84 the language of flowers. 
MODIFICATIONS OF THE 
FLOWER LANGUAGE. 
If a flower be given reversed, its original 
signification is understood to be contra¬ 
dicted, and the opposite meaning to be 
implied. 
A rose-bud divested of its thorns, but re¬ 
taining its leaves, conveys the sentiment, 
“ I fear no longer ; I hope thorns signi¬ 
fying fears, and leaves hopes. 
Stripped of leaves and thorns, the bud 
signifies, “ There is nothing to hope or 
fear.” 
The expression of flowers is also varied 
by changing their positions. Place a mari¬ 
gold on the head, and it signifies “ Mental 
anguish;” on the bosom, “ Indifference.” 
When a flower is given, the pronoun / is 
understood by bending it to the right hand ; 
thou, by inclining it to the left. 
“ Yes,” is implied by touching the flower 
given with the lips. 
