupboards, everywhere there is something growing somewhere. Even what we perceive to be barren desert will have a plant growing there… somewhere.

BIRTHDAY FLOWERS

The Romans appreciated flowers. Flora is one of the most ancient goddesses of Roman religion. Flora was so special to the ancient Romans that she and was one of fifteen deities to have her own state-supported high priest. An annual six day festival celebrating The Goddess Flora is known as Floralia and is still celebrated today between April 28th- May 3rd.

Back in ancient times the festival involved nude dancing, gladiator contests, theatrical performances, circus events, sacrifices to Flora, the ceremonial release of hares and goats, the scattering of legumes, all the while wearing colorful garments. Needless to say, the modern celebration of Floralia is significantly different and not nearly as overwhelming.

The ancient Romans adored the form, colors, and fragrances of all flowers. It is believed it was the ancient Romans who started the tradition of monthly birth flowers. Seasonal flowers were traditionally given as gifts and eventually the idea of having a particular flower represent a particular month, and consequently a celebration flower commemorating a birth month caught on and carries through to today. Over time, considering the locales and global blooming seasons, additional flowers were adopted.

Birthday Months:

➽JANUARY ➽FEBRUARY ➽MARCH ➽APRIL ➽MAY ➽JUNE ➽JULY ➽AUGUST ➽SEPTEMBER ➽OCTOBER ➽NOVEMBER ➽DECEMBER

January

✿ Carnation | Dianthus caryophyllus

#300 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS — Admiration; Bad luck; Bonds of affection; Dignity; Disappointed; Disdain; Distinction; Fascination; Good fortune; Good luck; Gratitude; Health and energy; Heavenly; Joy and commitment; Love; Misfortune; Pride; Pride and beauty; Pure and deep love; Pure love; Self-esteem; Strength; True love; Woman’s love.

POSSIBLE POWERS — Divination; Healing; Luck; Protection; Strength.

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS — In ancient Greece, Dianthus caryophyllus were the most loved of all flowers. ~ A corsage or nosegay made up of Dianthus caryophyllus, a sprig of Rosmarinus officinalis, and Geranium flower means: Love, Fidelity, and Hope. ~ Fresh red Dianthus caryophyllus in the room of a convalescing patient will promote strength and energy. ~ Wearing a Dianthus caryophyllus flower was popular during Elizabethan times because it was believed that the flower helped prevent being put to death on the scaffold.

SPECIFIC COLOR MEANING:

Pink — A woman’s love; Deep love; I’ll never forget you; Sentimental love; A mother’s undying love; Always on my mind; A mother’s love; Mother’s Day symbol; Woman’s love.

Red — Admiration; Admiration from afar; Affection; Alas! For my poor heart; Ardent love; Desire; Desires that never come to pass; Forlorn; My heart aches for you; Poor heart; Pure; Pure and ardent love; Deep Romantic Love.

Light Red — Admiration.

Dark Red — Affection; Alas for my poor heart; Deep love.

Deep Red — Affection; Alas for my poor heart; Deep love.

Mauve — Dreams of fantasy.

Purple — Antipathy; Capriciousness; Changeability; Condolences; Whimsical; Changeable; Unreliability.

White — Disdain; Innocence; Pure love; Purity; Sweet and lovely; Sweet Love; Good luck; Faithfulness.

Yellow — Disappointment; Disdain; Rejection; You have disappointed me; Unreasonableness.

Solid — Yes; Acceptance; I want to be with you; Affirmative.

Striped — No; Refusal; Regret that love cannot be reciprocated; Rejection; Sorry, I can’t be.

✿ Snowdrop | Galanthus nivalis

#377 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS — Consolation; Friend in adversity; Friend in need; Hope; Hope in sorrow; Purity and hope.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS — There is a superstition that it is unlucky to bring Galanthus nivalisinto the home, and that supposedly merely the sight of a single Galanthus nivalis growing in the garden foretold a pending disaster.

