In Rome, the cult of Flora, Goddess of Flowers, focused heavily on the symbolic meaning of flowers. This knowledge spread across Europe and was nearly lost until it was revived by the Victorians.
Roman prostitutes considered Flora their own goddess, protecting all acts of beauty, especially heartfelt lovemaking. She is also a spring goddess from whom we get the word flora, meaning blossom or plants. Symbolically, this flowering pertains to the human spirit too, one that can appreciate beauty in the body without necessarily making it into a sexual object.
The following is a list of flowers with their meanings?the meanings differ somewhat from the Victorian Language of Flowers.
|
Azalea |
Nearness |
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Bachelor Buttons |
Work, Individuality |
|
Buttercup |
Friendship |
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Bluebells |
Protection |
|
Camellia |
Company, Gatherings |
|
Clematis- |
Security, Steadfastness |
|
Cowslip |
Secrets |
|
Crocus |
Birth, Rebirth |
|
Daffodils |
Communication of secrets |
|
Daisy |
Simplicity |
|
Hawthorn |
Divination |
|
Heather |
Powerful woman |
|
Heliotrope |
Wellness and Vitality |
|
Honeysuckle |
Fertility |
|
Iris- |
Frail but hearty |
|
Jasmine |
Night rendezvous |
|
Lady's Slipper |
Wealth |
|
Lily |
Purity, Life |
|
Lily of the Valley |
Death, Change |
|
Lupin |
Passion |
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Magnolia |
Unfolding Events |
|
Morning Glory |
Quickness, First |
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Mum |
Affection |
|
Myrtle |
Remembrance |
|
Orchid |
Promises kept |
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Pansy |
Weakness |
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Petunia |
Gentleness, Shyness |
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Primrose |
Modesty, Guardianship |
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Queen Anne's Lace |
Gentleness, Quiet Strength |
|
Rhododendron |
In waiting |
|
Rose, Red |
Love, Fidelity |
|
Rose, Pink |
Youth |
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Rose, Yellow |
Infidelity |
|
Rose, White |
Silence |
|
Snapdragons |
Power, Man |
|
Sunflower |
Power, Strength, Watchfulness |
|
Snowdrops |
Children |
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Tulips |
Constancy |
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Verbena |
Motherhood |
|
Violets, Purple |
Fidelity |
|
Violets, White |
Betrayal |
|
Water Lily |
Other-worldliness, Dreams |
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Wintersweet |
Eternity |