February 3, 2013

Finding the Perfect Flower: A Kate and Leopold Moment - Valentines Day 3

Just in case you hadn't figured it out yet I tend to be a little late on the movie scene. Mostly this is because there are so many other things I would rather be doing but every once in a while I do have to take a movie day. I do enjoy a good love story every once in a while however and recently we rented a few movies from the local library. One of the ones we picked up was Kate and Leopold. This happened to be a big hit because I love romantic comedies and E loves time travel movies. The reason I bring this up is because it talks a lot about learning how to show someone you care about them in traditional ways. Being the traditionalist that I am (no thanks to my father who is also a very traditional person) I was very impressed with Leopold's knowledge of dating. Today I share his advice about flower options, since we all know a flower is a very traditional gift on Valentines Day. Here is the exchange between Leopold and Charlie as they get ready for their respective dates:

Leopold: Did you assemble a bouquet for Patrice?
Charlie, grabbing a pre-made bouquet: I'll just get one of these. But look, you just can't tell a woman she's gracefully serene!
Leopold: No, no, no, this will not do.
Charlie: Why? What is wrong with this one?
Leopold: The orange lily implies extreme hatred, the lavendar and begonia danger and suspicion, respectively. Every flower has a meaning, Charles. Might I suggest the amaryllis, which declares the recipient a most splendid beauty.
(Kate and Leopold, Dir. James Mangold, 2001, PG-13)

The gift of a flower can bring a huge smile to someone's face but, as Leopold reminds us, make sure you know what you are giving. Here's a brief list of flowers, and what they say for your reference. If you're looking at flowers that aren't listed here there are many places to find their meaning, or ask your friendly florist and they can probably tell you too.

Amaryllis - splendid beauty
Apple Blossom - promise
Aster - patience
Baby's Breath - festivity
Calla Lily - magnificence and beauty 
Carnation - pride, beauty, gratitude
Daffodil - regard, charity, rebirth, eternal life
Daisy - innocence, purity
Gladiolus - strength of character, faithfulness, honor
Heather - admiration, solitude
Hyacinth - playfulness
Hydrangea - heartfelt emotion
Iris - wisdom, complements, faith, hope, passion, purity, inspiration
Lilac - youthful innocence, first love 
Lily - purity, refined beauty, virginity, passion, sweetness
Marigold - desire for riches
Orange Blossom - fertility
Orchid - delicate beauty
Pansy - loving thoughts
Rose - friendship, love, unity, purity
Snapdragon - presumptuous
Sunflower - adoration
Sweetpea - shyness
Tulip - caring, royalty, forgiveness, faithfullness

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