My grandma (maternal) was a witch. I’m not being a bitch here, I’m talking the pagan variety. She was superstitious, she practised (and taught me) various techniques of divination. She instilled a pagan belief system upon me without me knowing until later life that that was what it was. One of my favourite things that I have left from her (along with some bathroom towels that are approaching a century old and still in daily use!) is her Complete Book of Fortune.

It really look the part doesn’t it. Sadly I’ve no idea how old it is as it has no copyright and it’s not in the healthiest condition but it still has some interesting stuff in it The book consists of three parts; fortune telling, meanings and astrology. Meanings has always been my favourite section.

The section I speak of today is that of Floriography aka The Language of Flowers, a method of communications in the Victorian era involving flowers and posies.

For instances a simple example is that of Roses. Simply:

• Red – I love you
• White – I do not love you
• Yellow – I love another

She also had a superstition I cannot find a reference to about not mixing red and white flowers as it signified blood & bandages (like in a Barber’s pole) which was to her an omen of bad things to come.

But back to flowers, it’s not all about roses.

Taken by gipiosio

For instance the Azalea symbolises moderation, it means “Be more moderate in your actions”.

taken by KiwiHugger

The pink clover symbolises injured dignity “Do not trifle with me”

And then there’s the clock… A whole message could be sent using a number of flowers, 12 of which referred to time.

12:00 – Carnation
13:00 – Red Rose
14:00 – Marjoram
15:00 – Violet
16:00 – Field Daisy
17:00 – Sweet-pea
18:00 – Broom
19:00 – sweet-william
20:00 – jonquil
21:00 – herb Robert
22:00 – clove pink
23:00 – sweet sultan

Ivy “Meet me”
White Campion “To-night”
Pimpernel “Today”
Buttercup “Tomorrow”
Ivy & White clover “I will meet you”

So for an example the book gives “Meet me tonight at seven o’clock” ad Ivy, White Campion & Sweet-William but also according to this section it could mean “I desire you for my bride. meet me at dusk. I was only teasing you”… How very confusing!

So I’ll try not to read too much into the huge bunch of pink flowers I received for my birthday. Nor the “Party dress” iris plant 😉

But if you do want to meet me, tomorrow at five, send me a poise of ivy, buttercup and sweet-peas and I’ll try not to think you want to marry me, that I have golden beauty nor that I have left a sweet memory with you.