Romance has long been inextricably linked to different types of flowers symbolizing different emotions. Find out how this tradition is carried on to celebrate wedding anniversaries.
The beauty of flowers and the celebration of love are harmonious – so much so that it’s difficult to remember a time when we didn’t associate romance with the delight of receiving a fragrant fresh anniversary bouquet.
While roses are truly the quintessential messengers of love (a surefire way to celebrate a new love or romantic milestone), during the Victorian era, couples also used other varieties of fresh flowers to send messages to each other – each expressing a different heartfelt emotion. Those meanings are carried on today as ways to commemorate each wedding anniversary with floral gifts.
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Carnation 1st Anniversary: From the red carnation that symbolizes admiration to the white that represents pure and innocent love or the pink bloom that says “I’ll never forget you,” the carnation – with its long-lasting qualities and clove-like delicate fragrance – embodies joy and commitment promised for years to come. |
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lily of the valley 2nd Anniversary: Signifying happiness and purity of heart, lilies of the valley have long been associated with humility and devotion. Legend has it that a nightingale’s affection for this beautiful flower was so strong that it wouldn’t return to the woods until the flower bloomed in spring. |
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sunflower 3rd Anniversary: It’s said that a gift of sunflowers signifies a “devout admirer.” Representing strength, warmth and nourishment – all attributes of the sun itself – the way in which a sunflower turns to follow the sun symbolizes deep loyalty and constancy. |
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hydrangea 4th Anniversary: With lush globes filled with a delicate lace of small petals, the hydrangea symbolizes both gratefulness and pride – celebrating heartfelt praise and appreciation. |
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daisy 5th Anniversary: While the well-known legend carried over from Victorian times has it that maidens would pluck a daisy’s petals one by one to predict their romantic future, daisies are also known to indicate innocence, purity and gentleness on behalf of both the giver and recipient, declaring: “You have as many virtues as this flower has petals.” |
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calla 6th Anniversary: The calla – with its trumpet-shaped blooms and graceful, slender profile – is a symbol of transition and growth, reflecting the beauty and pride gained from shared wisdom over time. |
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freesia 7th Anniversary: A symbol of trust and fidelity, freesia is an antidote to the proverbial saying that the seventh year of marriage provokes restlessness. Representing faithfulness through the seasons, it’s a traditional reminder of love’s honorable character. |
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lilac 8th Anniversary: With their heart-shaped, deep green leaves and irresistibly fragrant blooms, lilacs have been treasured for generations. Reminiscent of springtime and young love, they symbolize and recall love’s first emotions. |
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bird of paradise 9th Anniversary: Resembling one of the most striking, exotic birds in the world, birds of paradise, with large orange and blue blossoms, symbolize magnificence and splendor – celebrating romance’s unexpected side. |
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daffodil 10th Anniversary: In nature as in romance the daffodil reminds us of renewal and simple pleasures. Possessing a fresh, sweet fragrance, this joyful bloom symbolizes singular love and chivalry. |
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tulip 11th Anniversary: Symbolizing a declaration of love, legend has it that the tulip’s velvety black center represents a lover’s heart darkened by the heat of passion. Believed by many to be the most romantic of flowers, tulips also represent elegance and grace. |
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 peony 12th Anniversary: In full bloom, the lush peony embodies romance and prosperity. Known as the flower of riches and honor, the peony is regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage. |
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chrysanthemum 13th Anniversary: While misfortune is frequently associated with the number thirteen, there’s nothing unlucky about a chrysanthemum fresh floral arrangement that represents this wedding anniversary. Long associated with abundance and loveliness, the chrysanthemum is also a symbol for fidelity. |
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orchid 14th Anniversary: A pink orchid conveys pure affection. The popular cattelya orchid represents mature charm. With a universal message of love, beauty, wisdom and thoughtfulness, the graceful orchid symbolizes affection and understanding. |
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rose 15th Anniversary: One of the earliest flowers known to man, roses symbolize love, magic, hope and passion. It’s said Cleopatra scattered rose petals before Mark Antony’s feet representing ultimate beauty and perfection. Exquisite and radiant, they are the quintessential messengers of love. |
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aster 20th Anniversary: Believed to have magical properties, the aster is said to be a talisman of love. Symbolizing patience and elegance, the star-like bloom represents a combination of gained wisdom and good fortune. |
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iris 25th Anniversary: Combining many of the best characteristics of a long, happy marriage – faith, hope, wisdom, valor and promise – the iris is also the emblem of France, one of the most romantic countries in the world. |
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lily 30th Anniversary: The majestic status of 30 years of marriage isn’t lost on this anniversary’s flower. In addition to symbolizing magnificence, the sweetly fragrant lily, with its star-shaped bloom, represents devotion, pride and beauty – further testaments to such a significant milestone. |
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gladiolus 40th Anniversary: Derived from the Latin word gladius, meaning “sword,” for the shape of its leaves, the gladiolus signifies remembrance – fitting for an anniversary with so many years to recall. Also expressing vibrancy and infatuation, this showy flower tells the recipient that he or she “pierces the heart.” |
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yellow roses & violets 50th Anniversary: It’s not surprising that the wedding anniversary that celebrates a half century of marriage should have two flowers to represent its significance. Yellow roses have long been known as the traditional gift for this anniversary. With their sun-kissed color, lush blossoms and subtle fragrance, they represent the inner light and beauty of a long, prosperous marriage. With yellow roses, violets share the spotlight in commemorating this important occasion. Legend has it that when Josephine married Napoleon, she wore a string of violets, and on every wedding anniversary thereafter, Napoleon sent her a violet bouquet. Symbolizing virtue, modesty and faithfulness, violets represent the combination of humility and commitment that sustains an enduring union. |
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