As every flower lover knows, flowers are potent symbols of love, friendship and comfort. Everyone knows that red roses mean true love! But there is much more that can be told, through the “language of flowers”, which emerged during Victorian times. Every sentiment could be conveyed by choice of bloom. For instance, hydrangea signified “thank you for understanding” or “coldness” while ferns represented sincerity, and “worthy of all praise” was the unexpected message of fennel! Museum Educator Lola Chen will be talking with the children about pressed flowers, and about the “language of flowers”. The kids will learn how to prepare and flatten botanicals for their book cover. A snack of flower-shaped iced sugar cookies is included, which the children will help prepare.
Suggested for ages 6 – 12. Wilton Historical Society members $10 per child, maximum $25 per family; Non-members $15 per child, maximum $35 per family. Please register: email@example.com or call 203-762-7257.
Did You Know?
Interest in floriography, the language of flowers, soared in Victorian England and in the United States during the 19th century. Gifts of blooms, plants, and specific floral arrangements were used to send a coded message to the recipient, allowing the sender to express feelings which could not be spoken aloud in Victorian society. Armed with floral dictionaries, Victorians often exchanged small “talking bouquets”, called nosegays or tussie-mussies, which could be worn or carried as a fashion accessory.