Language of Plants and Flowers
The language of plants and flowers is a system of symbolism popular primarily in Wood Elf and Halfling cultures, as well as among the druidic circles of the Western Woods.
Uses
It is primarily used to imbue gardens, wreaths, bouquets, arrangements, and garlands with subtle or hidden messages. However, many sages also believe that these symbols have their roots in inherent mystical properties of the plants, particularly their woods. For this reason, they are treated with reverence, and their symbolism is included in meaningful and powerful artifacts from the Halfling clan beading of various halfling families to the trees chosen for a Staff of the Arakhi Rangatir'nghére. Because of this belief in the "personalities" of different woods, use of the language of plants and flowers often overlaps with material considerations of certain professions and practices. A Wizard might choose the wood for their staff or wand based on their profession; for instance, mistletoe wands are quite popular among Enchanters. Conversely, a Druid or Warrior Monk might wield a staff whose wood aligns with their personality or ideals.In wood elf culture
Wood elves use this language mostly for social purposes. The most well-known and famous use of the wood elven language of flowers is with the sending of bouquets as an early step in their elaborate courtship practice known as Liltakoë. The meanings and powers of various woods are less consequential in wood elf culture, since they are typically not included in these bouquets. The type of tree a Wood-Sung House is made from holds some minor superstition and symbolism, though this is typically a secondary factor to climate suitability and eventual appearance of the home.
A bouquet of peonies, red carnations, white roses, and apple blossoms sent during the wood elven courtship process. In the language of plants and flowers, this suggests the sender tends to be choosy, but is strongly attracted to the recipient because of their strength, honor, virtue, and purity of heart. It is accompanied by a haiku in Elvish: "Alima arquen, / telëono dagormë, / nányë mírëmë." This roughly translates to "Fair and gentle knight, / after the end of battle, / my love is your prize." Taken separately and in translation, the words and flower meanings may seem fairly chaste. However, the combination of the poem's syntax and the potential other interpretations of the flowers' meanings suggests a much more amorous hidden meaning. There are also subtle indicators that the recipient is literally (not metaphorically) a knight or other warrior, and that both the sender and recipient are women.
In the Western Woods
The culture of the Western Woods tends towards immediacy and practicality, and so has significantly less use for floral symbolism. One might wear a certain flower as an accessory or good-luck charm to display a certain personal value or ideal, but complex arrangements used to send messages are uncommon. The language of woods is far more consequential, though, and determines the materials used for everything from weapons and arcane foci to ceremonial structures.In halfling culture
Halfling use of the language of plants and flowers straddles the line between the practicality and spirituality of the Western Woods and the intricate social signaling of the elves. Floral arrangements used as gifts (particularly for hosts and hostesses) send a variety of messages, ranging from complimentary to deeply passive-aggressive. In traditional holidays and ceremonies like The Blossoming Dance, the wearing of garlands signals one's own status, desires, and preferences. On the other hand, wood symbolism in particular tends to be deeply tied to reverence towards one's clan ancestors and values, with wooden beads a key component of many clan beading patterns. Certain woods and plants are even enshrined in clan names as symbols of the families; famous examples include the Oakenheart and Arrowfern clans.
The traditional beading of the Eggbarton halfling clan: cats-eye, acacia wood, and speckled glass beads. It symbolizes a tendency towards a flighty and somewhat temperamental and fickle nature, but informed by an ability to sense danger and ill fortune. The Eggbartons have a long tradition as rangers and messengers.
Geographical Distribution
The language of flowers is most common in Scalados, the Western Woods, and among both the northwestern and southern halfling clans in Dreibach.
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