✿ Blue Flag Iris | Iris versicolor

#471 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS — A message; Courage; Faith; Fire;
Flame; Friendly; Good news;
Graceful; Hope; I am burning with
love; I burn; Idea; I have a message for
you; Message; My compliments; Pleasant message; Promise; Promise in love; Pure heart; Purity; A rainbow; Travel; Valor; Victory and conquest but also pain; Your friendship means so much to me; Wisdom.

POSSIBLE POWERS — Authority; Faith; Healing; Magic; Magic and energy for pure aims; Power; Protection from evil spirits; Purification; Reincarnation; Wisdom.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS — The Iris has been a sacred symbol of divine protection and royalty the world over since around the fifth century. • Place a vase of fresh Iris flowers in an area that requires energy cleansing. • The points of the Iris flower symbolize faith, wisdom, and valor.

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February

✿ Violet | Viola

#926 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS — Affection; Artistic ability; Faithfulness; Fidelity; Honesty; Loyalty; Modesty; Simplicity; Think of me; Thoughts; Thoughtful Recollection; Virtue.

POSSIBLE POWERS — Calms tempers; Divination; Induces sleep; Love; Psychic sensitivity.

✿ Primrose | Primula

#708 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Confidence; Contentment; Desperate; Early youth; Eternal love; Feminine energy; Frivolity; Happiness; I cannot be without you; I can’t live without you; Inconstancy; Modest worth; Obsessive love; Pleasure; Pride of riches; Satisfaction; Silent love; Thoughtlessness; Woman; Young Love; Youth.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Love; Protection.

SPECIFIC COLOR MEANING:

Crimson — Confidence; Heart’s mystery; Pride of riches.

Lilac — Confidence.

Red — Merit; Unsupported merit; Unsolicited recognition.

Rose — Neglected genius.

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March

✿ Narcissus | Narcissus major

#593 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Annunciation; Appreciation of honesty; Beauty; Chivalry; Clarity of thought; Contentment; Deceitful hopes; Egotism; Energy that comes from being in love; Excessive self-love; Faith; Forgiveness; Formality; Forthrightness; High regards; Honesty; Hope; Inner beauty; Love; New beginnings; Promise of Eternal Life; Regard; Rebirth; Renewal; Respect; Resurrection and Rebirth; Self-esteem; Self concept; Self-love; Simple pleasures; Singular love and chivalry; Stay as sweet as you are; Sunlight; Sunshine; The sun shines when I’m with you; Truth; Uncertainty; Unrequited love; Unreturned love; Vanity; You’re the only one; Vanity and Death; Vanity and egoism.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Aphrodisiac; Fertility; Love; Luck.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: The Narcissus is the flower of The Underworld. Animals do not eat the Narcissus flower because the sap contains sharp crystals. ~ Wear a Narcissus flower over your heart for good luck. ~ During Medieval times in Europe it was thought that if a Narcissus while it was being looked at, it was an omen of death. ~ Chicken farmers were superstitious and would not allow Narcissus into their homes as they believed they were unlucky and would stop their hens from laying eggs or keep the eggs from hatching. ~ In Maine there is a superstition that if you point at a Narcissuswith your index finger it will not bloom. ~ The Chinese believe that the Narcissus is lucky and will bring good luck for an entire year if forced to bloom during the Chinese New Year. ~ Fresh Narcissus flowers in a vase in the bedroom bodes well for fertility.

✿ Jonquil | Narcissus jonquilla

#594 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Affection returned; Desire; Desires fulfilled; Longings; Love me; Return my affection; Sympathy; I desire a return of affection; Have pity on my passion; Return my affection; Violent Sympathy and Desire.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: The favorite flower of England’s Queen Anne, who loved the Narcissus jonquilla so dearly that it inspired her to create Kensington Palace Gardens, the first public botanical garden in England.

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April

✿ Sweet Pea | Lathyrus odoratus

#496 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: A meeting; Blissful pleasure; Chastity; Delicacy; Departure; Goodbye; I think of you; Meeting; Thank you for a lovely time.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Chastity; Courage; Friendship; Strength.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Wear Lathyrus odoratus for strength. ~ To keep someone chaste, place a nosegay of Lathyrus odoratus flowers in a vase in their bedroom. ~ Fresh Lathyrus odoratus flowers forge friendships. ~ Hold a Lathyrus odoratusflower in your hand to encourage the truth to be told to you.

