The Victorian Obsession: Narcissus, Daffodils, and Egotism in Floriography
The flower language was invented by two women from Europe in the early part of the 1700s. Many believe that Victorians were the ones who created the style, but this isn’t the case. Each of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, and Aubry De Mottraye travelled across the Ottoman Empire. They brought home their secret coded flower symbol language.
Origins
Floriography (or flowers in the languages) was a popular Victorian trend that was communicating messages using flowers. Flowers are still a symbol of love despite its decline during the 19th century. Whitney Lynn, a contemporary artist, created in the name of San Diego International Airport a project that utilized flowers with particular implications.
In fact, it was Mary Wortley Montague, Seigneur Aubry de La Mottraye and Seigneur Aubry de La Mottraye that introduced the fashionable trend to Europe out of Ottoman shop hoa tuoi Turkey. As the trend gained traction, many books on floriography were produced. They included botanical information, novelty products like calendars and lists with flower symbols. These meanings came from legends, mythology, and folklore (the connection of the daffodil with egotism is an example) However, others were taken directly from flowers. In their flower dictionaries, the authors frequently referred to an Eastern culture called Selam.
Victorian Era
When it came to Victorian society, floralography or flower language was used to provide subtle communicating. The cryptic system of botanical symbols could be used for conveying love, hatred or desire. The Victorians, who were governed by strict social rules as well as strict social etiquette, to express their opinions to be acceptable.
The 19th century saw the first books about flower symbols and the language were created. The nuances in this flower language can vary depending on what flower was employed, how it was presented or even the person who gave it. These subtle expressions allow for interpretation and the ability to express creativity. The flower lexicon expanded to include over 1,400 diverse flowers, herbs and even trees. While the language of the dictionary differed from culture but many of the concepts were the same.
Symbolism Evolution
Since the earliest of times flowers have been utilized to convey deep messages about love, respect as well as emotion. Old meanings change or disappear because plants are grown, and as the society changes.
When the flower-themed language grew in popularity in late 19th-century England and North America, authors penned ingenuous guides and dictionaries, which connected a specific flower to its symbolic definition. They were frequently lavishly illustrated and bound with sentimental dedications.
Some of these mythological symbols were taken from mythology, religion and folklore. In particular, the daffodils have a connection with egotism. This was due to the legend of Narcissus who fell in love with the reflection of his reflection in the water. A few were inspired by beauty of the flowers or the characteristics they possess. For instance, the mimosa flower were believed to bring feelings of purity, as they close at night and have a touch sensor.
Cultural Influences
The Victorian Era saw the emergence of flower language as a discreet form of communicating. It suited a culture where expressive speech was not encouraged and etiquette was a crucial part of the social environment.
It was a favorite among wealthy women and magazines like Godey’s Ladies’ Book often ran features about the subject. The game was also very popular game played in parlors where the players would be blindfolded as they picked their favorite flower from a vase to determine their fate. It was a love affair or luck.
In the period of this time, there various flower dictionaries available that gave every flower had a particular signification. The meanings in the lexicons are varied; for example, the hyacinth flower was believed to signify beauty but they were also associated with loyalty, piety, and even forgiveness. These interpretations came from a broad variety of sources, including Shakespearean literary and classical sources.
Modern
The use of flowers as symbols is still popular today. It is utilized by artists, editors, designers and florists as well as marketers, poets and writers. The term “florography” is frequently used for its definition.
At its height in the Victorian period, the art of floriography was one of the most popular literary trends. There were hundreds of publications on the subject of flowers, herbs and plants. Some of these included descriptions of the flowers, herbs and other plants along with meanings symbolic. A few were based on legends or folklore. The association of daffodils with egotism, for example was derived from the legend of Narcissus and his obsession with reflections on himself.
Flowers convey a vast range of sentiments and messages. Colors can also be used to communicate different emotions. A passionate rose red represents feelings of love and passion, whereas the delicate white flower symbolizes pure innocence.