Traditions & Superstitions-Flowers

post from A Joyeux Blog on 28 November 2008 06:59:00 AM. © A Joyeux Blog

Do you wonder why we carry a bouquet on our wedding day? Why a wedding is not complete without flowers? Here are some the answers and a guide to the meaning of some flowers.

Flowers have always been a part of weddings as away to show love and well wishes for the couple.
In ancient times couples wore garlands or wreaths of garlic, herbs and spices instead of flowers to keep away evil spirits.
In ancient Greece and Rome, the garlands symbolized new life, hope and fertility.
The bridal bouquet was inspired from garlands and wreaths worn around the heads of both the groom and bride. The garland was considered a symbol of love and happiness.
Dill is the herb of lust. When carried with the garlic down the aisle the bride would lust only for her husband.
Sage is the herb for wisdom. When carried with the garlic it is said that the bride would gather great wisdom and learn goodness.
Traditional Celtic bouquets include ivy, thistle and heather.
In Germany, couples would hold candles with flowers and ribbons tied to them, during the ceremony.
In India, the grooms brother sprinkles flower petals over the bride and groom at the end of the wedding ceremony to help ward of any evil spirits.
In Sweden, the bridesmaids carry little bouquets of aromatic herbs and the groom carries thyme in his pockets as they walk down the aisle to scare off trolls.
In Austria, the brides would crown their veils with the flowers of life.
In England, as the bride and her bridesmaids walk to the church together. A small girl would lead them to the church while sprinkling flower blossoms along the path so the bride will have a life filled with flowers and happiness. {today's flower girl}.
When herbs where still used in weddings, a kissing knot was made with rosemary and roses tied together. The kissing knot was suspended over the heads of the bride and groom at the head table, to bring good luck and lots of love to the couple and everyone sitting at the table.
Some cultures and religions still intertwine herbs with flowers in order to celebrate their marriage with a gift from nature.
By the 1800's, the herbs and spices had been replaced by fresh flowers, especially marigolds.
Edible flowers were still included in the bouquet.
Small nosegays were placed beside every plate at the reception, to wish the guests happiness and long lives.
In Victorian times, flowers became the secret messengers of lovers; each flower having its own meaning.
It is believed that 'the flower language' began in Turkey during the seventeenth century. Lovers began using floral exchanges to convey messages.
These meanings are based on a science known as Florigraphy, 'the flower language'. Many flower lovers followed this language as it revealed underlying messages to sending and receiving flowers.
In modern times, brides pick their flowers on what they like. Flowers that suit their personality, style and taste.

This bouquet courtesy of Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas.Here are some common wedding flowers and their meanings~

Ambrosia~Your Love is Reciprocated
Amaryllis~Pride, Pastoral Poetry
Anemone~ Forsaken
Aster~Symbol of Love, Daintiness
Azalea~Take Care of Yourself for Me, Temperance, Fragile Passion, Chinese Symbol of Womanhood
Baby's Breath~Festivity, Pure Heart
Bachelor Button~Single Blessedness, Hope, Devotion
Pink Camellia~Longing for you
Red Camellia~You're a Flame in My Heart
White Camellia~You're Adorable
Carnation~Fascination, Woman Love
Pink Carnation~I'll Never Forget You
Red Carnation~My Heart Aches For You, Admiration
Carnation~ Yes
Striped Carnation~No, Refusal, Sorry I Can't Be With You, Wish I Could Be With You
White Carnation~Sweet and Lovely, Innocence, Pure Love, Woman's Good Luck Gift
Yellow Carnation~You Have Disappointed Me, Rejection
Cattail~ Peace, Prosperity
Chrysanthemum~You're a Wonderful Friend, Cheerfulness and Rest
White Chrysanthemum~Truth
Yellow Chrysanthemum~Slighted Love
Crocus~Cheerfulness
Daffodil~Regard, Unrequited Love, You're the Only One, The Sun is Always Shining when I'm with You
Dahlia~Elegance, Dignity, Good Taste
Daisy~Innocence, Loyal Love, I'll Never Tell, Purity
Gerbera Daisy~Innocence, Gentleness, Loyal Love
Edelweiss~Daring, Noble, Courageous
Forget-Me-Not~True Love, Memories
Freesia~Innocence, Trust, Friendship, Spirited
Gardenia~You're Lovely, Secret Love
Geranium~Stupidity, Folly
Lavender Heather~Admiration, Solitude
White Heather~Protection, Wishes Will Come True
Hibiscus~Delicate Beauty
Hyacinth~Games and Sports, Flower Dedicated to Apollo
White Hyacinth~Loveliness, I'll Pray for You
Hydrangea~Thank You for Understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness
Iris~Fleur-de-lis, Emblem of France, Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valor
Ivy~Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection
Jasmine~Grace, Elegance, Joy
Jonquil~Love Me, Affection Returned, Desire, Sympathy, Desire for Affection Returned
Pink Larkspur~Fickleness
Lavender~Distrust
Lilac~First Love, Youthful Innocence
White Lily~Virginity, Purity, Majesty, It's Heavenly to be with You
Yellow Lily~I'm Walking on Air
Amazon Lily~Maiden Charms
Calla Lily~Beauty
Casablanca Lily~Celebration
Day Lily~Coquetry, Chinese Emblem for Mother
Stargazer Lily~Ambition
Tiger Lily~Wealth, Pride
Lily of the Valley~Sweetness, You've Made My Life Complete
Magnolia~Nobility
Myrtle~Love, Hebrew Emblem of Marriage
Narcissus~Egotism, Formality, Stay as Sweet as You Are
Orange Blossom~Innocence, Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness
Orchid~Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children
Cattleya Orchid~Mature Charm
Pansy~Loving Thoughts
Peony~Happy Life, Happy Marriage
Red Poppy~Pleasure
Yellow Poppy~Wealth, Success
Primrose~I Can't Live Without You
Queen Anne's Lace~Fantasy
Bridal Rose~Happy Love
Pink Rose~Perfect Happiness, Please Believe Me
Red Rose~Love, I Love You
Tea Rose~I'll Remember Always
Thorn-less Rose~Love at First Sight
White Rose~Innocence and Purity, You're Heavenly
White & Red Rose~Unity, Flower Emblem of England
White-Dried Rose~Death is Preferable to Loss of Virtue
Yellow Rose~Decrease of Love, Jealousy, Try to Care
Rosebud~Beauty and Youth, A Heart Innocent of Love
Red Rosebud~Pure and Lovely
White Rosebud~Girlhood
Single Rose ~Love You, I Still Love You
Snapdragon~Deception, Gracious Lady
Star of Bethlehem~Hope
Stephanotis~Happiness in Marriage
Sunflower~Adoration, Homage, Devotion
Sweet pea~Good-bye, Departure
Tulip~ Perfect Lover, Flower of Holland
Red Tulip~Believe Me, Declaration of Love
Variegated Tulip~Beautiful Eyes
White Violet~ Let's Take a Chance
Wisteria~Youth, Poetry, Steadfast
White Zinnia~Goodness
Yellow Zinnia ~Daily Remembrance