Traditionally, flowers have always been generally symbolic of people's regard for each other. In earlier times, each flower was part of a very extensive vocabulary. Here is a random sampling from a book called The Illuminated Language of Flowers, illustrated by Kate Greenway with a text by Jean Marsh. From the list, write your own bouquet as suggested below.
| Flower | Symbolic of | Flower | Symbolic of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aloe | grief | Ivy | fidelity; marriage |
| Amaryllis | pride | Jonquil | desire for return of affection |
| Azalea | temperance | ||
| Basil | hatred | Lilac (field) | humility |
| Bluebell | constancy | Lily (white) | purity |
| Buttercup | ingratitiude | Lily(yellow) | falsehood |
| Cactus | warmth | Magnolia | love of nature |
| Carnation (yellow) | disdain | Marigold | despair; grief |
| Chrysanthemum | love | Marigold(French) | jealousy |
| Chrysanthemum (white) | truth | Nasturtium | patriotism |
| Chrysathemum (yellow) | slighted love | Peony | shame; bashfulness |
| Crocus (spring) | youthful; gladness | Rose | love |
| Daffodil | regard | Rose (red) | purity and loveliness |
| Daisy | innocence | Rose (white) | worthiness |
| Geranium | meloncholy | Rose (yellow) | jealousy |
| Goldenrod | precaution | Rose (red and white together) | unity |
| Hollyhock | ambition | Snapdragon | presumtion |
| Honeysuckle | devoted; affection | Snowdrop | hope |
| Sunflower (tall) | haughtiness | ||
| Tulip | fame | ||
| Violet (blue) | faithfulness |
From the above list, write your own bouquet which Hamlet might give
Ophelia while alive and after her death.
*Optional: What bouquet of flowers would you send to
_________?
(Choose one: mother, grandparent, boyfriend/girlfriend)