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"   (Photo by Laura Moss) Flower lovers, take note: Before you dash out to grab a Valentine&amp;#039;s Day bouquet, you&amp;#039;d be wise to take a minute to brush up on the historic meanings ascribed to different blooms. In the Victorian era, dictionaries of floriography helped people decode their cuttings. This was crucial, because while some blossoms were friendly\u2014like asters, which connoted daintiness\u2014others were downright hostile. For example, begonias meant &amp;quot;Beware!&amp;quot; Just imagine the fights that could be sparked by a man hitting up a flower market to choose a bouquet for his beloved. The unsuspecting bloke could unwittingly choose a pretty hydrangea, not knowing that it signified frigidity. Better watch out at farmer&amp;#039;s markets, too: That fresh head of lettuce represents coldheartedness. Ouch!  Though Shakespeare and Jane Austen often alluded to flower symbolism in their writings, we don&amp;#039;t give it much thought today. But just in case your better half happens to be a big-time history buff, here&amp;#039;s a quick primer on flowers&amp;#039; covert codes:  PERFECT PICKS   Cosmos    (Photo by Lucas Allen) This charming flower signified &amp;quot;joy in love and life.&amp;quot; Aww!  Red Rose    (Photo by Aimee Herring) The quintessential Valentine&amp;#039;s classic is the gold standard for a reason: The red rose symbolizes love, making it a truly romantic keepsake.   Heliotrope    (Photo by Sondra Paulson) &amp;quot;Devoted affection&amp;quot; has never looked so sweet.  Tulip    (Photo by Tine Edinger) These stunners are a declaration of love.  FLOWERS TO SKIP   Lobelia    (Photo by Jane Booth Vollers) Surprisingly, these airy purple blooms (to the left of the petunias) were said to connote malevolence.   Peony    (Photo by Miki Duisterhof) The voluminous petals make us swoon. Who would have guessed that they represent &amp;quot;anger?&amp;quot;  Other flowers to forgo include tansy (&amp;quot;I declare war against you&amp;quot;) and striped carnation (&amp;quot;I cannot be with you&amp;quot;). Harsh!  Check this out: 5 Things You Didn&amp;#039;t Know About Valentine&amp;#039;s Day Hearts          Talk to us: What&amp;#039;s your favorite flower to receive on Valentine&amp;#039;s Day?   Plus:   See more sweet and simple entertaining tips \u00BBValentine&amp;#039;s Day Crafts \u00BBValentine&amp;#039;s Day Recipes \u00BBThe Ultimate Valentine&amp;#039;s Day Gift Guide \u00BB DIY Weekend Home Decor Projects \u00BB "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a4931/flower-meanings/>