What is Floriography (The Language of Flowers)?

Floriography, or the language of flowers, is the art of conveying different meanings and messages depending on the type of flower, and even their color and number. This term, with its long history, suggests that flowers can be used to communicate emotions, thoughts, and even hidden messages. However, the influence of the language of flowers is less pronounced today.

There are other factors that can alter the meanings conveyed by flowers. For example, giving flowers vertically signifies a positive meaning, while giving them downward signifies a negative meaning. A ribbon tied to the left side of the flower conveys the giver's feelings, while a ribbon tied to the right side conveys the message intended for the recipient. Giving a flower with your right hand signifies a "yes," while giving it with your left hand signifies a "no."

When we look at Ottoman history, flowers, especially tulips, held a significant place in the culture of the era. So much so that the "Tulip Era" takes its name from tulips. Initially, a flower cultivation and discovery committee, composed of experts called "Ser Şükufeciyan-ı Hassa," was established, and later, during the reign of Mehmed IV, the Flower Academy was founded. Furthermore, flowers were used symbolically outside the palace as well as among the general public. For example, if a girl of marriageable age was born in a house, a red flower would be placed in front of the window; if someone in the house was ill, a yellow flower would be placed.

Inspired by this culture in the Ottoman Empire, Europeans frequently took tulips back to their own countries. In Europe, during the Victorian era, flowers were used as a means of conveying messages.

Some flowers that were popular then and are popular today, and their meanings…

The mountain tulip symbolizes abandonment, the dahlia elegance , the red camellia passionate love, the white camellia charm, the pink camellia longing , the red carnation admiration , the white carnation purity, the pink carnation gratitude, the yellow carnation rejection, and the chrysanthemum represents strong friendship.