Victoriana for Everyday Life

                         When I think of the Victorian era, I envision men throwing down their jackets
                      in a puddle to let a lady walk across and not soil her skirt and shoes,  courtesies                      and bows, long, flowing gowns and men in suits with top hats, among other
                     fanciful things.  That's not going to happen now, of course, but there are other
                     wonderful aspects of Victorian life that we can live today.  One of these ways is
                     to fill your life with romance and love!  There are so many things that you can                       do to show a loved one that you care.  On this page I hope to share with you a
                     marvelous aray of ideas to add a little Victoriana and romance to your                      everyday life.  

The Language of Herbs and Flowers
Create your own Tussie Mussie
Saying "I Love You!"
Lessons in Victorian Etiquette

          The Language of Herbs and Flowers: The language of flowers and                      herbs was a very important lesson that all mothers taught their daughters in the                        V ictorian era.  A French gardener, herbalist and physician, John Parkinson, is                        said to have been the first to give meaning to the small, nosegays of flowers                        and leaves in the 1600's.  He named these little bouquets, tussie mussie, which                        is  a medieval word meaning "sweet posie".  Victorian men and women carried                        tussie mussies with them, so that they could sniff the fragrant flowers instead                        of the stench of the air due to the fact that there was no sanitation then.                       Tussie mussies make excellent gifts today for any occasion.  When making a                        tussie mussie be sure to use the correct flowers that correspond with the                        meaning of the occasion.  If it's for a friend, use flowers or herbs that represent                        happienss (myrrh) and good wishes (basil), for example.  I hope that the chart                       below will help you arrange your own tussie mussie that is full of meaning. See
                   the directions below on how to make your own tussie mussie from dry flowers.

Flower or Herb Symbolism Flower or Herb Symbolism
Allspice Compassion Hibiscus Delicate Beauty
Angelica Inspiration Horehound Health
Basil Love, good wishes Lady's-Mantle Comfort
Bay Glory Lamb's-Ears Surprise
Betony Surprise Lavender Devotion
Borage Courage Lemon Balm Sympathy
Burnet Merryment Lemon Verbena Enchantment
Calendula Joy Marigold Grief
Caraway Faithfulness Marjoram Happiness
Chamomile Humility Mint Wisdom,warmth
Chervil Sincerity Myrrh Gladness
Cloves Dignity Parsley Festivity
Coriander Hidden worth Peppermint Warmth of feeling
Dill To lull Rose Love
Fennel Strength, Praise Rose Geranium Preference
Dianthus Affection Rosemary Remembrance
Goldenrod Encouragement Sage Domestic virtue
Heartsease Happy thoughts Sweet Cicely Gladness
Heliotropoe Devotion Yarrow Health

                 Dried Flower Tussie Mussie:
                     dried flowers and herbs, of your choice
                          floral tape
                         small, round  paper doily
                         rubber band
                         silk or satin ribbon
                         scissors
                         paper, pen, gold thread and a needle
                        1.  Place a flower or herb in the center.  Pick one that represents the most                              important message that you are sending, like a rose for love.  Surround
                             it with your other herbs and flowers, working in threes to give it                              symmentry.    
                        2.  When you are finished arranging the flowers and herbs, wrap the stems                             with the rubber band.  Cut an "X" in the center of the doily and slip the
                            bouquet stems through the "X".   
                       3.  Wrap the stems with the floral tape and then with the ribbon.  Add a small
                            bow, if desired.
                       4.  Write a message on the card with the meanings of the herbs and/or flowers
                            and attach it to the ribbon-wrapped stem with the gold thread (symbolizing                             love).  

                    Saying "I Love You":
                     Sometimes the most simple things can be so difficult! Here are                         some easy ways to let that special someone know your true feelings                         and spark a little romance in your life, even if you have 3 children                  
                         like I do!
                         1. Slip a romantic note in your husbands briefcase or lunch sack.
                        2. Always welcome your husband after work with a hug and                        
                              kiss, and say "I love you!", even if you both had a bad day.
                        3.  Feed the children early and fix a special dinner to share later                               with your husband. Wear a pretty dress and eat by candlelight.
                        4. Read poetrywith your husband.
                        5. Watch a classic, romantic movie, like "An Affair to Remember".
                        6.  Take your husband to lunch!
                              This list is endless, so watch it grow!


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