The Language of Flowers: Symbols and Myths""I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters," declares Solomon in the Song of Songs. Flowers have played a vital role as vehicles of expression since time immemorial. As a declaration of love or as a gesture of thanks, as a means of expressing sympathy or of congratulating, flowers are often the most eloquent and direct means of communication. The fascinating history of the symbolism of flowers is presented and explained here in all its facets with entertaining texts and details of beautiful works of art." "The author outlines the mythology of flowers in the ancient and early Christian worlds and explains their special significance for love and marriage, in customs and festivals and the use of flowers as status symbols, as symbols of seasons of the year or as metaphors of human qualities. Thirty-five beautiful depictions of flowers taken from the Renaissance and Baroque periods are reproduced as full-page illustrations accompanied by descriptive texts which analyse their symbolism, mythological importance, use and meaning in our present times."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved |
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Common terms and phrases
Ambrosius Bosschaert ancient anemone aphrodisiac Aphrodite aquilegia associated beauty became a symbol Bellis perennis Berlin Preußischer Kulturbesitz blossom Bosschaert the Elder Botanisches Museum Bouquet of Flowers bulbs camellia carnation Christ Christian symbolism Christmas rose citrus colour columbine cornflowers crocus crown imperial cultivated Curtis Botanical Magazine daisy Daniel Seghers Davidsz de Heem death decoration favourite Ferdinand Waldmüller Flora flower and fruit fragrance gardens garlands Garten and Botanisches Gemäldegalerie goddess of love gods Greek healing powers hellebore honeysuckle hyacinth iris Jacob Marrel Jacques Linard Jan Davidsz language of flowers legend lily mallow Maria van Oosterwyck marigold MH left Middle Ages Musée Museen zu Berlin myrtle Narcissus nigella oil on canvas paintings pansy Paradise passion flower peony petals poet pomegranate poppy Primula Rachel Ruysch Roman roots rosemary s/he loves saffron scent seeds spring Staatliche Museen sunflower thistle tulip underworld Vase violet Virgin Mary white flowers wreaths youth