The History of Botanical
Blessing Bottles

Throughout time, flowers and herbs have held special meanings. Many references discuss how human beings had to be very observant of their surroundings to survive. “At the dawn of history flowers, plants, and trees changed in a mystical cycle with the seasons.” (Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees, 2003) This symbolism assigned through folklore and legend, mythology and religion, magic and superstition, demonstrates how man reveres the unspoken language of flowers.

Botanical Blessing Bottles are a part of European history and American folklore. It is still a matter of discussion how the language of flowers was brought to the European Continent. One reference book (Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers,2003 ) gives credit to Charles II, the king of Sweden. In 1709, he fled to Turkey and lived for five years at the Ottoman Court, after being defeated at the Battle of Poltava by Peter the Great, the czar of Russia. On his return in 1714 he brought with him the Selam - Oriental Language of Flowers written as poetry from Persia.

In Europe, evidence that florals were used as a secret code exists in architecture, art, and legend well before this date in biblical references, woven tapestries from the middle ages, monastery plant lists, paintings and architecture (Mary’s Flowers, 2002; A Little Book of Flowers,2002; Parallel Myths,1994)) We have included a reference list for your convenience and further study.

But the timing, provenance and accessibility of the information to the general public is a better fit with a woman - Lady Mary Wortley Montague. Born in 1689 and raised by her paternal grandmother, she taught herself how to read Latin in order to read Ovid - the Roman poet who wrote about love, seduction, and mythological transformation in it's original form. This academic initiative opened the door for a scholarly education that was atypical for an aristocaratic young woman at the time. In the process, she became fluent in Italian, French and Turkish. She married Edward Wortley Montague and in 1716 he was appointed as ambassador to Turkey. During this time, she investigated mosques, and visited the women of the harem - not just the wives, but servants and slaves. Her letters (The Turkish Embassy Letters) of this time were published describing her experiences and the secret language of flowers.  This language kept the Turkish women from harm and was pretty serious business. Lady Montague was quite an adventurer for her time and a woman unafraid to follow her curiosity.

The first flower dictionary entitled “Le Language des Fleures” was written by Mme. Charlotte de la Tour in 1818. This book is first referenced in 1819 in the United States. And then in 1879, a book titled “Floriography” by Miss Caruthers became the standard reference for floral symbolism (A Little Book of Flowers,2002). Because fresh flowers were sometimes scarce in Victorian times, herbal intention bottles or Blessing Bottles were given in lieu of fresh flowers to communicate one’s feelings and desires. In the complicated language of flowers it was not just the meaning of the individual flowers but the combinations of flowers that added special emphasis. For example, a powerful aromatic like rosemary, placed at the base of the botanical layering, with a combination of pink rosebuds, daisies, and marjoram will give a message of remembering a wonderful childhood friend with affection. And while I always stay on the energetic, positive side of meaning, it is good to note that all flower symbols have a “Yin and Yang”. For instance, lavender is most known as a symbol of healing and serenity; however, depending on the combination of botanicals it can also mean “distrust.”

For my own part, I have always found peace, joy, and wisdom in the garden. I study all kinds of plants and their meanings. I am intrigued with plant shapes, fragrances, colors, and variety (especially within plant families!) and how people from history used these unique and magical plants to heal - not only the body, but the spirit as well. It has been a life-long study for me. The connection between art, architecture and floral symbolism has also been something that has motivated me to study those connections. In my travels and studies, I have been especially tuned in to how certain florals showed up in decorative columns, borders, carved panels, or woven tapestries. In my reading, I often found symbolic references to flowers. Authors like Shakespeare and Edith Wharton come to mind.

After coming across a reference to herbal Intention Bottles in 2006, I was inspired to create these Blessing Bottles. At that point in time, I studied the meanings of botanicals within the context of friendship. I grew the botanicals, dried them, then layered them in a bottle to give as gifts to my circle of friends at Christmas. Their reaction to this gift made me think that perhaps it was something I should share with others. It truly is a labor of love and a way to share and continue this knowledge. Better yet, it is a thoughtful way to give a keepsake reminder to the special people in one’s life.

References

Bierlein, J.F. Parallel Myths. New York: Ballentine Books, 1994.

Gelfrand, Dale Evva. A Little Book of Flowers: Lore, Custom, and Language. Massachusetts: Storey Publishing, 2002

Hamilton, Edith. Mythology. New York: New American Library, 1942.

Krymow, Vincenzia. Mary’s Flowers: Gardens, Legends & Meditations. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger Press,2002.

Lehner, Ernst and Lehner. Johanna, Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees. New York: Dover Publications,2003.

Telesco, Patricia. The Victorian Flower Oracle: The Language of Nature, Llewellyn Publications, St Paul Minnesota, 1994