Despite being little more than the reproductive organs of plants, flowers have fascinated humans since we first developed the ability to distinguish colors and patterns. Few things in nature offer as much beauty packed into a small and easy to carry package. It’s only natural that flowers were some of the first forms of currency, items given as gifts, and sacrifices offered to the gods. With a keen sense of curiosity and a dedication to record keeping, the Victorians took the human fascination with flowers to a new level. Turn back the clock and discover where many of the pairs of flowers and their meanings we use today originated.

When Were the Victorian Times?

Despite a brief mention of the eras of recent history in elementary school, most people are still a little vague on exactly when the Victorian era took place. It takes its name from Queen Victoria of England, so naturally it began in 1837 with the beginning of her reign and ended after her death in 1901. Those 60 years were some of the most stable and peaceful years the island had experienced for centuries, so culture began to shift towards more intellectual and artistic pursuits. Rich English men and women found themselves with a lot of spare time on their hands, so diversions like developing a Victorian flower language were a good way to stay busy.