Imagine a bouquet of flowers placed in the centre of a room and as you enter your eyes fall upon it. It gives the viewer immediate pleasure. It is then that you will get the magic of flowers - it attracts, communicates and can make you happy like nothing else. The gift of flowers has been used to portray deeply felt messages since ancient times. Although giving flowers is popular and fashionable nowadays, there is evidence to show that this has been the case for a very long time.

If you read mythical stories, you will find that for centuries, flowers have been awarded to winners in the form of victory wreaths, they have been given as a gesture of love as they are regarded as nature's most beautiful creation. They symbolise everything that is positive in this world - life, love and happiness.

The diverse shapes, patterns, styles, colours, shades and fragrances have appealed to human senses since long ago. Flowers used to be a special offering to the Gods and Goddesses and a primary part of worshipping in the ancient ages. The giving of flowers is still a part of the religious customs of many cultures around the world. The gratification that a flower offers was thought to be the only way to please the divine.

The giving of flowers as gifts originates from Turkey in around the seventeenth century. It was the initiation of floriography that appealed to a wide audience. In medieval times, flowers were associated with moral implications as well. For example, white roses or lilies are associated with the Christian religious symbolism of chastity or virginity and hereby saints are often represented with flowers to denote virtue.

The symbolism of flowers differs from one culture to another. If you are hoping to send a special message through the choice of flowers, here are a few for you to choose from:

Love can be expressed through the gift of a purple lilac which symbolizes new love. However, do not make the mistake of giving a white one as it will carry the wrong message. Forget-me-nots and of course, red roses are the best way to show true love. If it is a love at first sight, then a thornless rose or lavender rose will speak of your complete surrender. A red carnation will express how your heart aches for her. A bunch of honeysuckle will prove your devoted affection, your bonds of love. And choosing a red tulip will be a complete declaration of love.

If you have received a flower to show love, you can reciprocate the gesture by sending a pink carnation. If you do not feel the same way, a white, yellow or stripped carnation is a sympathetic way to refuse.

Love isn't the only emotion symbolized by the gift of flowers, a Star of Bethlehem gives hope, a Snowdrop offers consolation and an Aloe or Marigold will speak of your grief. An Eglantine Rose can be offered as a healing touch.

Flowers do not have to be given as a connotation, sometimes we can choose to give flowers to a loved one just because you know that they will appreciate the thought. Flowers are the simplest way to show love, which is why giving them is involved in so many events in our lives. We have flowers for weddings as well as funerals. We give our loved ones flowers at every special occasion and at their tombstones when they have long left our sides.

The art of flower arranging has come a long way to create an industry in itself. The elegance and aristocracy associated with flowers as gift have opened new opportunities for experimentation and challenging designing. Playing with colours, shapes and patterns a florist now can offer you exciting range of wreaths, corsages, bouquets or boutonnieres. With Ikebana of Japan, English Country Garden of Europe or High Style of US - the theory of flower arrangement for gifts has been revolutionized. Along with the main ornamental flowers, the fillers like Baby's Breath, foliage and ribbon have completed and enhanced the giving of flowers.

The charm of gift of flowers ranges from the countryside bunch to an artfully decorated bouquet. Designer bouquets are quite the rage too, if you love fancy tags and if your budget permits then giving your beloved or friend a designer bouquet would definitely be a grand statement. There are many specialised flower boutiques which supply all kinds of exotic bouquets and arrangements all around the year, but they also customise and deliver the same on the special occasions in spite of time and distance.

Besides all these, you can choose different flowers for different occasions. For example, if you are attending a wedding party in spring, then you may choose pale and delicate blooms, whilst an autumnal wedding would suit richer, bolder shades. For anniversary parties, you may combine the seasonal flowers with fruit basket or food hamper. The bright and colourful flowers are the best for birthday parties, while Christmas cactus with pink or red flowers and green leaves or Poinsettia with red or white flowers and green leaves are best for Christmas parties.

Flowers can be used as beautiful decorations. If a wedding venue is less than perfect, you can brighten the place up with a theme of gorgeous bouquets matching the bridal colour scheme. You can even hire professional wedding decoration agencies to do this job professionally and artistically. The bride and groom are going to fall in love with this very thoughtful and flowery gift!

Whatever your choice, be sure to send flowers which suits the personality of the recipient. People will really appreciate the time and thought put in to choosing such a wonderful gift and for some, nothing could be better.

Sam Goddard is a hopeless, hapless romantic and recognises the importance of giving flowers. He has given gifts to girls, grannies and couples at weddings.