
The cookie is used by cdn services like CloudFare to identify individual clients behind a shared IP address and apply security settings on a per-client basis. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I turned the lilac embroidery into a journal cover as a gift for my dear Mom. So far on the blog, I’ve discussed the significance of the blooming lilac tree in Jane Eyre. And of course, to reproduce into embroidery… Did the author purposefully include this or that flower in a specific scene? Were they aware of the flower’s meaning? Or are some just happy coincidences? It’s been tons of fun to analyse and speculate. I really liked A Victorian Flower Dictionary: The Language of Flowers Companion by Mandy Kirkby, which I briefly mentioned in my Loving Lilacs post about Jane Eyre.Įver since completing my Honours thesis (and graduating from Costume Studies), I’ve been paying a lot more attention to flower appearances in classic literature. Some modern books written on the topic go more in depth, discussing how the meaning was assigned and how they appear in music and literature, for instance. And some have very…interesting multiple meanings (lupine = voraciousness and imagination).

Some are a bit shocking ( basil = hatred). Some are downright sassy (Japan rose = beauty is your only attraction). Sometimes they send a direct message (iris = message, or jonquil = I desire a return of affection). Others are beautiful ( honey flower = love sweet and secret). Some of these flowers meanings can be obvious ( forget-me-not = forget me not). As you can see if you click the link, you can buy this one in small paperback format on Amazon. This edition is a 1992 reproductions by Dover publications in New York. Illustrated by Kate Greenaway, and published in 1884 by Routledge & sons in London. The book is divided into seasons, and then goes into detail about specific flowers. It was the first Language of Flowers dictionary! It’s in French, but has gorgeous colour illustrations and poetry. This one isn’t so much a dictionary, but actually goes in depth about specific flowers and plants! I haven’t read all but it’s really interesting. The Language of Flowers, with Illustrative Poetry.



This one has beautiful black and white flower illustrations before each letter of the alphabet. The Language of Flowers: Adapted From the Language and Sentiment of Flowers, published in 1868 by Frederick Warne & Co.
