LADYBUG SAYS... CUSTOM OF FLOWER GIVING DATES BACK CENTURIES TO THE GREEKS AND ROMANS

"Say it with Flowers" is the theme florists have been using for many, many years to promote or commemorate Valentine's Day. With the symbolism of sending flowers to loved ones, many persons do not realize that there are flowers other than red roses that can say "I Love You."

The Greeks and Romans considered floral language more effective than the spoken word, according to the history of flower giving and the meaning attached to individual flowers.

Flower language was a flourishing art in the Middle Ages. It enabled one to express sentiments without writing or speaking in the presence of others. It also added wit, charm and a touch of delicate intrigue to everyday life.

One author stated that the language of flowers offered the tongue-tied lover, a delicate way of expressing his thoughts he might otherwise be incapable of communicating. War messages were represented by the olive branch for peace, and the laurel wreath for victory.

During the Middle Ages, plant meanings were also known. Shakespeare included rosemary for remembrance, rue for repentance and grace, along with many other plants in his plays.

The medieval flower language survived into the Victorian age, but the meanings were changed. In the Middle Ages, white roses said "I do not love you." However, this slowly changed until white roses meant innocence or heavenly.

This year, instead of sending your sweetheart red roses, consider sending a bouquet of white lilies, red tulips and narcissus with a small amount of stock. After all, red roses only express "I love you." This mixed bouquet will mean, "It is heavenly to be with you, I love you, believe me, always stay as sweet as you are, and you will always be beautiful to me."

Many years ago a neat little book, "The Language of Flowers, first published in England in 1913, was given to me as a gift. The inscription on the fly leaf reads, "Father wanted to give Mother a present on their golden wedding anniversary. Instead of buying her a brooch of bracelet, he hit upon a happy plan of writing and illustrating a little book for her, which has now been resurrected from some forgotten drawer and published.

"This unusual dictionary of the traditional meaning, as well as some dreamed up by the author, of over 700 flowers, is reminiscent of a gentler era. Charmingly hand-scripted with delicate water colored flowers, the authors comprehensive list from abatina, meaning fickleness, to zinnia, which reflects thoughts of absent friends."

Who the Father was, remains a secret, and all that is known about the author is that he celebrated their wedding anniversary on August 8, 1913 and that his initials were F.W.L.

If you are a diehard rose fan and nothing else will do send your mother some pink roses to tell her she is still young and beautiful. Yellow roses signify joy and friendship, white roses, respect and unity, sweetheart roses, confession of love, and that you will always remember.

A red carnation implies admiration; a yellow carnation is a string of reflections; Daisies mean loyalty; daffodils refer to regard and the giant ones mean chivalry; apple blossoms mean a preference for the person receiving them and the gardenia indicates a secret love.

Aster is a symbol of daintiness or elegance, meaning, "I think you are charming"; bachelor's button, single blessedness; lavender, distrust; violets, faithfulness; phlox, indifference; myrtle, love; snow drop, hope; lily, gaiety; larkspur, haughtiness; and the list goes on and on (700).

There is an ancient Middle Eastern legend that the first tulip bloomed when the tears of a lovesick Persian youth moistened the hot desert sands. Tulips and other spring flowering bulbs speak the language of romance.

Bicolored tulips say, "Your eyes are beautiful and I see love in them." Red tulips are strong declarations of love and yellow ones vow, "Today I love you more than yesterday, less than tomorrow."

Hyacinths, named for Hyacinths, mythical Greek game player, denotes playfulness. Iris brings a special message, bleeding heart is a sentimental favorite and primroses bring visions of lacy valentines.

Plants with heart shaped leaves, always a favorite for Valentine's day, include hearts on a string, English Ivy, and anthurium, whose red flowers are shaped like a heart. These waxy flowers with their glossy leathery flowers, are now available in a delicate pink color that we saw in the recent St. Louis Flower Show. Although most anthurium are grown in Hawaii, the plant is native to Colombia, S.A.

There are several sources of more lore and languages available in libraries and bookstores. It is fun to pursue the legends and symbolism of the flowers available for Valentine's Day.