seem exotic but the meanings are no less than wonderful.


The Poppy is one of the most symbolic flowers known across the globe but with different meanings. In the West, across Europe and North America, the poppy is


the traditional flower for remembrance due to it ties to both World War I and II. Whilst in the East, the red bloom repre- sents success and love.


Blossoms, brilliant blushing blooms, which decorate the trees during spring and sum- mer, are a sign of fruitfulness and loveli- ness. There are many types of blossoms, each varying in meaning as well as in pink and white hues. Orange blossoms are a sign of eternal love, almond represents hope, apple for good fortune, pear means affection and a single cherry blossom sym- bolises education.


A single daisy exudes innocence, it was after all one of the first flowers we learned to draw and often reminds peo- ple of the nostalgia of the younger days of making daisy chains whilst playing outside, making the small white flower a symbol of purity. Daisies also represent gentleness and a loyal love.


Although dandelions are considered to be a weed today and didn’t even merit a mention in the Victorian language of flow- ers, that hasn’t stopped the jagged petaled flower from being a floral symbol. Some see the dandelion as a visual reminder of the sun’s power, particularly in dark times and has become a symbol for fighting through the challenges of life and emerg- ing victorious on the other side.


The buttercup no matter the size or height of the flowers, which can be vary- ing, always come in golden and yellow hues paired with green centres. The but- tercup could be considered as a children’s flower but its symbolism says otherwise - the sunshine bloom represents happiness, friendship, humility, joy and but of course childishness.


Naeemah Miah is Assistant Editor at FOCUS, a sub editor and a freelance writer and can be reached at naeemahmiah@gmail.com


18 FOCUS The Magazine July/August 2018


Tre’s a boqut Being the patriotic country that we are, it’s no surprise that the rose is Britain’s favourite flower but what are the nation’s other favourites and what do they mean?


Lilies have been cultivated for more than 3,000 years, originating from the Chinese Middle Ages as a symbol of purity; the beautiful blooms are considered to be one of the United Kingdom’s favourite flowers. There are many species of lilies but the main three types are: red, yellow (meaning gaiety) and purple and can be non scented or highly perfumed. The Lily of the Valley represents humility, Water lily: purity of heart, Calla lily: magnificent beauty, Tiger lily: wealth and the signature white lily stands for sweetness and purity.


Tulips, like the rose, are available in almost every colour possible apart from blue and true black. Although associated with Holland, the tulip originated from the Middle East and the name is the Turkish word for turban due to its rounded form. The simple meaning of the tulip is a decla- ration of love. Yet, the specific colour could signify a particular message, for ex- ample, white: I am worthy of you, yellow: there’s sunshine in your smile and varie- gated: beautiful eyes.


Orchids are said to have the largest plant family with 25,000 natural species. Although some are native to tropical cli- mates, certain species are native to the UK. During the Victorian era there were almost 2,000 species in existence hailing from Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Everyone wanted to possess the flower of such elegance and exotic beauty. Orchids come in an array of colours in- cluding green and black and are a symbol of longevity and elegance and representa- tive of love, beauty and strength, while Cattleya orchids display mature charm.


If we’ve learned anything from history it’s that the best way to send someone a message, no matter what it may be, is to say it with flowers.


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