The old-fashioned daily calendar on my desk reminds me every day that I may not be as tech savvy as I like to think of myself. However, this 2025 desk calendar exposed me to something new this year: “Floriography.” Floriography is also known as the “language of flowers.” This calendar highlights a famous art piece held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in which the protagonist is a flower.
For centuries, the arrangement and use of flowers was used to communicate in a secret and cryptological manner. This artful form of communication is not well-known today and is in many ways similar to our limited familiarity with Latin through phrases such as “Carpe Diem” and the beloved US Marine Corps motto “Semper Fi”.
In this same vein of our limited understanding of Latin, many of us can speak a few words in Floriography. For instance, we know that giving someone a red rose is symbolic of love. However, if you were fluent in Floriography here is a modern-day example that you have all read (or seen the movie) and yet are most likely completely unaware of the meaning.
In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first time Professor Snape speaks to Harry, he asks, “What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?” Asphodel is a type of lily, meaning “my regrets will follow you to the grave,” and wormwood represents the “absence” and “bitter sorrow”, translating to “I bitterly regret Lily’s death.” [Azoulay, Karen. Flowers and Their Meanings. New York, Clarkson Potter, 2023, page 5.]
Despite Rotarians’ investments of time, talent and treasure in our communities (locally, nationally and internationally), I believe that many Rotary clubs still operate like a well-guarded secret. With Membership constantly at the forefront of my mind, I hope the usage of a metaphoric message referencing Floriography is clear.
This month let’s work on making our clubs more well-known by sharing Rotary with one friend and one colleague. Follow up that Rotary introduction with a specific invitation to have them to join you at your next club’s meeting.
In my opinion, personal invitations are one of the most powerful ways to get a person to say “Yes” to visiting your club. A current example to drive home this powerful message can be found at the Rotary Club of Edgerton. In early April, their club will induct 7 (Yes – Seven) new members during their noon club meeting. I look forward to celebrating this event with them in Edgerton and wish you and your club similar success.
If you are unfamiliar with our current “Rotary Membership Olympics” plan, please check it out. (Details of the Membership Olympics are in the “Did You Know” article found further down in this month’s newsletter). Membership Olympics is working in Edgerton. It will work for your club too.
Lastly, I hope to see you all in Brookfield later this month at TriCon. The entire agenda, speaker line up and registration link can be found at: https://rotarytricon.org
Respectfully,
Todd Restel
District Governor 6250