✿ Daisy | Bellis perennis

#120 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Beauty; Beauty and innocence; Cheer; Cheer; Childlike playfulness; Contempt for worldly goods; Creativity; Decisions; Do you love me; Faith; Forever-young attitude; Gentleness; Gentleness on behalf of both giver and recipient; Happy-go-lucky; I partake your sentiments; I share your sentiments; I will think of it; I’ll Never tell; Innocence; Loyal love; Purity; Simplicity; Simplify; Strength; You have as many virtues as this daisy has petals.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Divination; Divination for love; Heightened awareness; Inner strength; Love; Lust.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Bellis perennis is a sentimental and much loved flower among lovers, poets and children. ~ It was once believed that if a Bellis perennischain were wrapped around a child, the flower chain would protect the child from being stolen by fairies. ~ If you sleep with a Bellis perennis root under your pillow your lost lover may return. ~ Wear a Bellis perennis flower to bring you love. ~ It was once believed that whoever it is that picks the very first Bellis perennis flower of the season will be uncontrollably flirtatious.

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May

✿ Lily-of-the-Valley | Convallaria majalis

#249 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Christ’s second coming; Fortune in love; Good luck; Happiness and purity of heart; Humility; Joy; Purity of heart; Return of happiness; Returning happiness; Sociability; Sweet; Sweetness; Tears of The Virgin Mary; Trustworthy; Unconscious sweetness; You’ve made my life complete.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Happiness; Healing; Making the right choice; Mental clarity; Mental powers; Power of people to visualize a better world.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Put Convallaria majalis in a room to uplift and cheer all the people in it.

✿ Hawthorn | Crataegus

#266 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Duality; Chastity; Contradictions; Hope; Male energy; Union of opposites; Spring.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Chastity; Continuity; Death; Fertility; Fishing Magic; Happiness; Hope.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: There is a legend that Joseph of Arimathea went to Britain to carry the message of Christ there. At one point, he pushed his staff in the ground to sleep nearby. When he awoke he discovered the staff had taken root, grew, and blossomed into a Crategus Tree. It is said that he left the staff there, undisturbed and that it flowered every Christmas and again every spring. Cuttings had since been taken of it, and one of those cuttings were planted near Glastonbury Abbey, and grows there still today as the Glastonbury Thorn. A branch of this particular tree is annually displayed at Christmastime at Buckingham Palace in London, England. ~ The Romans attached Crategus leaves to baby cradles to repel evil spirits. ~ In Medieval Europe if Crategus branches were brought inside it was an omen of illness and death for one member of the household. ~ Crategus is considered one of a witch’s favorite plants. In the spring on Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht), when witches supposedly turn themselves into Crataegus Trees, the Crategus is to be avoided. ~ Because of it’s correspondence with fertility, Crategus has been added into spring wedding flowers. ~ Put Crategus under a mattress and around a bedroom to maintain or even enforce chastity. ~ Tuck a Crategus leaf into your hat to promote a good catch when fishing. ~ Wear a spring of Crategus if troubled, sad, or depressed to help return you to a state of happiness. ~ Sprigs or leaves of Crategusplace around the home will protect it against lightning and storm damaged. ~ Sprigs or leaves of Crategus place around the home will protect it evil, and malicious ghosts. ~ Crategus is sacred to fairies. ~ It is believed that one will be able to see fairies where these three trees grow together: Crategus, Quercus, and Fraxinus excelsior.

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June

✿ Rose | Rosa

#757 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Balance; Beauty; Carrier of secrets and understanding; Divination; Equilibrium; Healing; Hope and passion; Love; Luck; Magic; Messenger of love; Passion; Perfection; Protection; Psychic powers; Strength through silence; Ultimate beauty.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Beauty; Divination; Healing; Love; Peace; Protection; Psychic powers; Purification.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: In 1840 there was a Rosa collection of over one thousand different cultivars, varieties and species planted at a Victorian arboretum and non-denominational cemetary in England called Abney Park Cemetary, which operated from 1840 to around 1978 and is now a public park. ~ In Roman times a wild Rosa would be put on the door of a room where confidential matters were being discussed.  Hence, the term sub rosa which meant “under the rose” meant, and still means, to keep a secret. ~ Plant Rosa in the garden to attract fairies to it. ~ Scatter Rosa petals around the home to alleviate stress and household problems that have surfaced and are upsetting. 

