The Language of Flowers|花之千言万语

The Language of Flowers

by Olivia Wycech

If you are a secret admirer and thinking about sending some flowers to someone special, you should know what they mean.

　　Did you know that in the 17th century in Amsterdam, tulip bulbs were worth more than gold? For centuries, flowers _(1)_ people happy in some way, shape, or form. We grow them, wear them, eat them, and give them as gifts. Flowers have a language of their own, and _(2)_ sentiments can be expressed by simply giving someone a certain type of flower. Today, when gifted, red tulips _(3)_ general tell someone that he or she is the perfect lover.

　　Red roses are one of the most popular flowers exchanged as they are _(4)_ of love, but there are other colors that might sometimes be more appropriate. Since pink roses _(5)_ happiness, they could be given to friends, family, and even co-workers as tokens of admiration or appreciation. White roses call for a new beginning, and yellow roses symbolize friendship or even a decrease in love.

　　Carnations are also popular flowers to give. By giving someone a pink carnation, you can tell him or her that they are always on your mind. White carnations, _(6)_, can be given as a way to wish someone good luck. Cactuses symbolize _(7)_ and hydrangeas illustrate perseverance. By sending someone lavender, it could place a message of distrust while daisies can speak stories of innocence. There is a flower for nearly every emotion, but if you want to let a flower do the talking, it is best to make sure you know what kind of message you are sending.

1. (A) make (B) are making (C) have been making (D) have been made

2. (A) environmental (B) meaningful (C) ignorant (D) optimistic

3. (A) in (B) on (C) at (D) for

4. (A) norms (B) prayers (C) symbols (D) chores

5. (A) conquer (B) dominate (C) fulfill (D) represent

6. (A) in short (B) on the other hand (C) by the way (D) in all

7. (A) evaluation (B) dynasty (C) endurance (D) permission

 

花之千言万语

如果你默默地暗恋某人并思考要送这位特别的人花束，你应该要知道其代表的意思。

　　你知道在十七世纪的阿姆斯特丹，郁金香球茎的身价比黄金还要高吗？数个世纪以来，花一直用某些方式、形状和种类带给人们欢乐。我们种植、穿戴和食用这些花，而且把它们当作礼物来送人。花儿们都有自己的语言，而且只要送某种花给某人就能展现出充满意义的情感。时至今日，人们送红色郁金香给某人时，一般来说就是告诉对方他（她）是完美的情人。

　　红玫瑰是最受人们欢迎用来交换的花朵之一，因为它们象征了爱情，但有时候可能有其他颜色更为适合。由于粉红玫瑰代表快乐，因此它们可以送给朋友、家人甚至是同事来象征赞美或感谢。白玫瑰代表新的开端，而黄玫瑰则象征友谊或甚至是爱情的减退。

　　康乃馨也是一种用来送人很受欢迎的花。透过送粉红色康乃馨给某人，你可以告诉对方他（她）永远在你心中。另一方面，送白色康乃馨给某人可以当作一种祝对方好运的方式。仙人掌象征耐力，而绣球花则说明了坚忍不拔。透过送薰衣草给某人，可以传达不信任的讯息，而雏菊则诉说着天真无邪的故事。几乎每一种情绪都有一种代表的花，但如果你想要让花替你发言，最好确保你知道你所要传达的是什么讯息。

答案： 1. C 2. B 3. A 4. C 5. D

6. B 7. C