Flowers play a vital role as vehicles of expression. As declarations of Jove or as a gesture of thanks,as a means of conveying condolences or congratulations,flowers are often the most eloquent and direct means of communication. The fascinating history of the symbolism of flowers is presented and explained here in all its facets with entertaining texts and details of beautiful works of art.
I am the rose of Sharon. and the lily of the vallev.As the lily among thorns, so Is my love among the daughters." dcclares Solomon m the Sollg of Songs.Flowers have played a vital role as vehicles of expression since nme immemorial. As a declaration of love or as a gesture of thanks, as a means of expressing sympathy or of congratulating, flowers are often the most eloquent and direct means of communication. The fascinating history of the symbolism of flowers is presented and explained here in all its facets with entertaining texts and dctails of beautiful works of art.
The author outlines the mythology of flowers in the ancient and early, Christian worlds and explains their special significance for love and marriage, in customs and festivals and the use of flowers as status symbols,as symbols of the seasons of the year or as metaphors of human qualities. Thirty-five beautiful depictions of flowers taken from the Renaissance and Baroque periods are reproduced as full-page illustrations accompanied by descript,ve texts which analyse their symbolism.mythological importance, use and meaning in our present times.
Introduction by Marina Heilmeyer
A look at the centuries-old relationship
between flowers and their admirers
The Flowers
Anemone
Aquilegia
Camellia
Carnation
Cornflower
Crocus
Crown imperial
Daffodil
Daisy
Forget-me-not
Hellebore
Honeysuckle
Hyacinth
Iris
Lily
Lily of the Valley
Love-in-a-mist
Mallow
Marigold
Myrtle
Oranges and Lemons
Pansy
Passion Flower
PeoW
Pomegranate
Poppy
Primula
Rose
Rosemary
Stock
Strawberry
Sunflower
Thistle
Tulip
Violet
Index of Illustrations
Index of Flowers and their Meanings
Photographic Credits