The Flowers Whispered Their Truth
The flowers are always whispering yet to hear them, you must pay attention. The flowers have always whispered their truth. It took years for me to hear them but when I finally did, I understood. Every moment I spent with them was poignant and relevant to my life with so many lessons yet, I didn’t see or hear their message until I finally paid attention. This is how many of us go through life – not recognizing the subtle messages that nature has for us. Welcome to a discussion of the symbolism, language and meaning of flowers.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. Albert Einstein
Floral design by Donna Harakas for Wild Roses & Blooms LLC. Photo credit: Corbin Gurkin, Dutch Masters Floral Design Workshop with Arielle Chezar and Nicolette Camille, April 2023.
Art imitates life and in many instances as the famous playwright Oscar Wilde observed, life imitates art. From ancient times, artists have always passionately worked to create art that captures the essence of all aspects of nature, from the characteristics of a flower and foliage, its color, texture, shape, lines, how it interacts in space, and how light affects its perception. The Dutch Masters in the late 16th century, passionately created masterpieces of still life paintings depicting flowers, foliage, vegetables, fruit and insects and in many cases, with religious and allegorical symbolisms juxtaposed in the composition. While the Dutch enjoyed tremendous financial success through trade, unusual and exotic floral material was introduced into daily life. Prestige and social standing was measured by a garden. Tulipmania occurred during this period when outrageous prices were paid and incredible speculation on tulip bulbs ran rampant.
What is it about flowers that can bring so much joy and is without any doubt, a universal expression of love?
Snowdrops are among the first flowers to appear in the garden in early spring. Sometimes the ground is covered in snow yet they are a promise that spring is coming. They always symbolize hope and new beginnings with new life on the way
Tulips, as all spring flowers, is associated with rebirth and new beginnings. During the Victorian era, tulips were associated with Love, in the language of flowers.