SPECIFIC COLOR MEANING:

Black — Beauty; Death; Farewell; Hatred; Impending Death; Rebirth; Rejuvenation.

Blue — Attaining the impossible; Mystery.

Blush — If you love me you will discover it; If you love me you will find me out.

Bridal — Bliss; Happiness; Happy Love.

Burgundy — Implicitly; Unconscious beauty.

Coral — Desire; Enthusiasm; Happiness; Passion.

Dark crimson — Mourning.

Dark Pink — Thank You.

Deep Red — Bashful; Mourning.

Dried white — Death before loss of innocence.

Green — Masculine energy.

Lavender — Enchantment; Love at first sight; Magic.

Light Pink — Admiration.

Orange — Desire; Enthusiasm; Fascination; Passion; Pride; Wonder; Pale — Friendship.

Peach — Appreciation; Closing of the deal; Gratitude; Immortality; Let’s Get Together; Modesty; Sincerity.

Pink — Confidence; Desire; Elegance; Energy; Everlasting joy; Gentility; Grace; Grace and sweetness; Gratitude; Happiness; Indecision; Joy; Joy of life; Love; Passion; Perfect happiness; Perfection; Please believe Me; Romance; Romantic love; Secret love; Sweetness; Thankfulness; Thank you; Trust; You’re So Love; Youth.

Red — Beauty; Congratulations; Courage; Desire; Healing; I Love You; Job Well Done; Love; Passion; Protection; Respect; Well done.

Striped or Variegated — Warmth of heart; Immediate affection; Love at first sight.

Unique color — Uniquely beautiful.

Violet — Admiration; Deepest love; Enchantment; Love at first sight; Magic; Majestic; Opulent; Special.

White — Charm; Eternal love; Exorcism; Heavenly; Humility; I am worthy of you; Innocence; I would be single; Purity; Reverence; Secrecy; Silence; Virtue; Wistfulness; Worthiness; You’re Heavenly;  Youthfulness.

Yellow — Apology; Caring; Dying Love; Friendship; Infidelity; Gladness; Jealousy; Joy; Love; Platonic Love; Remember Me; Welcome; Welcome back.

Pink and White together — I Love You Still And I Always Will.

Red and White together — Together; Unity.

Full bloom single stem any color — I Love You; Simplicity.

Yellow single and eleven Red — Love and Passion.

Orange and Yellow together — Passionate Thoughts.

Red and Yellow together — Congratulations; Excitement; Happiness.

✿ Honeysuckle | Lonicera periclymenum

#533 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Affection; Bonds of love; Devoted affection; Devoted love; Domestic happiness; Inconstancy; I will not answer hastily; Generous affection; Generous and devoted affection; Lasting pleasure; Permanence and steadfastness; Permanence; Steadfastness.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Fidelity; Generosity; Happiness; Money; Protection; Psychic powers; Spirit vision.

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July

✿ Larkspur | Consolida

#248 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Levity; Lightness; Open Heart; Swiftness.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Fend off ghosts; Fend off scorpions; Fend off venomous creatures; Health; Protection.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Consolida is believed to keep ghosts away.

SPECIFIC COLOR MEANING:

Pink — Fickleness; Lightness.

Purple — Haughtiness.

✿ Water Lily | Nymphaeceae

#608 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Eloquence; Harmony; Modesty; Purity; Purity of heart; Soothing.

✿ Delphinium | Delphinium

#295 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Ability to transcend the bounds of space and time; Airy; An open heart; Ardent attachment; Big-Hearted; Fickleness; Fun; Heavenly; Hilarity; Levity; Lightness.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Lightness; Swiftness; Drive away scorpions.

