Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees

Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees by Ernst and Johanna Lehner is an illustrated archive of the symbolic meaning of over 200 flowers, plants, and trees by two of the world's foremost experts on pictorial symbols. The Lehners demonstrate their substantial knowledge and research skills on symbolism and plants in this comprehensive collection. The religious, magical, legendary, and historical significance of many plants, such as mandrake, lotus, mistletoe, dragon tree, and sunflower are described in detail. The authors also discuss the meaning of different floral arrangements, such as bouquets and wreaths, and explain the flowers of the month traditions in China and Japan. The Lehners draw on many rare sources and explore the changing meanings of flowers and plants throughout human history, including ancient traditions, medieval times, and the more recent practices of the nineteenth and twentieth-centuries. The book concludes with an index summarizing the symbolic meaning of every known species of plant in alphabetical order. This well-researched, detailed, and easy to read guide is useful for students of history and botany as well as being an invaluable resource for artists and authors who wish to understand the historical meaning and significance of the plants included in their work. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.