The Language of Flowers: Herb Symbolism
Communicating with the unspoken language of flowers is known as floriography, an art that has been practiced for thousands of years throughout the globe. The practice reached its peak in Europe during the Victorian era, when messages deemed inappropriate to speak aloud were communicated by wearing or giving talking flower bouquets known as nosegays.

There is also a long history of flower symbolism in art and literature. Although many artists and authors utilized the language of flowers in their works, William Shakespeare may be the most prolific among authors to encrypt symbolic meanings in his plays. One of the best known examples is the reference made by Ophelia to her brother Laertes and an unseen Hamlet: "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember. And there is pansies, that’s for thoughts.”
Not surprisingly, many herbs are attributed with linguistic powers -- not just ornamental flowers. Here is an extensive but by no means complete list of the meaning of specific herbs:
Angelica -- Inspiration
Basil -- Friendship
Bee Balm -- Virtue
Borage -- Courage
Calendula -- Sadness
Chamomile -- Patience
Chervil -- Sincerity
Chives -- Purpose
Cilantro -- Hidden feelings
Clover (red) -- Industry
Dill -- Hope
Fennel -- Strength
Geranium -- Happiness
Hyssop -- Cleanliness
Lavender -- You are loved
Lemon Balm -- Renewal, Sympathy
Marjoram -- Joy
Mint -- Wisdom
Nasturtium -- Conquest
Parsley -- Celebration
Rosemary -- Remembrance
Rue -- Grief, Remorse
Saffron -- Marriage
Sage -- Wisdom
Santolina -- Virtue
Savory -- Curiosity
Southernwood -- Steadfast
Sweet Woodruff -- Humility
Tansy – Hostility
Tarragon – Loyalty
Thyme – Boldness
Valerian – Reconciliation
Violet – Modesty
Yarrow -- Health
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