Did you know flowers had a secret language of their own?
For hundreds of years, flowers have been given as gifts or symbols of
feelings. Flowers are carried for luck or fertility or perhaps to signify
purity and fidelity at weddings. They may be planted or left during periods of
mourning. And often are sent as well wishes at births or during illness. During
the Victorian era, flowers reached a pinnacle of significance because of the
widespread belief that each flower conveyed some meaning.
As you well know, Victorian society was held to lofty standards of
conduct. Grand displays of affection or emotion were frowned upon. The ton
preferred subtlety yet were titillated by mysteries. It became popular to speak
without speaking. Feelings were often expressed through gestures, actions, and
sometimes gifts. One of the most popular means of expression was the use of
flowers.
Gentlemen might wear a particular color of flower in their lapel. A
lady might choose a particular perfume or scented water to wear. Gifts of
flowers or plants had to be chosen with extreme care so as to avoid mixed
signals in their intent.
For example, a gentleman courting a lady he was serious about might
send her a nosegay of roses, hydrangea, and ivy – flowers representing love,
devotion, and fidelity. But a friend who has been ill might be sent a red
geranium for comfort and health.
Some might also send a mixture of Lilly of the Valley, Orchids,
Violets, and Elderflower. The first letter of each flower spells out the word
L-O-V-E.
Some hidden messages include:
Forget-me-nots - true love
Hydrangea – devotion
Ivy – fidelity
Lilies – purity
Phlox - our hearts are united
Red tulips - perfect love
Red rose – desire/love
Rosemary – remembrance
When you’re finished researching how to send your true love a secret
flower message, check out my steampunk romance, Her Clockwork Heart.
Book Blurb:
Nathaniel Dennison is an investigator with the Royal Intelligence
Office. Because of his knack for solving puzzles, he’s assigned a case
involving a string of missing scientists. During his investigation he crosses
paths with Trixie, the only woman to ever tempt him into considering marriage.
Despite the bruising his heart took when she left, he can’t leave her to search
for her missing brother on her own.
Beatrix “Trixie” Wadeworth is desperate to find her brother. So
desperate that she breaks into the Royal Intelligence Office in London. Getting
caught is inconvenient. But getting caught by the one man she never stopped
loving may actually be fortuitous. It feels like a lifetime since she last saw
Nathaniel but it only takes seconds for those feelings to come rushing back.
Danger follows Nathaniel and Trixie from London to Edinburgh and back
as they search for clues. In the end they find there is more than one mystery
to solve. How they ever lived without each other may be the greatest of them
all.
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BVZomL
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Her-Clockwork-Heart-Dena-Garson-ebook/dp/B078L3349P/
Google Play: https://books.google.com/books?id=CD1EDwAAQBAJ
About Dena:
Dena Garson is an award winning author of contemporary, paranormal,
fantasy, and sci-fi romance. She holds a BBA and a MBA in Business and works in
the wacky world of quality and process improvement. Making up her own reality
on paper is what keeps her sane.
She is the mother of two rowdy boys, two rambunctious cats (AKA the
fuzzy jerks), and a loving Labrador. When she isn't writing you can find her at
her at the sewing machine or stringing beads. She is also a devoted Whovian and
Dallas Cowboys fan.
Website - http://www.denagarson.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dena.garson.7
FB Author page - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDenaGarson
Twitter - https://twitter.com/DenaGarson
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/dgarson
Bookbub Author Page:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dena-garson
Newsletter signup -
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v7a2i6
Giveaway:
And be sure to enter the drawing for my Valentine giveaway – I have a Cherry
Blossom bath set (shampoo, lotion, body wash), pink animal print tissue pack, and
a ribbon book mark. Just leave a comment on this post telling me what flowers
you’d like to receive this Valentines (from anyone - a spouse, girl/boyfriend,
coworker, or even your kids).
Thanks for dropping in!
Hope you have a fabulous Valentine’s Day!
Your book sounds amazing :) Steampunk is one of my favourite genres :) Nigella is one of my favourite flowers, so I'll have to look it up :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much - I love the steampunk culture - it's so much fun!
DeleteI'd love to get Bleeding Hearts from my sister. I think they look so pretty
ReplyDeleteHey, Latifa! Do you get them as a clipping or a whole plant?
DeleteRoses are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThey're one of my faves too.
DeleteI love tulips and carnations. Ill have to look the carnations up. Thank you for the post.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteI only started reading steampunk about 2 years ago, and I thoroughly love it! I am so looking forward to reading your book. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun culture - I love going to cons and finding new clothes or gadgets for my steampunk cosplay. Thanks for stopping by!!
Delete