Flower language

I've had this sweet little book for several years. It was compiled in Victorian times for the many people who regularly gave each other flowers. Each flower had a special meaning and this book lists each one in alphabetical order. In those days it was considered very important to give the flowers that conveyed just the right sentiment and so a copy of 'The Language of Flowers' was to be found in many households.

These little blue forget-me-nots represent 'true love' and also 'do not forget me'. It was a very popular little bloom to give at times of parting. 

By the end of the Victorian era greetings cards were widely available and depicted many popular flowers. I have a small collection of Victorian and Edwardian greetings cards in an old scrap book so I'd like to share some with you.

The Victorians loved pansies and the meaning associated with them was 'thoughts' which was the perfect sentiment for numerous occasions.

An idyllic little scene like this one, framed by pansies, could be found on many cards

 Violets were loved also, particularly the scented variety.

Here is a little card depicting violets which represented 'faithfulness'

I don't have a card illustrating blue periwinkles ('early friendship') but have several with ivy designs.

Ivy was popular for wedding cards as it was associated with 'fidelity'.

Apple blossom represented 'preference'

I'm not sure if this is apple or almond blossom but I wanted to show you the card as its one of the prettiest in the collection. It's so delicate and I love the way it opens.

A great many Victorian and Edwardian cards depicted blue birds. I wonder why? The image makes me think of the sentimental wartime song 'There'll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover' and so I guess blue birds represent love and freedom. Does anyone have any other ideas?

'The Language of the Flowers' has been reprinted in hundreds of formats over the years. I have an illustrated version by Kate Greenaway which I'm very fond of (see above).
 
Pretty cards like the ones I've shown you are no longer widely available but happily many clever and creative people are producing wonderful greetings cards for us to buy for our friends and family. My blogging chum Maggie at Sweet Scarlett is producing the most gorgeous little 'Lucky Penny Books' to carry sentiments and good wishes for special occasions. They are absolutely gorgeous and available in her Etsy shop so do take a look.

Until next time
Eli

Comments

[Redwood House]

Hi Eli, sorry I haven't been making many comments lately I just don't know where the time has gone over the Easter.
I see you have opened a lovely little shop with the most delightful little dolls in, good for you and I hope it goes really well, what a bit of fun....I am still thinking about it.
Your garden is looking wonderful I have managed to get on top of mine a little more so must get the camera out there.
Your book with the meaning of flowers is very interesting and the cards are beautiful I love the Christmas one it is as you say so very pretty.
We have a lovely sunny spring day here hope you have some sunshine too..
Good luck with your lovely shop..
Jan

[Paula]

Dear Eli,

I love your beautiful book! How wonderful yours was illustrated by Kate Greenaway. Her illustrations are so lovely, sweet and charming! I enjoyed seeing your beautiful collection of vintage cards! They are all so very lovely!!!

Thank you for sharing!
Love, Paula

[Maggie]

Dearest Eli,
You are too kind mentioning my little creations here in your delightful blog!
Thank you for the much appreciated publicity.

I adore your vintage cards! Liberal use of forget-me-not flowers and violets are always a welcome sight, too!

I found a wee patch of wild violets in an overgrown area of a flower bed and quickly uncovered it so that it might have a fighting chance to survive! I love them. At home, I used to dig them out of my lawn and replant them around the base of trees. They do grow quite large once they are freed from the confines of the grass lawn.

Thank you, again, for sharing with us!
xxx
maggie

[Clarice]

Such a pretty post. I have to say you have an amazing card assortment. I would love to poke around your home !!! Clarice

[Susan]

The bluebird represents happiness.

I believe pansies were also known as Heart's Ease at one time.