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August

✿ Gladiolus | Gladiolus

#397 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Flower of the gladiators; Generosity; Give me a break; I’m sincere; Infatuation;Integrity; Love at first sight; Moral integrity; Ready armed; Remembrance; Strength; Strong character; Strength Of Character; Vibrancy; You pierce my heart.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Gladiolus grew wild in the Holy Land and along the coast of Africa so abundantly that they are thought to be the actual “Lilies of The Field” that Jesus spoke of in his Sermon On The Mount.

✿ Poppy | Papaver orientale

#636 in Floriogray Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Dreaminess; Eternal sleep; Fantastic extravagance; Imagination; Oblivion.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Fertility; Fruitfulness; Invisibility; Love; Luck; Magic; Money; Sleep.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: At one time Papaver orientale seed pods were gilded and worn to attract wealth. ~ An interesting divination that could be used to answer a perplexing question is to write the question on a piece of paper using blue ink then folding it up and tucking it within Papaver orientaleseed pod. Put the pod under your pillow before sleeping to facilitate a dream that will answer the question.

SPECIFIC COLOR MEANING:

Red — Pleasure.

White — Consolation; Dreams; Peace.

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September

✿ Aster | Asteraceae

#105 in Floriography Today

 SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Daintiness; Love; Modesty; Orderly.

✿ Forget-Me-Not | Myosotis

#587 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Clinging to the past; Do not forget me; Faithful Love; Faithfulness; Forget me not; Humility; Links to the past; Memories; Remembering; Remembrances; True Love.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Healing; Secrecy.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Myosotis is a symbol of the human desire for loyalty. ~ Myosotis is also a symbol that signals shared secrets.

✿ Morning Glory | Ipomoea

#461 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Affection; Attachment; Bonds; Coquetry; Death; Death and rebirth; Deference; Embrace; Glorious beauty; Humility; I attach myself to you; Love in vain; Night; Obstinacy; Repose; She loves you; Spontaneity; Uncertainty; Willful promises.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Happiness; Peace.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Blue Ipomoea will bring peacefulness and happiness if grown in the garden. ~ Ipomoea seeds under the pillow will supposedly stop all nightmares.

SPECIFIC COLOR MEANING:

Pink — Worth sustained by judicious and tender affection.

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October

✿ English Marigold | Calendula officinalis

#147 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Affection; Constructive loss; Cruelty; Despair; Fidelity; Grace; Grief; Health; Jealousy; Joy; Longevity; Pain; Sacred affection; Trouble.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Amorousness; Dream magic; Evil thoughts; Helps with Seeing Fairies; Legal matters; Prediction; Protection; Prophetic dreams; Psychic powers; Rebirth; Sleep.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Carry Calendula officinalis petals with Laurus nobilis leaf to quiet gossip being passed around about you. ~ Calendula officinalis flower heads follow the sun like sunflowers do. ~  Early Christians would place Calendula officinalis flowers by statues of The Virgin Mary. ~ Calendula officinalis is considered to be one of the most sacred herbs of ancient India, the flower heads were commonly strung into garlands and used in temples and at weddings.

✿ Cosmos | Cosmos bipinnatus

#273 in The Complete Language of Flowers

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Balance; Beautiful; Come walk with me; Harmony; Hold my hand and walk with me; Joy in love and in life; Love flower; Modesty; Orderly; Ornamental; Peacefulness; Tranquility; Wholesomeness.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Arrange a Cosmos bipinnatus bouquet in a home that needs spiritual harmony restored within it.

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November

✿ Chrysanthemum | Chrysanthemum

#209 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Abundance; Abundance and Wealth; Abundance and loveliness; A heart left to desolation; Cheerfulness; Cheerfulness and rest; Cheerfulness in adversity; Fidelity; Happiness; Loveliness; Optimism; Promotes mental health; Wealth; You’re a wonderful friend.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Protection.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Chinese Feng Shui suggests that Chrysanthemum will bring happiness into the home. ~ During the years of Imperial Reign in China, common people were not permitted to grow Chrysanthemum, only Nobility had that privilege. ~ Chrysanthemum is a sacred flower in Asia. ~ In Malta and in Italy it is considered to be unlucky to have Chrysanthemum in the house.

