By, Tabitha Miki CFD FDI

Today we have so many different means of communication, but somehow the timeless methods of our predecessors seem to be the most romantic. The sweet, simple  handwritten love letter, and the lesser understood language of flowers speak to an error full of intrigue and mystery to me. 

The language of flowers, or “Floriography” is an art that I would love to see revived! Perhaps it is the florist in me, but I believe it shows time and love, and an appreciation for the person you are presenting the flowers to.

What is the language of flowers?

The language of flowers or floriography is utilizing flowers to convey a message. Each flower and flower color has a specific meaning. This type of communication was popularized during the Victorian Era in England, but it was not isolated to that country alone. There were many countries that used “The Language of Flowers” in their culture! France, Sweden, and even Turkey used a type of floriography!

This dive into the history of Floriography awakened new dreams of romance and inspired me to share some ideas of how to declare their love through flowers!! 

The red rose is internationally known to symbolize love, but what other flowers convey love? I decided to do some research and I have listed a few other flowers that would be absolutely lovely to give to the love of your life during your proposal in your hometown or a beautiful proposal in Oahu, Hawaii. 

The Flowers:

• Lily (Calla, White): Beauty

• Daisy: Innocence, Loyal Love

• Ivy: Affection, Friendship, Fidelity

• Jasmine(White): Sweet Love

• Rose ( Lavender): Love at First Sight, First Love

• Rose (Pink) : Admiration, Happiness

• Red Tulip: Declaration of love

This is just a mini list of the flowers and of all the possibilities of flowers you can use to send your secret message. Of course, different countries will have a few differences, so it is important to be mindful of the differences. To avoid confusion it is always helpful to note which chart of floriography you are using. Now that you have a mini list, you may be wondering how you can use it for your secret proposal in Oahu, Hawaii. I have also taken the time to brainstorm a few ideas to have you and your soon to be fiancée wrapped up in the intrigue and fun of floriography!

Activities:

• Print out cards with the meaning of each flower and attach it to a single stem of the different flowers you use. Have friends or family stand on the way to the area you wait at. Each person will give your partner the bloom and you will be holding the last bloom and present it to your partner as you propose!

• Have your florist create a “tussie mussie” or holder for your handwritten note to your partner highlighting the meaning of each flower. Your letter will be a beautiful keepsake for years to come!

• Having a romantic post proposal dinner in Hawaii? Commission your florist to create a beautiful centerpiece with flowers that have the meanings you have chosen. Have one of each bloom have the meaning attached to it. 

• Write all the wonderful attributes of your partner printed out and create a garland to hang from a tent and have the corresponding blooms decorate the same tent. Have a romantic dinner for two under the tent waiting for your partner! 

I hope that you have been inspired by the mystery and excitement of The Language of Flowers and use it to bring romance to your everyday life and to bring an element of surprise to your destination proposal in Oahu, Hawaii! 

Need more inspiration? Check out our blogs. Are you ready to start planning your surprise proposal in Oahu? Send us a message! We would love to tell your story!!

*Flower chart meanings were found here. “Flower Meanings: The Language of Flowers”