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In Victorian England, the rose represented beauty, love, and femininity. A
fragrant nosegay, known as a "tussie-mussie," was a compact cluster of flowers
given by a shy lover as a way of expressing the message of love that he could not
speak. The blossom in the center was the key to the bouquet's code. For
instance, an Austrian rose meant "thou art all that is lovely." A single rose of
any color stands for simplicity, in full bloom, it means "I love you." Two roses
taped or wired together to form a single stem signal an engagement or coming
marriage. Stem leaves symbolize hope. The language of flowers extends well
beyond roses...the chart below lists many of the most popular wedding flowers
and their traditional meanings. |
|
 |
|
Type of Flower |
|
Traditional Meaning(s) |
|
Alstroemeria |
|
Devotion |
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Baby's Breath |
|
Pure heart |
|
Bachelor's Button |
|
Hope, devotion, love |
|
Camellia |
|
Good luck, contentment |
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Carnation |
|
Lasting fidelity, deep love |
|
Chrysanthemum |
|
Cheerfulness, constancy, truth |
|
Daffodil |
|
Regard, joy, devotion |
|
Daisy |
|
Faith, cheer, simplicity |
|
Fern |
|
Sincerity, magic, beauty |
|
Freesia |
|
Innocence |
|
Fuchsia |
|
Taste |
|
Gardenia |
|
Purity, joy |
|
Gladiola |
|
Generosity, beauty |
|
Honeysuckle |
|
Generous and devoted affection |
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Iris |
|
Faith, wisdom, health |
|
Ivy |
|
Wedded love, fidelity, friendship |
|
Lily |
|
Virtue, beauty, elegance, pride |
|
Orange Blossom |
|
Eternal love, marriage, fertility |
|
Orchid |
|
Love, beauty, fertility |
|
Rosebud |
|
Beauty, youth, purity |
|
Rose (red) |
|
"I love you" |
|
Rose (white) |
|
Purity, humility |
|
Rose (red & white) |
|
Unity |
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Rose (pink) |
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Grace, gentility |
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Rose (yellow) |
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Joy, gladness |
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Rose (orange) |
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Desire |
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Rose (blended red & yellow) |
|
Happy feelings |
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Stephanotis |
|
Happiness in marriage |
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Sweet Pea |
|
Blissful pleasure |
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Tulip |
|
Perfect lover, happiness |
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Zinnia |
|
Remembrance, lasting affection |
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