(WSLS10) – When choosing the perfect flower for your mom this Mother's Day, you may want to choose wisely. According to some florists, each flower sends a different message. You may want to know the message you are really sending – if you mother speaks "flower language."
According to historians, the meaning of flowers originated during Victorian times. Certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was so limited at the time. Then, messages using symbols and gestures were passed through items such as flowers.
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Today, however, a vast selection of flowers can be found at almost any local supermarket. But for those who are interested in sticking to tradition, there is help out there to decode flower speak.
The Society of American Florists has compiled a list of what meaning each flower holds. To honor a mother or grandmother who may have passed, their list suggests a white carnation, meaning "remembrance."
Symbolizing "caring," perhaps a pink tulip is the right choice for you. According to the list, if you wish to show your mom admiration and appreciation, than a pink rose is the perfect flower.
No matter your decision, The American Florist Association also says that there is a proven behavioral and emotional response to receiving flowers. This might explain the smile on your mothers face upon receiving a bouquet.
The Association sites a behavioral research study conducted by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
According to that study, receiving flowers is a way to improve emotional health. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive way.
"What's most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way," said Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers and lead researcher on the study.
A team of researchers explored the link between flowers and life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants' behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results show that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.
According to the study, flowers had an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed "true" or "excited" smiles upon receiving flowers.
The effects were found to be long-term. The study also suggests that giving flowers would increase the amount of contact one had with family and friends.
"Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being."