| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

While writing the forthcoming book, I have found myself returning again and again to symbolism. Letters and seals have always been symbolic objects. A seal, historically, was never merely decorative. It was identity, lineage, intention. In studying the history of seals, it quickly becomes clear that many of them carried botanical imagery, and those flowers were never chosen at random.

This led me deeper into the world of floriography, often called the language of flowers.

Floriography refers to the symbolic meanings historically assigned to flowers and plants. While many people associate it primarily with the Victorian era, the practice is older. Ottoman court culture included symbolic exchanges of flowers and objects, and in the early nineteenth century this idea was popularized in Europe through books such as Charlotte de Latour’s Le Langage des Fleurs (1819). Throughout the nineteenth century, flower dictionaries circulated widely, assigning meanings to hundreds of plants. Bouquets became a kind of coded language. A person could communicate affection, admiration, regret, loyalty, or grief through the arrangement of particular blossoms.

For readers today, floriography can feel almost literary. The meanings were never entirely standardized, but the best known Victorian dictionaries show remarkable consistency. A flower was treated as a word. A bouquet could become a sentence.

In working on the book, I realized that many of the seals I have created naturally sit inside this tradition. They are not simply floral motifs. They are symbols with long cultural memory.

Below are several of the meanings that appear most consistently in historical floriography sources.

Of course, I always recommend making your own meaning of each as well.

Lily of the Valley In Victorian flower dictionaries, lily of the valley most often signifies the return of happiness. Because it blooms in early spring after the barrenness of winter, it became a symbol of joy restored after sorrow. It is also associated with humility, as the small white bells bow downward on their stems. Lily of the Valley Seal

Strawberry The strawberry plant traditionally represents perfect goodness. In medieval symbolism the trifoliate leaf was sometimes interpreted as a reflection of the Trinity, and the fruit’s modest growth close to the ground was associated with virtue and humility. To me, the strawberry is all about sweetness Strawberry Seal

English Rose The rose carries perhaps the most extensive symbolic tradition of any flower. In floriography, the classic garden rose generally signifies love and devotion. In England it also became an emblem of national unity through the Tudor rose, linking the houses of York and Lancaster. English Rose Seal

Hydrangea Victorian sources give hydrangea a somewhat ambiguous meaning. It is often associated with boastfulness or ostentation, likely because of its large and showy blooms. Some dictionaries, however, soften this interpretation and describe it as representing heartfelt or abundant emotion. In cin Hydrangea Seal

Thistle The thistle traditionally symbolizes nobility, resilience, and protection. It is most famously the emblem of Scotland. According to legend, a barefoot invader once stepped on a thistle and cried out, alerting Scottish defenders. The plant therefore became a symbol of vigilance and courage. Thistle Seal

Poppy The poppy has long symbolized sleep and consolation. In classical mythology, poppies were associated with Hypnos and Morpheus, the gods of sleep and dreams. In later symbolism, particularly after the First World War, they also became linked with remembrance. Poppy Seal

Lavender Lavender in floriography typically represents devotion and serenity. Its calming fragrance and long use in perfumery and domestic rituals made it an emblem of loyalty, refinement, and affection. Lavender Seal

Chrysanthemum Victorian sources often assign the chrysanthemum the meaning of truth or loyal friendship. In East Asian traditions, especially in Japan, the flower also represents longevity and nobility of spirit. Chrysanthemum Seal

Bluebell The bluebell traditionally signifies constancy. Because it appears in large woodland drifts and returns reliably each spring, it became associated with steadfastness and enduring affection. Bluebell Seal

Pansy The word pansy derives from the French pensée, meaning “thought.” For this reason, the flower came to represent thoughtfulness or remembrance. In floriography it often conveys the message “I am thinking of you.” Pansy Seal

Marigold Marigold is often associated with grief or remembrance of sorrow. Some interpretations arise from its habit of closing its petals at night and reopening with the sun, creating a poetic association with mourning and reflection. Marigold Seal

Calla Lily The calla lily is generally interpreted as a symbol of magnificent beauty. Its elegant, sculptural form made it particularly admired in nineteenth century art and design. To me, the calla lily is about transcendence. Calla Lily Seal

Jasmine Jasmine traditionally represents grace and amiability. Because of its powerful fragrance, it is also associated with romantic affection and sensual charm. I interpret Jasmine as sensuality. Jasmine Seal Horizonal Jasmine Seal Vertical

Hellebore Hellebore carries one of the more unusual symbolic histories. In classical medicine it was believed to cure melancholy or madness. Victorian flower dictionaries therefore interpret it as representing relief from distress or serenity regained after suffering. Hellebore Seal

Ghost Pipe Ghost pipe does not appear frequently in Victorian flower dictionaries, but in later botanical symbolism it is associated with mystery, the unseen, and passage between worlds. Because the plant lacks chlorophyll and grows pale and translucent in deep forest shade, it has long carried a spectral reputation. In symbolic terms it often represents hidden life, transformation, and the quiet existence of things that grow beneath the visible surface. This was also the favorite flower of Emily Dickinson.

Forget Me Not The forget-me-not traditionally signifies true remembrance and true love. Its symbolic meaning appears consistently in nineteenth century flower dictionaries. The name itself carries the message, and the flower was often used to express enduring affection or the hope of being remembered.

Gardenia In Victorian floriography the gardenia most often represents secret love. Its luminous white petals and powerful fragrance gave it a reputation for refined, restrained passion, affection that is deeply felt but not openly declared. To me, it represents ephemeral luxury. The gardenia asks which luxuries are worth it for their short experience alone.

Orchid The orchid traditionally symbolizes refined beauty, luxury, and rare elegance. Because orchids were exotic and difficult to cultivate in nineteenth century Europe, they became associated with sophistication, artistic beauty, and rarity.

Sunflower The sunflower represents devotion and constancy. The meaning arises from the plant’s heliotropic movement, turning its face toward the sun. In classical mythology the flower was linked to the story of Clytie, who gazed endlessly at the sun god Helios, and Victorian floriography retained this interpretation of unwavering loyalty and faithful admiration. As this is the favorite flower of two exceptionally radiant women in my life (my mother in law and Francesca), this flower to me is all about people who glow with the confidence of who are they.

This coming Friday, the Easter Lily will join the floriography collection, and we have even more flowers coming this spring. If there are particularly meaningful flowers to you, or ones you find worthy of a wax seal, do let me know.

If you enjoyed this overview, I'd love to hear which ones you liked most, and which ones you may interpret differently.

With love,

Kathryn