Gifting Flowers

(A lovely post upon the tradition of gifting flowers from our wonderful Floral Lead; Denise)

Gifting flowers goes right back to ancient times when societies often used flowers in religious traditions, appreciated for their beauty, scent, and practical uses flowers were offered to the gods and to the dead. The Greeks used flowers in ceremonies and also in storytelling. Later, they exchanged flowers to show love. Gifting flowers is a tradition that has lasted throughout history and has evolved over the centuries, but it’s aritual that spans all cultures. From congratulations on the birth of a baby to condolences on the loss of a loved one, gifting flowers continues to be one of the most popular ways to mark the momentous events of life. The gifts can be as simple as wild flowers picked from the wayside to elaborate bouquets bought from the florist.
Valentine’s Day continues to be the biggest flower-giving day of the year, but it is far from the only special occasion marked by this ancient ritual. Roses are the most popular flower to be gifted - whatever the occasion.
In the Middle Ages gifting flowers became an integral part of chivalric courtship between a knight and his lady, with daisies symbolizing fidelity and affection. Floral motifs were included in the designs of shields, tapestries, and heraldry, embedding the symbolism of flowersinto medieval identity and storytelling. The blending of flowers with the ideals of knighthood gave gifting flowers an air of nobility and passion.The practice of gifting flowers with their layered symbolism during theMiddle Ages laid an important foundation for the expressive traditions that followed.
Gifting flowers continued into the Renaissance times, when different flowers and flowering plants were linked to a variety of virtues and emotions. Blooms became not only tokens of love and appreciation but also powerful emblems of political alliances and power. 
However, it was in the Victorian era when posy gifting became popular and reached its peak. The meanings associated with flowers were compiled and popularized by writers and poets at this time. These interpretations were drawn from various sources, including ancient myths, folklore, religious symbolism, and the type, shape and colour of the flower itself; and were published in various forms, including flower dictionaries and ‘language of flowers’ books. The first flower dictionary in Europe, ‘Le Langage des Fleurs,’ was published in 1819, giving a list of flower meanings. Young gentlemen would send flowers with hidden meanings to a young lady. This form of flower code (called ‘floriography’) was a way of conveying one’s feelings in a time whenrestraint and discretion was the order of the day. Bouquets of specific flowers would be gifted, acting as messengers of emotions. The messages weren’t always positive, however, as beautiful arrangements could also be disguised as signs of rejection, anger, and sorrow. Some examples of flowers and their meanings are:
Red roses represent love and respect, white roses symbolise humility and reverence, and pink roses express gratitude, while yellow roses signify the enduring bond of friendship.
White carnations represent innocence, pink convey remembrance, and red symbolise admiration.
Violets symbolised discretion and humility
Hydrangeas represent understanding and friendship. 
Daffodils are linked to hope and new beginnings. 
Orchids symbolise eternal love and beauty. 
Chrysanthemums, in many cultures, symbolise loyalty, friendship, and rebirth.
Lavender flowers represent mistrust and a lack of faith.
These are but a few examples; there are, of course, many more flowers that could be added to this list.
Sending a bouquet of flowers with a message in the type of flower itself is almost a thing of the past. Floristry (the cultivation, arrangement, and sale of cut flowers) developed in the mid 19th century, and so began the commercialization of the gifting of flowers that prospers to this day. 
Today we pick up a bunch of flowers usually from the supermarket (florists now being in short supply in Ripon) and scarcely give a thought to what flowers are contained therein. We hope that the mere giving of flowers will send the desired message to the recipient. I’m guilty of this - I choose flowers that are aesthetically pleasing, that look fresh and that have longevity, rather than thinking about the meaning of the chosen blooms; and look for the same things when receiving flowers. That is until Valentine’s Day, and what female wouldn’t say no to a beautiful bouquet of red roses then? However, having looked at the meaning of the orchid, maybe a potted orchid, that would possibly last for many years, may be a better gift. Any gentlemen reading this, please take note!​