Article by John E. Williams
For thousands of years meanings have been attached to flowers by many different cultures, with some of those meanings still being considered relevant today. Though the most important meaning is the thought behind each floral gift, flowers selected for their traditional symbolism and historical significance can speak to the recipient in a special way. In anniversary flowers, this tradition is taken even further by assigning particular flowers to each year of marriage. Though flower meanings vary from culture to culture and source to source, here are a few favorite flower choices for anniversaries to help you express your love throughout the years.
1st anniversary
Pansies – Thought, remembrance
Carnation – Joy, commitment, admiration (red), purity (white), never forget (pink)
2nd anniversary
Cosmos – Modesty
Lily of the Valley – Happiness, purity of heart, humility, devotion
3rd anniversary
Fuschia – Taste
Sunflower – Strength, warmth, nourishment. Signifies a ‘Devout admirer’
4th anniversary
Geranium – Comfort, gentility
Hydrangea – Gratefulness, pride, appreciation
5th anniversary
Daisy – Innocence, loyal love, ‘I’ll never tell’, purity. ‘You have as many virtues as this flower has petals’
6th anniversary
Calla/Calla Lilies – Magnificent beauty, transition, growth
7th anniversary
Freesia – Trust, fidelity, honorable love. The antidote to the proverbial thought that the seventh year brings restlessness
8th anniversary
Clematis – Clever, intellectual
Lilac – ‘The emotions of young love’
9th anniversary
Poppy – Imagination
Bird of Paradise – Magnificence, splendor. ‘Celebrating the unexpected side of romance’
10th anniversary
Daffodil – Regard, rebirth, unrequited love, chivalry. ‘You’re the only one’
11th anniversary
Tulip – Elegance, grace. ‘The most romantic of flowers’
Morning Glory – Loves you
12th anniversary
Peony – Good life, happy marriage, prosperity
13th anniversary
Hollyhock – Ambition, fruitfulness
Chrysanthemum -Abundance, loveliness, fidelity
14th anniversary
Orchid – Love, beauty, wisdom, thoughtfulness
15th anniversary
Rose – Love, passion, perfection. Roses have been a symbol of love since ancient times
20th anniversary
Aster – Patience, elegance. Known as the ‘Talisman of Love’
Day Lily – Coquetry
25th anniversary
Iris – Promise, faith, hope, wisdom, valor. Also, ‘My compliments’ and, ‘Your friendship means so much to me’
30th anniversary
Lily – Devotion, pride, beauty
Sweet Pea – Lasting pleasure, blissful pleasure. Also, ‘Thank you for a lovely time’ and, ‘I think of you’
40th anniversary
Nasturtium – Conquest, victory in battle
Gladiolus – Sword. Also, ‘You pierce my heart’
50th anniversary
Yellow Roses – Inner light. ‘The beauty of a long, prosperous marriage’
and Violets – Modesty, faithfulness, virtue, understated beauty
All flowers express love and caring, and some have special meanings to help you convey just the right message. So, whether you choose a particular flower based on its traditional symbolism, a special memory, or just your own personal style, you’re always sure to find a beautiful way to express your love with flowers.
Permission is granted to republish this article in its entirety on the Internet, as long as the credit and link below are included.
From the Fresh Flowers Family at 1-800-Florals, third-generation family florists, with thanks to Teleflora and About.com. For additional information visit Anniversary Flowers online.
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