Language of Flowers that Start with I

Diana Beebe, Mermaids Don't Do Windows, MDDW, Diana Beebe's Blog, science fiction, fantasy, Young adultI found three plants that start with the letter I for today. I hope you enjoy thinking about the last one as much as I did.

iris

In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow who sent messages for the other gods and goddesses, so I’m not surprised that the Victorians used the flower to send a message.

An iris would be included with a letter of introduction or an announcement for a new baby or an invitation to a dance. I think they included it because they loved the beauty of the flower, and it could go with any kind of message they sent with a bouquet.

ivy

The ivy plant attaches itself to trees and buildings and never lets go. The Victorians used the plant to express fidelity. They loved to send their friends brooches and jewelry with ivy in the design to say, “Nothing can detach me from you.”

I suppose as long as that friendship was reciprocal, nothing was creepy about that message. 😉

ice plant

The book I’m using as my source lists this plant (Carpobrotus chilensis) with the meaning, “Your looks freeze me.” Seriously, what does that mean? I searched for images on this specific flower but found only close relatives. Here’s a link to one on Amazon.

The plant is a succulent with pretty purple flowers and wide yellow centers. “Your looks freeze me.” Wow! Assuming that’s a compliment, right? I imagine the look of a groom when he first sees his bride or a date when he sees the girl dressed for the party. Of course, the girls could feel the same way. I know I have! *fans face*

Source: A Victorian Flower Dictionary: The Language of Flowers Companion by Mandy Kirkby. Ballantine Books, 2011.

Since I’m working on too many things at once (what else is new?) and I was late figuring out my list, I’ll be late adding images. Sorry. I want to be sure I get the right ones with the right copyright licensing. I know too many author friends who’ve been sued for copyright infringement for using images they thought were OK. 

Join me tomorrow for flowers that start with J: jasmine (Indian and white), jonquil. Without peeking at the Internet of Things, what would you guess these flowers mean?

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