Explore the Intriguing Symbolism of Common Herbs Liudmila Chernetska – Getty Images
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The Victorian era was characterized by a reserved demeanor and a reluctance to openly express emotions, unlike today’s more expressive culture. Despite strict social etiquette, the Victorians used the language of flowers to convey hidden messages through the act of wearing or gifting specific blooms. This practice, known as floriography, gained immense popularity in the 19th century, with numerous books being published on the meanings of various flowers and herbs. One of the earliest works on the subject was “Le Langage des Fleurs” (1819) by Louise Cortambert, writing under the pseudonym Charlotte de la Tour.
In her introduction, de la Tour explained that she aimed to capture the subtle sentiments expressed by flowers, highlighting how a flower’s symbolism could convey emotions more delicately than spoken words. She incorporated historical references, myths, and folklore to illustrate the meanings behind each plant, although the accuracy of some interpretations remains questionable.
Subsequent books on floriography continued to assign symbolic meanings to flowers based on the author’s interpretation. For example, “The Language of Flowers,” written and illustrated by Kate Greenaway in 1884, presented similar flower meanings without delving into the reasons behind them.
Today, the tradition of gifting flowers and herbs for special occasions endures. Whether cultivated in a personal garden or included in a bouquet with hidden significance, exploring the symbolic meanings of these plants according to Victorian sources adds an intriguing layer to gift-giving and gardening practices.
Bay Leaf
Symbolism: Constancy
The bay plant, an evergreen shrub, symbolizes constancy in Victorian floriography, representing the idea of unwavering loyalty. This plant thrives in full sun and can be grown in-ground in warm climates or potted indoors during colder winters.
Learn More: Tips for Starting an Herb Garden
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Borage
Symbolism: Bluntness
Despite its rough exterior with prickly, hairy leaves, borage symbolizes bluntness with a good heart in Victorian symbolism. This annual herb boasts intricate flowers that attract pollinators, making it a beneficial addition to edible gardens for promoting pollination.
Shop Now: Seeds for Your Kitchen Garden
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Coriander
Symbolism: Hidden worth
Coriander, derived from the seeds of cilantro plants, suggests hidden worth in Victorian floriography. The aromatic herb’s seeds, formed after flowering, reveal a valuable aspect that may not be immediately apparent. Cilantro thrives in full sun, grows easily from seed, and transitions into coriander seed pods as the plant matures.
Shop Now: Seeds for Growing Coriander
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Fennel
Symbolism: Strength
Fennel
After the competitions in the arena, the champion was honored with a wreath of fennel. Plant fennel in a sunny spot in your garden to enjoy its flavorful bulb or feathery foliage. Although typically a short-lived perennial, it is commonly grown as an annual. You can let it flower if you wish to collect the seeds.
In ancient beliefs, lavender was associated with mistrust due to the belief that a dangerous viper species, the asp, could hide in lavender bushes. Despite this symbolism, various types of lavender thrive in full sun and prefer poor or sandy soils to promote more flowers than foliage. Lavender is a beautiful addition to any garden for its silver leaves and delightful fragrance.
Mint symbolizes warmth of feeling in Greek mythology, as it was created from the nymph Minthe by the goddess Persephone to represent the warmth of love. Grow mint in a sunny location in a container to prevent it from taking over your garden. There are many delightful varieties available.
Parsley, a revered herb by the Greeks, was worn at banquets and used to adorn graves. In Roman games, victors were crowned with parsley. Cultivate this sun-loving herb in pots or beds, replanting annually for best flavor.
Rosemary is often linked to remembrance, possibly due to its lingering scent when touched. Grow rosemary in full sun, where it can become a large shrub in warm climates. In colder regions, plant it annually or overwinter indoors under proper lighting.
Sage, associated with esteem, was traditionally believed to prolong life by ancient cultures. This hardy, sun-loving perennial grows well in poor soils and cold climates. Allowing sage to flower attracts pollinators with its pinkish-purple blooms.
Thyme, representing activity, attracts bees with its blossoms, making it a lively addition to any garden. This low-growing herb thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade and poor soils. Use thyme as ground cover, along pathways, or between pavers in a Mediterranean-style garden.
