the language of flowers

Artists and art lovers are always fascinated by visuals with multiple meanings. Layering symbolism into an image can hold our attention for longer, engage our senses and brain, and leave us feeling more satisfied than an image with shallower appeal. Maybe that's why wonder | wander | women take so many pictures of flowers.

Summer in Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross, London

We love botanical illustration and take lots of detailed pictures of flowers. Our photo albums are a reference source, a calendar, and an inspiration gallery all at the same time!

In the literature of Victorian England and Heian Japan, flowers and their meanings hold so much significance. Victorian society especially had a detailed system of meanings attached to every kind of flower. Roses were the most prized, and each colour had different things to say.

Red roses, of course, meant true love - probably why they're the favourite in courtships and romantic illustrations.

Pink roses meant grace, and yellow roses friendship.

White roses stood for innocence and virtue, which is why they're often chosen for wedding bouquets. Plus they look great with the bride's dress against the green foliage!

Tulips also had multiple meanings depending on colour, and were especially popular in the Ottoman Empire. Yellow tulips meant sunshine and the happy thoughts it brings. Red tulips symbolised undying love, and purple stood for the nobility, as purple was a rare colour usually worn only by royalty.

Hollyhocks, a popular English flower related to our own favourite gumamela (hibiscus), meant ambition.

There must be a lot of ambitious people in this London neighbourhood because we see hollyhocks everywhere. It must be a very motivating flower - we approve!

In the Victorian tradition the gumamela itself meant rare and delicate beauty...a tropical treasure not often to be found in the chilly British greenery.

The hardy dandelion, on the other hand, is even more prolific than the hollyhock - many gardeners consider it more of a pest than an ornament!

It meant 'overcoming hardship', a beautiful meaning for a so-called weed.

The sunflower stood for pure and lofty thoughts...perhaps because of its lofty height.

The iris, or French fleur de lis, meant good news. It was also the heraldic symbol of the French kings.

Our very favourite flower, the cherry blossom, is so laden with meaning in Asia. In Japan it's the crowning symbol for Japanese aesthetics, the beauty that pierces the heart because it is in essence meant to pass away. In China it stands for the perfect feminine beauty, inspiring poets and painters. Imagine our surprise to find out in Victorian England this pinnacle of flowers means...good education!

In the wonder | wander | women canon, of course, a good education is one of the best gifts you can give anyone. So we hope this post was enjoyably educational for you!