What flower of the Ottoman Empire stood for perfection and beauty?

The colorful, lively tulip is not normally associated with the Ottoman Empire, but that’s where commercial cultivation of the flower got its start. The name “tulip” in fact, reputedly comes from the Latin word for turban, “tulipa,” the headdress the flower was thought to resemble. Others fascinated with the beauty of these flowers then began cultivating them in other parts of the region, and the rest of the world. Still, when most people imagine row upon row of vibrantly colored tulips, they think of the Netherlands. Though Holland is the primary commercial grower of tulips in the world, however, local florists have much closer sources from which to fill your order.

It’s not surprising that tulips have fascinated people for so many centuries, and even less suprising that each color of the flower has its own meaning. If you are thinking of having a bouquet of tulips delivered to someone’s home or office, it’s fun to know what your choosen blooms are saying in the language of flowers.

Red – Red is the color of love for many flowers, and the tulip is no different. They also stand for “believe me” or “belief in love.”

White – White tulips symbolize purity, innocence, something new or fresh and also humility.

Cream – Don’t mix up cream tulips with white ones, though, unless you mean it! Cream tulips say, “I’ll love you forever.”

Yellow – Sunshine, friendship, happiness, a smile full of sunshine… these are just a few of the meanings associated with yellow tulips. Then again, another meaning is “rejection in love,” so it’s probably a good idea to send along a card with this bouquet.

Orange – Orange is the color of happiness in the tulip world. These flowers are also used to represent a mutual connection and understanding between two people, mostly couples. Fascination, energy, enthusiasm and desire are also communicated through sending orange tulips.

Purple – Royalty and nobility are two of the meanings that are assigned to purple tulips. Sometimes they also symbolize a type of rebirth.

Pink – Ah, happiness. And good wishes. These are what you are sending when you have your local florist make up a bouquet of pink tulips. They also mean that you care, and that you feel an attachment to someone.

Flower meanings are fun, but of course you can ignore them all and send your friend, loved one or colleaque any combination of tulips that you wish. Take a peak through some of the unique and fantastic tulip bouquet designs offered by florists in BloomNation’s floral marketplace for a start. If you want a specific color, though, don’t hesistate to let the local florist of your choice know.