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The language of flowers
PETER FROST takes a sideways look at what flowers mean, and not just on Valentine’s Day

THESE days, Valentine’s Day is a huge boost to the floristry, greetings card and chocolate industries. 

Most of it is a rip-off but it did get me thinking — perhaps it was all the cards, bouquets and boxes of chocolates that have arrived at home recently. Thanks, readers.  

The Victorians sent gifts of blooms, plants and specific floral arrangements that were used to send a coded message to the recipient, allowing the sender to express feelings which could not be spoken aloud in prim Victorian society. 

Violets have heart-shaped leaves with purple-blue flowers
The white rose of York and the red rose of Lancaster
An illustration from The Language of Flowers
Saint Valentine’s skull is a major tourist attraction (pic: Dnalor 01/Creative Commons)
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb
Lily-of-the-valley has a distinctive fragrance, often used in perfumery
Calla lilies are also symbols for rebirth and resurrection
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