THE ETIQUETTE OF FLOWER GIVING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2430, 10 October 1900, Page 60

THE ETIQUETTE OF FLOWER GIVING.

The old-fashioned language of flowers has acquired a new significance. The time has come wheu it is necessary to make a study of the etiquette of flower giving. Not; only do the flowers convey a message to the recipient, but the manner in which they aie sent — :n boxes, baskets, or bouquets — - h'S a deep meaning. The woman who is fa^ oured with many floral gifts has learned to read, as from o letter, the sentiments v hich prompted the generosity of the donor.

Ail the fashionable florists are conversant with this language, and know what ia the correct thing to be presented under any aii'l all conditions. There seems to be a, taw 1 understanding between florists and their male customers, for the latter do not; g-y into detail and say, "I w?,nt to compliment a lady I have lecently met, the hastess of last night's dinner. What shall I send her?" or "I was bored at dinner laat night, and want to pay my dinner debt in flowers." The actual and entire meaning of "an order" is neA-er discussed. la the generality of cases a florist knows considerably more of the affairs of his patron, than does the doctor or minister. In a. little time he knows the names and addresses of the friends of a customer, and. ?,bo in what esteem they are held. Tha history of many love ,affairs is written out in the order books of florists. So, though, all flowers are charming and acceptable, embarrassment and misunderstanding mayresult from, a thoughtless, though generous, ordei .

The meaning flowers varies according to the circumstances under which they are presented A red rose can mean nothing, or can signify, " I love you," or it can. plead, " Plea&e give me your love." But every rule is subject to one condition. That flower which is generally known to be a.person's, favourite, even though it be "a» red', red rof-e." is allowable under any circumstances where a gift is at all acceptable. Occasionally a flowering plant in a firetrf£

jardiniere may be sent to the married woman whose hospitalities have been frequent and informal. In such a gift; may be read lasting appreciation of her kindliness. On the occasion of this old friend's giving a formal reception or dinner, a handsome basket of flowers or group of orchids sent before the affairs conveys the donor's compliments and sincere wishes for the success of the entertainment. IT sent afterwards, it means, " Your affair was the success of the season."

When a young man falls in love v/itli a girl " at first sight," and sends her a costly basket of orchids semi-weekty, she expects to be called upon to answer an important question in the immediate future. And if the girl Trears a few of the orchids it implies "I anr happy." The flowers placed in the drawing room mean, " I refuse to see any significance in yolir gift." If the orchids are not in sight When the donor calls, it is to be presumed they are in the girPs own room, and that signifies "I shall keep you guessing awhile." The girl who receives a weekly box of delicate pink roses realises that she is much admired by the sender. The admiration increases in proportion as the coloiir of the roses deepens. When the deep, drooping Jacqueminot arrives it means, "I love you." Bin, not until a 'few delicate orchids nestle amid the sweet red roses is the man ready to speak of what is in his heart — love and marriage. If the semi-weekly bos arrives and contains carnations, daffodils, and narcissus instead of pink roses, then the fair one realises that her friend admires but 'cherishes her with, a purely platonic Affection. The florist usually knows when the young man has arrived at a satisfactory understanding because lie leaves a standing order for violets. The purple flowers continue to shower upon the happy girl until the lilies of the valley, orchids, and bridal roses terminate the floral wooing.