Why buy new furniture if you can improve the old furniture? When you invest in good quality furniture, you don’t have to throw it away as soon as the fabric starts to fade. With reupholstering and refinishing, your old furniture can look as good as new. I revitalize my old furniture all the time. If you want to stop thinking of your expensive furniture as disposable and start thinking of it as something that you can periodically improve, you’re on the right track. I started this blog to provide you with tips and tricks for reupholstering, refinishing, and upgrading your old furniture.
People send flowers to express love, to give comfort, and many times, just because. In the Victorian age, when any interaction between the sexes was highly regulated, certain flowers also delivered hidden messages. Below is a brief explanation of Victorian social etiquette and some of the messages those flowers could express.
Socializing in the Victorian Age
Romance, particularly among the upper classes, was not done in private. The all-seeing chaperone was always about to make sure nothing unladylike occurred. Even when a gentleman paid a visit to his fiance in the lady's own parlor, tea was always served for three or four. Let's just say it was always a "group date." Polite conversation was the norm, with only the hint of emotion expressed through furtive glances, appropriate gifts and, of course, flowers.
Fragrant Language of Love
If a gentleman was interested in a certain lady, and was ready to commit to marriage, he would send her a bouquet of red flowers, often roses. If he was mildly interested but not ready to "take the plunge" he might send an arrangement of pink flowers. If the lady was interested, she would send him one pink flower. Any more than that one flower was considered inappropriate because she appeared over-eager. A yellow carnation sent by either party meant thanks, but no thanks.
Flowers Between Friends
It was nearly impossible for a Victorian man and women to be friends, no matter how obviously platonic the relationship. If a man wanted to compliment a woman on her beauty, he might send white daisies, symbolizing a sweet, gentle loveliness. Or, for a mature woman, he might send gilly flowers, which look like carnations, to let her know she was still beautiful.
Flowers Expressing Displeasure
Flowers didn't always deliver happy, complimentary messages. Just as it was considered inappropriate to show affection, expressing anger or displeasure was frowned upon. Instead, Victorians turned to flowers to get their point across. Lie to someone and you might find a snapdragon on your doorstep. Act snooty, well, snootier than what was acceptable in that era, and you might receive a sunflower.
Though the Victorians may have seemed rather stiff, personality wise, calling out your enemies with flowers is really not such a bad idea. Besides, if you got angry at the wrong person, you might end up with a stinging slap of a glove to the cheek and a challenge to a duel. Then it was a choice of pistols at 20 paces, or a loss of respect.
For further flower arrangement assistance, contact a local outlet, such as Fasan Florist.
Share7 July 2015
