Flowers And What They mean to us

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We are in the month of May already and this is the perfect time to celebrate the beauty and symbolism of flowers because May is regarded as the Month of flowers. I grew up seeing flowers as a romantic gift mostly cherished by girls, hehe.

I came to understand that flowers are more than just a bunch of leaves, but they are delicate blooms that can be presented as gifts and they have been used for centuries to convey emotions, express love, and bring joy to our lives.

As a flower lover, I have always been fascinated by the stories and meanings behind each flower and how they hold a special place in people's hearts. But it wasn't until I received my first flower gift that I truly understood the power of these enchanting plants.

It happened like magic when a flower gift from a loved one changed my sad mode to excitement within seconds. My $50 worth of cash was stolen on the day of my graduation from the University, and just when I thought nothing was going to make me happy on that day, one of my girlfriends came to celebrate my graduation with a cake and flowers, making me very excited and forgetting I even lost my money.

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My experiences with flower gifts have taught me that there is more to them than just their physical beauty, and each one carries a unique message and significance that speaks very loudly to our souls.

The language of flowers, also known as floriography, has roots that goes back in centuries, where flowers served as coded means of communication, with each bloom carrying a special message that the recipient could decode and understand.

This strange means of communication with flowers became widespread during the Victorian era when societal norms restricted open expressions of emotion. Legend has it that flowers became silent messengers, enabling people to express feelings of love, sorrow, or friendship secretly.

This was how it all started and back then every flower had its meaning. For instance, the Acacia flower symbolizes secret love, allowing individuals to convey affection in a coded manner. In the same manner, we have the Carnation flower whose colors say alot to the receiver (The red carnation signals admiration, while a striped one signals rejection of love) hehe.

Throughout generations, flowers have evolved in meaning and symbolism across various cultures and sectors of life. Legend also has it that a particular type of flower can mean a different thing in two distinct cultures. For example in some cultures, the chrysanthemum flowers are symbols of life and rebirth, while in other cultures, they represent mourning and grief.

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It's funny to know that flowers didn't end with our forefathers, because even till today when communication and expression of our feelings can be done over the phone from the comfort of our homes, we still see flowers playing an important role in various relationships.

The tradition of giving flower gifts remains a deeply expressive way to send feelings and messages without words. Although the modern interpretations of flowers have evolved, yet they retain their roots in historical symbolism.

For example, roses continue to symbolize love, but their various shades of color now offer a wider spectrum of emotions (red for passion, white for purity, and yellow for friendship). The sunflower, with its bright and open face, symbolizes adoration and loyalty. We equally have the Peony which is often found in bridal bouquets, and it signifies prosperity, good luck, and a happy marriage, making it a popular choice for weddings.

As society grows and changes, that's how the language of flowers have been changing over time, allowing us to communicate our emotions and sentiments in a way that is both timeless and unforgettable.

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My entry for day 5 of the InLeo monthly prompt, organized by the InLeo team. You can check out the link here for participation.

I appreciate your time around here❤️:-)