Short Stuff: Victorian Flower Language

In this episode of "Short Stuff," Josh and Chuck delve into the history and intricacies of floriography, the Victorian-era practice of communicating through coded flower arrangements. They discuss its origins in the Ottoman Empire, its popularization in Europe, and the complex meanings associated with different types, colors, and conditions of flowers. The hosts explore how the arrangement and presentation of flowers, including the use of herbs, ribbon placement, and even the hand used to accept the bouquet, could convey specific messages of love, rejection, or friendship. They also highlight the challenges in interpreting these floral messages due to the existence of numerous conflicting floriography guides.