816 THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
MODIFICATIONS OF THE FLOWER 
LANGUAGE. 
If a flower be given reversed , its original sig¬ 
nification is understood to be contradicted, and 
the opposite meaning to be implied. 
A rosebud divested of its thorns, but retaining 
its leaves, conveys the sentiment, “I fear no 
longer; I hope;” thorns signifying tears, and 
leaves hopes. 
Stripped of leaves and thorns, the bud signi¬ 
fies, “ There is nothing to hope or fear.” 
The expression of flowers is also varied by 
changing their positions. Place a marigold on 
the head, and it signifies “Mental anguish;” on 
the bosom, “Indifference.” 
When a flower is given, the pronoun 4 is un¬ 
derstood 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. 
“No,” by pinching off a petal, and casting it 
away. 
“I am,” is expressed by a laurel-leaf twisted 
round the bouquet. 
“ I have,” by an ivy-leaf folded together. 
“ I offer you,” by a leaf of the Virginian 
Creeper. 
