In the popular tradition, flowers can become precious messengers for the one who knows their meanings. In addition to the famous red roses to express one's passion, the lily of the valley as a good luck charm and the chrysanthemums to mark the memory of our deceased, some flowers can transmit subtle messages according to a code established throughout the ages and this, since Antiquity. However, it was not until the 18th century that Lady Wortley Montague, the wife of the British ambassador to Constantinople, brought the language of flowers back to Europe during a trip to Persia. Later, this way of communicating inspired the creation of dictionaries. Thus, the color, their number and even their arrangement in a bouquet are listed according to codes giving a precise and valuable indication on the feelings to be revealed.

With Valentine's Day approaching, let's see together how to transcribe one's most intimate emotions through floral art.

The meaning of flowers

Let's take an interest to start with the symbolism of different colors according to popular and empirical codes. The color brings a modulation to the main message whose background is established by the variety of the flower.

• First, red which symbolizes strength, power, depth and passion of feeling. It can symbolize the power of love as well as anger. It all depends on the flower chosen. So be careful with the one you offer!

• Then, the flowers with a rosy tone evoke sweetness, tenderness and a certain candor.

• Orange, on the other hand, is used to express contentment, satisfaction, balance in the relationship.

• The yellow associated with the sun is the color of joy and cheerfulness. However, it can also symbolize jealousy if the flowers are given by someone who wants to shine too much... Be careful with the flower you give because yellow roses are often interpreted as heralding bad news (deception, asking for forgiveness...).

• Green, from time immemorial, expresses hope. It can accompany a message of hope for a budding love affair.

• A blue and indigo flower signifies devoted and pure love.

• Violet corresponds to humility and almost mystical depth of feeling.

• Black is associated with mourning, death, but also with renewal as the end of one cycle and the beginning of another!

• White, symbolizes not only the purity of the soul and feelings but also a certain honesty about the intentions of the one offering the flower or bouquet.

The number of red roses in a bouquet

Besides the color, the number is also important. The bouquets of roses from florists are - almost - always composed by an odd number (up to 9) because, in the past, this differentiated them from the bouquets purchased at the market, which were sold by even number. We then assigned a meaning to each number, here are the main ones:

• 1 flower: "You are the one and only person who matters to me! "
• 3: "Let's build our future together..."
• 5: "I love you! "
• Beyond 10, the composition is even.
• 12: "Will you marry me? "
• 24: the height of gallantry

This Valentine's Day, red roses are all the rage. Offered individually or in a more or less imposing bouquet, they remain the timeless symbol of passionate love and romanticism to the max. If you want to get away from the cliché of the perfect gentleman, here are some varieties of flowers to declare your love with originality:

• The Tulip is used to express a love that is still bright and sincere. Choosing red will only accentuate this message.
• Violet is a delicate flower for pure and delicate feelings. Sometimes it is used to express an impossible or secret love.
• Lilac by its particular and sweet smell calls for the declaration of spring love. It is perfect to offer for a meeting or during a budding romance.
• The Orchid evokes sensuality, perfect beauty and seduction even more so if it is white.
• The Peony shows respectful love and sincere commitment as does the Carnation. These flowers are usually present in the floral arrangements of weddings.

 It should be noted that the language of flowers is popular and is not always interpreted in the same way by different authors, regions, eras, florists and people.

Knowing their meaning sheds interesting light, allows you to give a deep meaning to your gesture and to transmit messages discreetly, but the recipient must know the codes! That said, don't panic, when in doubt, to avoid the slightest faux-pas, the bouquet of red roses remains the undeniable sure thing for Valentine's Day...Welcome back!