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When a Victorian suitor wished to declare his love
he often used flowers, rather than words, to express his
feelings to his beloved. This charming custom was popular
through-out the 19th century and carried over into the twentieth.
Many early postcards show the language of
flowers particularly those manufactured from 1909-1918,
which was the "golden era" of postcards. In addition,
flowers, trees, herbs and even weeds were used to communicate
thoughts and emotions.
Here are a few flowers showing specific meanings that would have been known to people who sent and received them in the 19th early 20th centuries:
Anemone - (Forsaken)
Apple Blossom - (Preference)
Bachelors Buttons - (Celibacy)
Buttercup - (Ingratitude, Childishness)
Carnation, deep red - (My poor heart)
Chrysanthemum, Red - (I Love)
Chrysanthemum, White - (Truth)
Clematis - (Mental Beauty)
Daisy - (Innocence)
Fern - (Fascination)
French Marigold - (Jealousy)
Hollyhock - (Ambition)
Hyacinth - (Sport, play)
Peony - (Shame, Bashfulness)
Primrose, Evening - (Inconstancy)
Rose - (Love)
Rose, Cabbage - (Ambassador of Love)
Rose, Multi-flora - (Grace)
Rose, White - (I am worthy of you)
Rose, Yellow - (Decrease of Love, jealousy)
Violet, Blue - (Faithfulness)
Water Lily - (Purity of heart)
Rose, Christmas - (Tranquilize my anxiety)
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