If you’re stopping by the florist or grocery store to pick up some flowers for a mom in your life today, why not take a few extra minutes to choose flowers that can truly convey your emotions? In Victorian times, a whole “Language of Flowers” was developed, and bouquets became complicated messages that a recipient would decipher using a book like Kate Greenaway’s (click to see). Though this practice isn’t used as widely today, Mother’s Day seems like the perfect time to bring it back as you select flowers that send the exact right message to the moms you know.
Here are some flowers you can easily find at grocery stores or florists and their associated meanings:
Pink Carnations are often considered to be the emblem of Mother's Day, as they express gratitude and mother's love.
- Alstromeria – Aspiring
- Camellia – Graciousness
- Pink Carnation – Gratitude, A Mother’s Love
- Gladiolus – Strength of Character
- Calla Lily – Regal
- Sunflower – Adoration
- Pink Tulip – Caring
- Dahlia – Elegance and dignity
- Pink Rose – Grace
- Jasmine – You are cheerful or graceful
- Cattleya Orchid – Mature Charms, Refined Beauty
- Lily – Beauty, Elegance
There are just a few of the hundreds of flowers that Victorians assigned meanings to - click here to see a much longer list to help you when you choose flowers this weekend. Are you familiar with the language of flowers? Can you recommend other flowers our readers may want to give the mothers in their lives this weekend? Drop us a comment below!
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Dear Editors:
From woman to woman: Has it ever occurred to you that this commercial feast called Mother’s Day mostly benefits the male population in terms of income? Women who miscarry (sometimes numerous times, like myself) are still called and considered worthless by both male and female.
Therefore, I propose to rename this day International Women’s Day from this moment on.
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