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The Little Book of Floriography: The Secret Language of Flowers
Revealing a world of secret messages contained within a single petal. Floriography - the language of flowers - is the ancient art of encoding hidden messages in the type, color and arrangement of plants, allowing individuals to express emotions and sentiments that they may not be able to articulate through words. Featuring 100 of the most popular and available blooms from around the world, this beautifully illustrated gift book gives the botanical name for each plant, a description of its significance and place in folklore, and the story behind its meaning. It also reveals how floral symbolism has been used over the centuries in literature and art, from Hamlet's Ophelia handing out rosemary 'for remembrance' and pansies 'for thoughts', to Oscar Wilde urging his friends to wear green carnations as a subtle code for homosexuality. The idea that flowers have secret meanings would have been well understood by contemporary audiences - and we are seeing a revival of the practice today. From mimosa - which signifies chastity because its leaves close when touched - to the varied messages encoded within different colors of geraniums, Floriography offers a creative way to convey feelings and can add an extra layer of beauty and significance to a gift of flowers. The flowers in Kate Middleton's wedding bouquet signified love, happiness, gallantry and fidelity. If someone sends you a bouquet of hydrangea and lobelia, they stand for heartlessness and malevolence.
- GenresNonfiction
192 pages, Hardcover
Published November 28, 2023
7 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 28, 2024
very beautiful book, interesting and easy to read (:
November 28, 2024
Lovely handheld book about the language of flowers, filled with delightful black and white illustrations. While I know that there are more expansive books out there, this is a book that I can put in my bag and never get tired of reading. Quick reference book that I can carry with me anywhere. Why wouldn't I rate that high?
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews