The Secret Language of Flowers: The Historical Symbolism and Spiritual Properties of Flowers Throughout Time

by D.K. Publishing

Discover the uses and symbolic meanings of flowers over the centuries and across the globe.

Flowers have been depicted as objects of beauty and wonder in countless paintings and poems, exchanged as tokens of love and affection, and displayed as symbols of both celebration and remembrance – “saying it with flowers” is truly part of the human experience. 
But how does the significance of flowers vary across cultures and at different points in history? 
And what makes certain flowers special?

The Secret Language of Flowers explores the meaning of more than 85 flowers, tracing their history as symbols and charting their role in folklore and mythology around the world. 

This fascinating book on flowers can help you

- Unlock the meaning of flowers throughout history – from early peoples to the 19th century.
- Discover the Victorian language of flowers popular in the US, UK, and Europe.
- Gain insight into folklore and mythology in relation to different flowers.
- Uncover what flowers mean in various cultures around the world.
- Uncover traditional medicinal uses of plants, such as aloe, which is used to treat burns.

Uncover the rich and fascinating histories of individual flowers – the sunflower, for example, which was regarded by the Aztecs as a symbol of war, but became a symbol of devotion in 19th-century painting due to the fact that it “turns its head” to follow the sun. Learn about the function of flowers in society, from the practical to the playful – flowers have been used as remedies and tonics – tea tree and coneflower (or echinacea), for example – as well as as a means of sending cryptic messages to lovers and friends.

The Secret Language of Flowers is an entertaining guide to the rich stories that lie beyond the seductive aromas and dazzling beauty of flowers of all kinds. Each flower featured throughout the book is arranged by season, from the first snowdrops and primroses of spring, the glorious roses of summer, the stunning fuchsias and dahlias of autumn to the holly and poinsettia of the winter months, there’s a flower for everyone to fall in love with. 

At DK, we believe in the power of  

So why stop there? 

If you like The Secret Language of Flowers , then why not try Great Loves which celebrates some of the most famous romances in history, or Lost Masterpieces to discover extraordinary stories behind the world's missing works of art.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

192 pages, Hardcover

Published January 10, 2023

About the author

Dorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.

Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Mortisha Cassavetes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book that gives a brief history and symbolism of flowers worldwide. I loved it. My Mom loved different flowers and this book brought me closer to her even after her passing. I highly recommend it to all who love flowers.

[Sheelie Kittee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a word-and-linguaphile, i was delighted to find not only this book but also the term coined to convey the study of flowers and their respective symbolism / meanings - aka, floriography. A language of flowers, it's delightful!

Friends, do share what your favourite garden friends are. I personally always liked the daffodil because it represents egoism obviously, narcissism, sadly I guess I'm a narcissist =( but I also like the symbol of rebirth associated with.

I don't recall the last time I was near lilacs but apparently they are so noted for their fragrance? I suppose I'll have to find some lilacs soon.

But aside from daffodils my absolute favourite flowers are morning glories and hyacinths, the latter being so fragrant. I believe it's also a lot of symbolism associated with Persian culture and their new year.

[Becky H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book covering brief descriptions on the history and healing properties of many flowers. I liked that it was broken down by season. I plan on bringing this book out each season for me and my daughters to read about the flowers in season. This book also gave me fun inspo on what flowers to give as a gift for various occasions.

[Andrea Inzunza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tal vez de los libros más bonitos que tengo. Me ofreció todo lo que estaba buscando cuando lo compré; tiene imágenes y relatos relacionados con las flores más famosas en el mundo, y me encantó encontrar a México entre las páginas. Para mí sirvió como fuente de creatividad. Literalmente las metáforas están ahí, solo hay que usarlas.

[Shallow Boy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a very easy read including several references to flower’s, their history and mythology from around the world as well as associations in the Victorian language of flowers and medicinal uses. Good for anyone interested in Herbalism and flowers

[blue.iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the symbolism in this book and the folklore and history included behind each of the flowers. I'm surprised how many cultures and mythologies DO have lore about flowers. It is also good to know how many different types of people use flowers and flower parts in healing and medicinally.

[Janet Noonan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not a cover to cover read it is a nice tabletop reference or trivia book citing a wide variety of flowers - their country of origin and folklore/ history split into the 4 seasons of the year.

[Vivy Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

flowers and myths and stories about them. I like that it's curated in seasons.

[Thea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not enough photos and missing the frangipani! But wonderful otherwise

[Amanda Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short history of around 80 flowers, set out in the four seasons and including their history/background, growing habits and a full page colour photo

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surface level and under researched.

[bored · Rating 4 out of 5]

victorians

[DeanJean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Floriography is the ‘language of flowers’, or how flowers of a certain colour or arrangement with other flowers can convey secret, multiple meanings. Floriography was popular in Victorian England and the United States during the 19th century, then cooled down and is apparently experiencing a new resurgence. During Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, the blooms used were noted for their associations, personal and sentimental meanings to Elizabeth II and King Charles II.

They are everywhere in art and literature, adding subtlety to the superficial and conveying what can’t be spoken. They appear as vanilla ice cream. They show up on our tables and in our religious motifs as symbols of beauty, worship, memory and transformation of life after death. They appear after bloodshed and bloom after tears of sorrow drip onto fertile earth. Some flowers are highly prized for their fragrance, while others are valued for their perfection. Flowers more or less thrive alongside us, whether we recognise this consciously or not.

I picked up Liz Dobbs’ book which coincided with an enthusiastic emotional investment in Revolutionary Girl Utena’s floral symbolism. I am still fascinated (and frustrated) at how I had too little time to absorb everything. Highly recommend this for anyone fascinated by mystery, or wanting to figure out if that bouquet your other half sent actually means something else.