The Flower Language Ebito
Dr. Akiki K. Nyabongo was an East African prince who lived in Brooklyn and had an ambition to write a book about Ebito, or flower language, which was "a symbolic method of communication among his compatriots, involving the use of flowers, leaves, grass, seeds, twigs, clay, beads, animal hair, and stones." (New Yorker - Jan 26, 1952).
I don't think his book was ever published. However, he did author a short article (below) about the Flower Language, which ran in the journal Folklore (Dec 1938).
According to this article, if you give someone a piece of Asparagus puberulus it means:
Translation:
I don't think his book was ever published. However, he did author a short article (below) about the Flower Language, which ran in the journal Folklore (Dec 1938).
According to this article, if you give someone a piece of Asparagus puberulus it means:
Wali Kaisabisabi kahamuhanda kakwata embogo zabagenzi, nanyowe ndikwata engonzi zawe.
Translation:
You are the Puberulus that grows at the side of the road and grasps the barkcloth of every passer by, and I will grasp at your love.
Comments
Similar to: Red roses = Love, Yellow Roses = Friendship, etc.
Victorian maidens spoke with their gloves:
Biting the tips—I wish to be rid of you very soon.
Clenching them (rolled up) in right hand—No.
Drawing halfway on the left hand—Indifference.
Dropping both of them—I love you.
Dropping one of them—Yes.
Putting end of tips to lips—Do you love me?
Folding up carefully—Get rid of your company.
Holding in left hand with the naked thumb exposed—Do you love me.
Holding in right hand with the naked thumb exposed—Kiss me.
Holding with tips downward—I wish to be acquainted.
Holding them loose in the left hand—Be contented.
Holding them loose in the right hand—I am satisfied.
Putting them away—I am vexed.
Smoothing them out gently—I wish I was with you.
Striking them over the hand—I am displeased.
Striking them over the shoulder—Follow me.
Tapping the chin—I love another.
Tossing them gently—I am engaged.
Turning them inside out—I hate you.
Twirling around the fingers—Be careful! We are watched.
Using them as a fan—Introduce me to your company.
Victorian maidens spoke with their gloves:
Biting the tips—I wish to be rid of you very soon.
Clenching them (rolled up) in right hand—No.
Drawing halfway on the left hand—Indifference.
Dropping both of them—I love you.
Dropping one of them—Yes.
Putting end of tips to lips—Do you love me?
Folding up carefully—Get rid of your company.
Holding in left hand with the naked thumb exposed—Do you love me.
Holding in right hand with the naked thumb exposed—Kiss me.
Holding with tips downward—I wish to be acquainted.
Holding them loose in the left hand—Be contented.
Holding them loose in the right hand—I am satisfied.
Putting them away—I am vexed.
Smoothing them out gently—I wish I was with you.
Striking them over the hand—I am displeased.
Striking them over the shoulder—Follow me.
Tapping the chin—I love another.
Tossing them gently—I am engaged.
Turning them inside out—I hate you.
Twirling around the fingers—Be careful! We are watched.
Using them as a fan—Introduce me to your company.
Posted by Phideaux on 05/14/16 at 03:44 PM
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Category: Languages