They had a special request that caught me off guard. The variety of flowers really wasn't important to them. What was important was the Language the flowers represented. As a person passionate about Floristry, I knew what some of the traditional flowers represented. However, I wasn't able to encompass a body of flowers that would appropriately represent what these people felt for their loved one.
I tracked down a book that I had purchased many, many years ago. "The Language of Flowers, Symbols and Myths" by Marina Heilmeyer published by Prestel.
The following is what I found, which was perfect for the family.
With this
particular arrangement for Dr. Peace,
The floral
meanings were significant to the Family.
We thought you
would appreciate them too.
The Iris –
Inspiration, Faith, Remembrance Forever
The Sunflower – Adoration
The Larkspur – Beautiful
Spirit
The Red Rose – Love
The Magnolia – Dignity,
Authority
The Delphinium – Boldness
The Calla Lily – Regal
The Ginger – Proud
The Stock – Everlasting
Symbol of a Happy Life
The Daisy – The Love
Flower
The Carnation – Bravery,
Love, Friendship
The Tulip – Symbol of
Importance
Needless to say, I learned a lot from this research. I have a renewed passion for not only my flowers but the meaning they represent.
Marina Heilmeyer is a botanist and art historian working for the Botanical Museum in Berlin, Germany. She is the author of the botanical commentary to the highly acclaimed work Maria Sibylla Merian: New Book of Flowers, also published by Prestel.
