Herbal Bouquets

[Guest guest]

Herbal Bouquets

Language Of Herbs

The healing powers of herbs have long been known. And, in addition to their

medicinal properties herbs, like flowers, speak a silent, symbolic language.

While in recent times, flowers have become the more popular way to convey

messages of love and caring, in ancient times, and even as recent as the

Victorian era, herbal bouquets were exchanged to express that which words could

not.

 

Some herbs have many meanings, even varying in interpretation by different

sources. Others have very specific messages, such as Rosemary which symbolizes

remembrance says, " Your presence revives me. " A considerate nosegay

of Chives asks, " Why do you weep? " Verbena's reassuring message is

" You have my confidence. " Abor Vitae conveys unchanging friendship

saying, " Live for me. " Mugwort bestows sentiments of happiness and

travel, telling its recipient, " Be not weary. " Sage speaks of

domestic virtues, long life, and good health. Its potent message is, " I will

suffer all for you. "

 

Alas, not all herbal messages are loving or even uplifting. Borage speaks of

bluntness and says, " Your intentions only embarrass me. " Lemon Balm

begs, " Don't misuse me, " and the spiciness of Savory tells it like it

is, " The truth may be bitter. " Goldenrod offers a little more

encouragement while sending a message of indecision, pleading, " Allow me

time to decide. "

 

Still, the language of herbs can be light-hearted and humorous. The common

cooking herb Parsley stands for useful knowledge, festivity, joy, and victory

while claiming, " The woman of the house is boss. " Sweet Marjoram

tells a persistent admirer, " Your passion sends blushes to my

cheeks. "

 

The following offers the symbolic messages of other herbs:

 

Balm - sympathy

Basil (sweet) - good or best wishes, love or serious intentions

Bergamot (Monarda, Bee Balm) - compassion, sweet virtues

Betony - surprise, healing

Calendula - sacred affections, joy, remembrance, grief

Catnip - intoxification with love

Chamomile - energy in adversity

Cilantro (Coriander) - hidden worth

Cowslip - pensiveness, happiness

Dill - good spirits

Elder -zealousness

Fennel - worthy of praise or flattery

Geranium - present preference

Gloxinia - a proud spirit

Hop - injustice

Ivy - friendship, matrimony, fidelity, constancy

Lavender - acknowledgment, suspicion, devotion, loyalty

Mint - grief, homeliness, wisdom, eternal refreshment

Marigold - despair, grief, honesty

Nasturtium - optimism, splendor

Pennyroyal - flee away

Peppermint - cordiality

Santolina - protection

Sorrel - affection

Southernwood - bantering jest

Spearmint - warmth of sentiment

Tansy (Tannacetum) - resistance, life everlasting, hostile thoughts

Thyme - thriftiness, happiness, courage

 

Herbs heal on many levels and offer us a way to convey our sentiments through

their beauty and fragrance. Herbs may be combined with other herbs or flowers

in a posy or nosegay to convey just the sentiment you wish to express to

someone you care about.

 

~Source Unknown~