“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” is a famous line in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, and it has become an endearing American proverb. Calling a rose a weed, twig, or whatever name you wish doesn’t alter its silky petals or change its sweet fragrance.
So it is with love as it is with a rose. Whether love is Amor (Spanish), Eros (Greek), Gra’ (Irish), or simply Honey Bun (American), the nature of love doesn’t change. True love by any name or language is just as sweet, welcoming, and authentic.
When Juliet tells Romeo, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” she verbalizes the love language of a rose, a universal language known and expressed around the world. Juliet didn’t care if Romeo’s last name was Montague, her family’s rival; he was still her rose, her true love.
Romantics the world over understand the love language of roses and gift them on birthdays, anniversaries, Valentines, and other just-because occasions.
Many agree that roses say how much one cares when love is in the air. That’s not to say that other flowers aren’t great gifts to convey one’s affection, care, and other feelings.
Let’s not forget about orchids, daisies, carnations, sunflowers, and countless other beautiful flowers.
But is there a flower that sings a love song as romantically as a rose?
The answer to this question isn’t unearthed in the roots of verbal communication, nor can it be found in nonverbal gestures, written jargon, or good visuals alone.
The answer to this rosy question requires studying the language of floriography, the language of flowers.
Flowers have their own language that has been encoded and a part of cultures for centuries, handed down through tradition, folklore, mythology, art, and literature.
Yellow roses symbolize friendship, and pink roses affection and adoration; neither compares to the fiery and passionate message of the red rose.
Listen to the flower language spoken in Song of Solomon 5:13 (KJV), “His lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.”
Lilies are thought to be among the oldest flowers in the world. They symbolize saints’ chastity, purity, humility, love, and so much more. For those who love carnations, the various colors are symbolic of different messages: red (romance and affection), pink (motherly love), white (good luck), and yellow (disappointment).
Like so many things in life, many flowers’ cultural meanings and messages have evolved, while others have stood the test of time.
Roses remain timeless. On Valentine’s Day, millions of people will gift and express the message of love and passion through different flowers, especially red roses.
As stated for lilies and carnations, the flowers’ colors and fragrances convey specific and symbolic messages.
Sunflowers are great when you want to wish someone good luck. The yellow or sunlight of the flower stands for friendship.
The meaning or symbolism of a flower may vary slightly or greatly from one culture to another.
In western cultures, Chrysanthemum symbolizes condolence and sympathy but is gifted for happy occasions in China.
Why not communicate in the language of flowers?
Perhaps you don’t have to say a word this Valentine’s Day.
A red rose with or without words or cards smells just as sweet.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Be well.