LOWERS - both cultivated and those with a native nature - have become associated with sentiments , often with the purpose of conveying amorous thought.  In the 1600s in Constantinople (what became Istanbul), flowers gained meanings which enabled lovers to convey messages to each other without having to write or talk.

     This language of flowers was introduced to Europe by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, a celebrated letter-writer and society poet who, in 1716, accompanied her husband to the Turkish Court in Istanbul.  During her stay, she sent a Turkish love letter to England which interpreted the meaning of some plants, flowers and spices.  The wonder of flowers, she proposed, was that words and messages of love - even altercations - could be passed in a refined and subtle manner without "inking the fingers".  She returned to England in 1718, bringing with her additional information about the language of flowers. 

     The way in which flowers were worn and presented had a meaning in addition to the sentiments attached to individual flowers.  A flower bent towards the right would signify I, while one extended to the left would mean you.  Therefore, a red rosebud leaning to the left would say:  You are pure and lovely.  Foliage had an additional significance, leaves meaning hope, thorns danger.  Therefore, a rose with the thorns plucked off but the leaves left intact would convey hopeful love and confidence.

     The language is further enriched by the hand - left or right - that proffers the flowers, as well the one that receives it.  An affirmative is suggested by the right hand, while the left one indicates a negative.  Thus a provence rose offered by the right hand underlines the sentiment.  My heart is inflames and , if received by a right hand, would give satisfaction to the giver.

     If flowers could not be presented personally, they were sent in boxes tied with ribbons, and these too held a message, depending on where the knot was tied.

David Squire