By A. Noelle

Flowers are ephemeral beauties that symbolize the love and warmth Savvy Aunties give their nieces and nephews. Flowers remind us of all the nurturing and loving patience that Aunties have shown throughout the years, helping to raise and support their nieces and nephews as they grow into capable adults.

Greeting cards and small presents are great ways to tell Aunties that they are appreciated. Flowers have a language of their own. This Auntie’s Day, consider expressing your love in the language of flowers – once a Victorian means of communication in which flowers and floral arrangements were used to send messages that allowed people to express their unspoken feelings. While you may consider creating your own personal meaning with a gift of flowers for that special Auntie, below are some of the more traditional flower meanings compiled by the Society of American Florists.

Alstroemeria or Peruvian Lily – Aspiring
Amaryllis – Dramatic
Apple Blossom – Promise
Aster – Contentment
Azalea – Abundance
Baby’s Breath – Festivity
Bachelor Button – Anticipation
Begonia – Deep Thoughts
Black-Eyed Susan – Encouragement
Camellia – Graciousness
Carnation – (Pink) Gratitude (Red) Flashy (White) Remembrance (Yellow) Cheerful
Chrysanthemum – (Bronze) Excitement (White) Truth (Red) Sharing (Yellow) Secret Admirer
Cosmos – Peaceful
Daffodil – Chivalry
Delphinium – Boldness
Daisy – Innocence
Freesia – Spirited
Forget-Me-Not – Remember Me Forever
Gardenia – Joy
Geranium – Comfort
Ginger – Proud
Gladiolus – Strength of Character
Hibiscus – Delicate Beauty
Holly – Domestic Happiness
Hyacinth – Sincerity
Hydrangea – Perseverance
Iris – Inspiration
Ivy – Fidelity
Jasmine – Grace and Elegance
Larkspur – Beautiful Spirit
Lilac – First Love
Lily – Friendship and Devotion
Calla – Regal
Casablanca – Celebration
Day – Enthusiasm
Stargazer – Ambition
Lisianthus – Calming
Magnolia – Dignity
Marigold – Desire for Riches
Nasturtium – Patriotism
Orange Blossom – Fertility
Orchid – Delicate Beauty
Pansy – Loving Thoughts
Passion Flower – Passion
Peony – Healing
Queen Anne’s Lace – Delicate Femininity
Ranunculus – Radiant
Rose – (Pink) Friendship (Red) Passionate Love (Red & White) Unity (White) Purity (Yellow) Zealous
Star of Bethlehem – Hope
Stephanotis – Good Luck
Statice or Sea Lavender – Success
Sunflower – Adoration
Sweet Pea – Shyness
Tuberose – Pleasure
Tulip – (Pink) Caring (Purple) Royalty (Red) Declaration of Love (Yellow) Hopelessly in Love
Violet – Faithfulness
Wisteria – Steadfast
Yarrow – Good Health
Zinnia – Thoughts of Friends

Photo: Stuart Miles
Published: July 16, 2012