What's in your bouquet: Flower Names, Origins and Significance

Let's unravel the meaning of the bouquets you've just received, had been gifted before or will be gifted in the future. They're not just a bunch of pretty, wrapped to sit pretty at your table, they've got so much to tell, but can you listen? Right from the flower names? origin to its unique characteristics and enriching mythology, these blossoming beauties are infused with deep meaning and symbolism.

Wouldn't you want to uncover the hidden mysteries, unravel these flower gems that will open you up to a whole new world of the language of flowers? Today, the language of flowers is called floriography but this language was a work in progress for centuries across several dynasties and lands. They existed in the vedic history of India, where an entire episode of an epic would be about a single flower. Japanese culture that is confirmed sometimes to be a time capsule of ancient Indian culture also held flowers in great regard. The language of flowers was called Hanakobata, and spread far and wide till the lands of Persia. Kind Charles then took it to Sweden in the 17th century from Persia. This age-old art of understanding flowers was called floriography, a term that was coined during the Victorian era.

Even if the original translations may have changed over time, the general notion that flowers represent different emotions and feelings holds true, and they do indeed speak a universal language. Cultures around the world, even today, attribute special symbolisms to the way these gorgeous blossoms are arranged, gifted and even displayed at your home. Don't we sense personalities of these various flowers and intuitively pick ones over another for gifting to your loved ones? We sure do! And that's why we send happy yellow flowers to our best friends to cheer them up and declare our undying love with deep red velvety roses.

Here's some insight into names, origins and meanings of flowers so you know what's in your bouquet!

1.Rose:

Scientific name: Rosa.

The most popular flower in the world is used the world over to symbolize affection, love and beauty. The ancient Romans and Greeks associated roses with Venus and Aphrodite with the goddesses of love. In the Indian subcontinent, roses are an integral part of every celebration - from festivals to weddings. There are over 150 species of roses and thousands of varieties of hybrids, and so, roses are available in rich colours, fragrances and sizes!

2.Carnation:

Scientific Name: Dianthus Caryophyllus

This adored flower and one of Interflora's favourites comes in a plethora of colours. The name carnation has 2 etymologies. As per one of them, carnation was a corrupted form of coronation possibly because the flowers were worn as crowns or garlands. The second one with French origins arises from the word caro that means "pink complexion". The flower was first cultivated in the Mediterranean region over 2000 years ago. This beautiful flower is also a Mother's Day traditional favourite. The carnations are said to signify mother's love.

3.Orchids:

Scientific Name: Phalaenopsis

A favourite of exotic flowers, the orchids are a diverse family of elegant and colourful varieties. The literal meaning of Orchid goes back the 1800s from a Greek word that means moth. They are said to resemble moths in flight and which is why in some countries they are called moth orchids. There are more than 28,000 species of orchids but the phalaenopsis covers about 60 of them and are native to South East Asia and Queensland. Orchids symbolize virility.

4.Tulips:

Scientific Name: Tulipa

This colourful cheery flower gets its name from the word Persian word "dulband" than means turban. The flower apparently resembled the male head gear worn during the 1500s in India, Africa and the Middle East. The flower is closely related to the lily and was cultivated across Turkey, the Caspian Sea and Ukraine, right till China. Today Tulips are associated with spring time and Easter. Since they are called lale in Turkish and share the same characters as "Allah", the flower holds sacred significance to Middle Eastern Cultures. Tulips have always symbolized abundance and wealth across the ages.

5.Lilies:

Scientific Name: Lilium

Lilies are a favourite choice for bouquets because of their pretty appearance and fragrance. Much like rose, they hold important literary and cultural importance and are famous across the Northern Hemisphere for their resilience and beauty. They were first discovered in 1580 B.C. in a villa at Crete, and since then these majestic flowers have held great significance in ancient mythology. The word "lily" is derived from the Greek word "leiron'. Lilies signify devotion and purity.

6.Freesia:

Scientific Name: Freesia

The freesias used widely today are in fact hybrids created over a period of time from a number of flowers in the Freesia family. This is why they are simply referred by their scientific name. These trumpet resembling flowers were named after the botanist who helped make them, Dr. Friedrich Freese. Freesia signifies purity and innocence.

7.Hydrangeas:

Scientific Name: Hydrangea Macrophylla

This favourite luxury decor blossom takes its name from the Greek word that means "water vessel". This is because of the shape of its seed capsule. The flower is also called Hortensia, named after Jean-Andre's wife. There are over 70 varieties of Hydrangeas and are known to originate from Japan. But they were soon found to be native to other parts of Asia and the Americas. They found great use in Korea, China, and Japan in the medieval times before becoming a favourite of the western world. Hydrangeas symbolize heartfelt emotions.

8.Hyacinth:

Scientific Name: Alstroemeria

Another favourite from the Mediterranean lands, this gorgeous cluster of happy blossoms is known to be a favourite gifting flower during the Spring season. The blue flowers also symbolize Easter. A popular Persian custom is decorating the table with Hyacinths during the Persian New Year that takes place around the Spring Equinox. Hyacinths symbolize playfulness.

9.Gladiolus

Scientific Name: Gladiolus

The name originated from the Latin word "Gladius'' that means sword. This gorgeous blossom is from the Iris family but is often called "sword lily". The flower is associated with 40th wedding anniversary, so a bouquet with gladiolus wishing a couple observing their Ruby wedding anniversary is simply perfect. Gladiolus signifies integrity and strength.

10.Sunflower

Scientific Name: Helianthus

The name originates from the Greek words "anthus" meaning flower and "helios" meaning sun. This iconic American flower is known for its cheery, sun-like bright yellow bloom that has a striking brown centre. These big flowers can grow as tall as 300cms and so are tough to work into a Sunflower bouquet. But the smaller versions in arrangements make a great gifting option. Sunflowers symbolize loyalty and adoration.

11. Daisy:

Scientific Name: Bellis Perennis

The flower is etched deep in the English Psyche. It is well attested in some of the earliest records in the English language and the name originates from an old English phrase "daegesege" meaning 'day's eye'. The phrase refers to the flower's white petals that open during dawn and close during dusk, as if like the eye of the day. Daisies signify love, fertility and beauty.