








84 THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
MODIFICATIONS OF THE 
FLOWER LANGUAGE. 
IF a flower be given reversed, its original 
signification ig understood to be contra- 
dicted, and the opposite meaning to be 
implied. 
A rosebud divested of its thorns, but re- 
taining its leaves, conveys the sentiment, 
“T 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 J 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. 