SPECIFIC COLOR MEANING:

Red — I Love; I Love You; Love; Slighted Love.

Rose — In Love.

White — Truth.

Yellow — Imperial; Scorned in love; Slighted love; Imperial; Scorned in love; Slighted love.

✿ Peony | Paeonia officinalis

#661 in The Complete Language of Flowers

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Anger; Aphrodisiac; Bashfulness; Beauty; Bravery; Compassion; Diffidence; Gay Life; Happy marriage; Healing; Honor; Life; Loyalty; Masculinity; Omen of good fortune and a happy marriage; Ostentation; Prosperity; Riches and honor; Romance; Shame; Shyness; Unrealized desires; Wealth.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Exorcism; Happy life; Healing; Prosperity; Protection; Purification.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: The earliest record of Paeonia officinalis was found in a Chinese tomb dated back to the first century. • Wear Paeonia officinalis to protect the body, mind, spirit, and soul. • A Paeonia officinalis flower within the home will fend off evil spirits. • Grow Paeonia officinalis in the garden to protect the home against storms and evil. • Wear a necklace that you have made from Paeonia officinalis root and coral beads to chase away an incubus. • Carry Paeonia officinalis as a cure for lunacy.

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December

✿ Poinsettia | Euphorbia pulcherrima

#348 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Be of Good Cheer; Good cheer; Merriment.

✿ Holly | Ilex aquifolium

#455 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Am I forgotten; Courage; Defense; Difficult victory attained; Domestic happiness; Dreams; Enchantment; Forecast; Foresight; Good cheer; Good luck; Goodwill; Looking; Man’s symbol; Protection; Questioning; Subconscious; The symbol of a human being; The symbol of Man; Vigilance; Wisdom.

POSSIBLE POWERS: Anti-Lightning; Attracts and repels energies; Dream Magic; Immortality; Luck; Protection; Protection against harm in dreams; Protection against witchcraft; Protection against The Evil Eye.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS: Ilex aquifolium is sometimes carried by men to bring luck. ~ The ancient Druids once believe that Ilex aquifolium kept the earth beautiful during the time that Quercus (Oak) trees had no leaves. During that period, the Druids wore Ilex aquifolium in their hair when it was time to watch their priests cut the Viscum album (Mistletoe), which was sacred to them. ~ In Medieval Europe, Ilex aquifolium was planted near homes to protect them from lightning and to bring good fortune. ~ In England it was thought that a sprig of Ilex aquifolium on a bedpost would bring about sweet dreams. ~ In Wales it was thought that if Ilex aquifolium were brought into the home before it was Christmastime that it would instigate family arguments. ~ It was also believed that if Ilex aquifolium was left to decorate past Twelfth Night that a misfortune would occur numbering for each of the Ilex aquifolium leaves and branches remaining within the house. ~ It is thought that bringing Ilex aquifolium into the home of a friend would cause death. ~ Another belief is that if a piece of Ilex aquifolium is kept that was used in a church for a Christmas decoration it will bring about good fortune throughout the year. ~ If Ilex aquifolium is picked on Christmas Day it will be very good protection against evil spirits and witches. ~ One divination that can be used is to place tiny candles on Ilex aquifolium leaves and float them on water. If the Ilex aquifolium leaves stay afloat, an endeavor that the seeker has in mind will prosper. However, if any of the leaves sink to extinguish a candle, it is a sign that it is best to not do it. ~ It is believed that throwing Ilex aquifolium at wild animals will make them leave you alone even if they are not actually touched by any part of the plant. ~ A weather divination that was once frequently taken very seriously is that if the Ilex aquifolium bush had an over abundance of berries that it was a sign that winter would be harsh. ~ The Druids believed that it was an important safety measure to bring Ilex aquifolium into their dwellings in the winter to give shelter the elves and fairies who would house with humans to escape the bitter cold.

✿ Paperwhite Narcissus | Narcissus papyraceus

#595 in Floriography Today

SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: Aphrodisiac.

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Copyright © 2000 Fayshoneshire / Suzanne Dietz – All Rights Reserved.