The Language of Flowers in Vintage Prints: Hidden Meanings in Fashion

Emma (My Vintage)
5 hours ago
4 min read

There is something endlessly captivating about a vintage floral print. Whether it graces the folds of a 1930s tea dress, the pages of a Victorian botanical book, or the delicate surface of hand-painted china, flowers have always spoken to us in a way that words cannot. But did you know that many of those blooms were not chosen purely for their beauty? Hidden within their petals is a secret language – one that once carried powerful meanings of love, loss, friendship, and hope.

In this post, we’ll take a journey through the language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, and explore how it has shaped vintage fashion, homeware, and design. From the subtle symbolism woven into Edwardian gowns to the bold floral wallpapers of the 1960s, these timeless motifs continue to bloom in our wardrobes and homes today.

A Brief History of Floriography

During the Victorian era, when society was bound by etiquette and restraint, flowers became a discreet means of communication. Lovers exchanged nosegays (also known as tussie-mussies), each bloom carefully selected to spell out feelings that could not be spoken aloud. Dictionaries of floral meanings were published and widely circulated, turning bouquets into coded love letters.

For example:

Red roses stood for passion and deep love.
Daisies signified innocence.
Lilies conveyed purity.
Violets whispered loyalty and modesty.

This secretive symbolism spread across Europe and into America, leaving a trail of floral meaning that still lingers in vintage fashion and homeware designs.

A drawing of a Victorian woman in a blue dress holding a colourful bouquet, smiling gently. The ornate floral border and muted tones give a vintage feel.

FLORALS IN VINTAGE FASHION

Edwardian and Victorian Dresses

In Edwardian fashion, floral embroidery was not purely decorative. An embroidered violet on a lady’s blouse signalled modesty, while roses on a hemline suggested romance. Wealthy women would often commission custom embroidery with flowers carefully chosen to align with their social image.

Vintage white dress with purple flower embroidery displayed on a mannequin in a warmly lit, floral-patterned room. Elegant, nostalgic ambiance.

The 1920s and 30s: Blooms of Freedom

As women’s lives changed in the 1920s, so did floral prints. The daisy, symbolising youth and innocence, became a popular motif in the playful day dresses of the Jazz Age. The 1930s leaned into romanticism, with trailing roses and lily-of-the-valley prints reflecting an escapist longing for beauty during times of uncertainty.

The Post-War Years: Optimism in Bloom

After the austerity of wartime, the 1950s exploded with cheerful florals. Tea dresses were splashed with roses, carnations, and tulips – each bloom suggesting renewed optimism. It was not just about beauty; these flowers whispered messages of resilience, femininity, and hope for a brighter future.

Three 1950s women in colourful floral dresses hold hands and smile in a garden with blooming pink trees, exuding a joyful, vintage vibe.

FLORALS IN VINTAGE HOMEWARE AND DÉCOR

The Wallpaper Revolution

Floral wallpaper has a long and fascinating history. In the early 20th century, wallpapers often featured clusters of symbolic flowers. The 1930s favoured pastel florals with sweet peas and violets, while the 1960s and 70s embraced oversized psychedelic daisies and poppies – bold, rebellious, and optimistic.

Vintage China and Ceramics

Teacups adorned with roses were more than pretty – they reflected tradition and affection. Delicate violets painted on a saucer often symbolised remembrance, making them popular as gifts. Collectors today still treasure these hidden messages beneath the glaze.

Linens and Tapestries

Hand-embroidered tablecloths and tapestries frequently carried floral symbolism. A daisy chain stitched into linen was not just charming – it evoked purity and childlike innocence. These homely touches carried with them a sense of comfort and meaning.

The Meanings Behind Popular Vintage Florals

To better understand the language of flowers as seen in vintage prints, let’s explore some of the most common motifs:

Rose – Love, passion, beauty (different colours carry different meanings: red for passion, pink for admiration, white for innocence).
Violet – Loyalty, modesty, remembrance.
Lily – Purity, devotion, motherhood.
Daisy – Innocence, youth, simplicity.
Forget-me-not – True love, everlasting friendship, remembrance.
Poppy – Sleep, remembrance, consolation.
Carnation – Fascination, distinction, admiration.
Ivy – Fidelity, eternal love, strong bonds.

Botanical illustration of nine flowers, including rose, daisy, and sunflower, on a beige background. Vintage style with detailed leaves and petals.

Why We Still Love Floral Prints Today

Part of the magic of vintage florals lies in their duality. On the surface, they’re simply beautiful. Yet beneath that surface is a history of meaning and symbolism that connects us to past generations. When you slip on a vintage dress scattered with violets, or hang a 70s daisy-print curtain, you’re participating in a centuries-old conversation without even realising it.

Today, florals continue to carry symbolic weight. A daisy-print dress might still be chosen for its carefree youthfulness, while a rose-patterned scarf feels undeniably romantic. We might not consciously decode these meanings as Victorians once did, but we instinctively sense them.

How to Incorporate Symbolic Florals into Your Style

If you’d like to embrace the deeper meanings of vintage florals, here are a few ideas:

Wardrobe – Choose prints that reflect your mood or personality. A blouse covered in violets whispers loyalty and thoughtfulness, while a bold rose-print skirt speaks of confidence and passion.
Home Styling – Use floral ceramics, embroidered linens, or vintage wallpaper fragments to add symbolic touches to your décor.
Gifting – Vintage floral items make thoughtful gifts when matched with their meanings. For example, a forget-me-not brooch for a best friend, or a lily-printed scarf for a new mother.

The Timeless Language of Flowers

As we explore vintage fashion and homeware, it becomes clear that flowers are never just decoration. They are storytellers, messengers, and keepers of hidden meanings. The language of flowers may have faded from common conversation, but through vintage prints, it continues to whisper across time.

Floral teacups and open vintage books with botanical illustrations on floral-patterned cloth. Soft pink roses and violets set a serene mood.

Next time you find yourself admiring a floral teacup, curtain, or dress, pause for a moment. Look beyond the petals and patterns. You may just discover that it’s saying something special to you...

Until next time,

Emma x