By Alexandra Savage
Are you trying to come up with a holiday gift for your friends? Need to put together a present for a relative over Thanksgiving? Well, you should consider creating a flower bouquet! Not only do flowers look pretty, but they have a hidden purpose that many are not aware of. Back in the Victorian Era, flower bouquets were used to send complex messages. According to Victorian-era.org, this time period forbade outright declarations of love. Instead, a secret language developed through sending flower bouquets. By following ‘the language of the flowers,’ you can craft a bouquet with a special hidden meaning. Here’s a guide for choosing which flowers to put in your fall-themed bouquet. Not only do these plants serve as a wonderful decoration, but they send a customized message to the recipient.
Sage: Wisdom
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, sage can be used to represent wisdom and wit. It is the perfect gift for finals season! This hardy plant is often used in cooking, but the leaves can also spruce up a flower bouquet. One variety of the species, known as the ‘Tricolor Sage,’ presents a purple hue as opposed to the normal shade of dark green. This can add a subtle pop of color to your bouquet.
Chrysanthemum: The November Flower
If you have a friend or relative born in November, consider gifting them a chrysanthemum. Petal Republic explains that chrysanthemums, or ‘mums,’ serve as the birth flower for anybody born in November. Mums come in several different colors which you can customize to fit a specific message. Try red mums for love or white mums for loyalty. Either color can show appreciation for your November-born friends and family.
Amaryllis Flower: Holiday Decoration
This flower earns its place on the list for its stunning red color. Florgeous, a source dedicated to flowers and their meanings, showcases the ruby red petals on the plant. Some varieties include white stripes, reminiscent of candy canes, making a great addition to any holiday wreath or decoration. The amaryllis flower has a long history dating back to Ancient Greece. According to Greek myth, a maiden named Amaryllis fell in love with a shepherd named Alteo. However, Alteo had many suitors competing for his affection. The oracle of Delphi told Amaryllis to stand outside Alteo’s house for thirty days and repeatedly stab herself in the heart. Eventually, a flower (the amaryllis flower) grew from her blood, impressing Alteo enough to win him over. Therefore, the amaryllis flower represents determination and love.
Lavender: The Calming Flower
Lastly, you should consider using a strip of lavender in your flower bouquet. Flower Meaning lists the benefits of lavender. This flower is said to represent calmness and serenity, the perfect gift for a stressful time of year. Lavender is often used in aromatherapy, a practice where chemicals from the plant are converted into essential oils and then inhaled for relaxation. Some practitioners of aromatherapy believe lavender can relieve minor pain. The purple plant is also used in cooking and to ward off insects, showing the versatility of the flower.
Creating the Bouquet
Now that you’ve gathered your flowers, it’s time to create the bouquet. There are a lot of routes to take when designing your bouquet. You can use a rubber band to tie the stems together for a rustic look. You could also find a ribbon or piece of string for a more elegant design. You can even forgo tying the stems all together and simply place the flower in a vase of water to brighten up the room. There is no limit as to how you create your bouquet and you can always customize the flower arrangement for your specific needs. Happy gathering!
