Folklore And Symbolism Of Flowers Plants And Trees

In Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees, Ernst and Johanna Lehner explore the rich cultural heritage and symbolic meanings associated with various flora across different societies and traditions. This comprehensive guide offers insights into how these natural elements have been woven into myths, legends, and everyday life, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between nature and human culture.

This profusely illustrated archive of more than 200 flowers, plants and trees was compiled by two of the world's foremost collectors of pictorial symbols — who also happen to be devoted flower enthusiasts. Their comprehensive collection, rendered from rare illustrations, extends from ancient Chinese lotus buds to a basket of flowers in a 19th-century Valentine silhouette. Bouquets, wreaths, flowers of the months, and other floral designs are also included. In addition to providing a table summarizing the symbolic meanings of every known species — from absinth to zinnia — the authors explain the religious, magical and legendary significance of such flora as the mandrake, resurrection flower and mistletoe, and trace the development of many horticultural images in heraldic devices, emblems, and symbols. A visual treat for flower lovers, this essential sourcebook for artists, designers, and folklore enthusiasts will also be of value to botanical and gardening specialists.

Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants & Trees explores the cultural significance surrounding much of the natural world and explains the meaning behind real plants and flowers, as well as those that are now considered legend.

From time immemorial, people have sought to understand the mysteries of the natural world, giving rise to a wealth of myths and legends connected to plant life. In addition to their imaginative appeal, these oral traditions offered practical advice about which flowers, trees, and plants could provide foods, remedies, and construction materials. This richly illustrated volume provides a treasury of ancient wisdom, exploring the sound principles behind traditional advice, along with a wealth of fanciful beliefs. Naturalist Ruth Binney recounts charming examples of floral symbolism, linking roses with romance, lilies with purity, and poppies with sleep. She examines tree lore and the association of trees with wisdom and knowledge, from the coveted crown of laurel awarded to ancient Greek poets and Roman generals to the palm branches presented to pilgrims returning from the Holy Land. A survey of the power of plants ranges from the rituals that ensure a good harvest and a newly married couple's fertility to the healing qualities of oil of cloves for toothache, cherries for gout, and aloe vera for burns. Abounding in fascinating facts and fancies, this absorbing compilation will captivate lovers of plants and gardens.

The Complete Language of Flowers is a comprehensive and definitive dictionary/reference presenting the history, symbolic meaning, and visual depiction of 1,001 flowers and botanicals from around the world in one volume—now in a pocket-size edition for easy, on-the-go reference.

An alphabetical list of plants and their associated folklore.

A charming, gorgeously illustrated botanical encyclopedia for your favorite romantic, local witch, bride-to-be, or green-thumbed friend. Floriography is a full-color guide to the historical uses and secret meanings behind an impressive array of flowers and herbs. The book explores the coded significances associated with various blooms, from flowers for a lover to flowers for an enemy. The language of flowers was historically used as a means of secret communication. It soared in popularity during the 19th century, especially in Victorian England and the U.S., when proper etiquette discouraged open displays of emotion. Mysterious and playful, the language of flowers has roots in everything from the characteristics of the plant to its presence in folklore and history. Researched and illustrated by popular artist Jessica Roux, this book makes a stunning display piece, conversation-starter, or thoughtful gift.