The Best of Blooms

Quick History of Floral Arrangements and Design

All through changing times, styles and trends have come and gone.

But flower arrangements have continually expressed our love for nature. They've played a huge part in our admiration of life's beauty!

Each vivid creation is a work of art! It brings about a lively, pleasant ambience anywhere it's placed.

But where did flower arrangements emerge? Whose idea was it to place flowers with each other and for what reason? What did flowers mean to people in the bygone days?

How did styles in floral design advance as time went on? What produced these changes?

Today, we'll address all these questions. We'll get a quick but exciting look into the fantastic history of flower arrangements!

Interested in a formal course? Want to get certified as an expert on everything related to flowers? We recommend looking into organizations that offer programs in floristry, such as:

• American Institute of Floral Designers

• Society of American Florists

• American Floral Endowment

Ancient Times

The earliest records of floral design go back to 2500-2600 BCE in Ancient Egypt. Historical experts found that Egyptians were the first to artfully set flowers in a vase.

They were often used for banquets and religious rituals. Ancient Egyptians also used them to honor the dead in last rites and processions.

Lotus flowers are often recognized as the most valuable flowers of that era. Egyptians believed they were divine to the goddess Isis. In Egyptian art, men and women were often shown holding lotus flowers in their hands.

Similar attitudes towards the religious meanings of flowers were discovered in Ancient China. Confucians, Buddhists, and Taoists rested cut blossoms on altars.

Florists were held in high regard and given great respect. Ancient Chinese art also painted flowers on vases, scrolls, and carvings.

Flowers and leaves were also often placed together based on what meanings they had. Peonies represented wealth and good fortune. This is why they are famously known and revered as the 'king of flowers'.

Tiger lilies and orchids signified fertility. Pear and peach trees embodied long and bountiful lives.

In Ancient Greece and Rome, flowers were mostly used for grand decor in a show of wealth. They weaved flowers and foliage into wreaths for joyful celebrations.

Their love of flowers is notable. Blooms were often portrayed in art and written into myths.

Wreaths also marked the celebration of victories. In Ancient Greece, they awarded wreaths to champions of the early Olympic games. This custom remains to this day.

They also enjoyed artistry and innovation with flowers. Historians claim that the first mixed flower arrangement was from the Romans.

Middle Ages

The Byzantines pursued the floral designs of the Roman empire. They placed more importance on perfect balance and refined looks.

They took on garland-making as well. But they put their own twist on it by adding in fruit and foliage, building tree-like designs.

Gold and jewel tones were widespread during this era. Famous flowers included carnations, cypress, daisies, and lilies.

After the Roman empire fell, there was an artistic downturn in the Middle Ages. Sadly, this extended to floral design.

Monks were the only ones to continue the art of floristry, using florals in sacred places. Inspired by Oriental fashions, they often put their flowers in Chinese vases.

Renaissance

The Renaissance era saw a fiery resurgence of art and culture. This meant people found a new respect for beauty and life in all forms. Italians were the first to show their new zest for artistry in floristry.

Full, elaborate flower arrangements were presented in feasts. Others started to use them as decor for homes and churches.

Renaissance floral design was often interested in pure beauty and symmetry. Bright and bold color triads were in fashion, created with arc, curved, and triangle shapes. Flowers were also often coupled with different sorts of fruits and vegetables.

These were placed in a wide array of vessels, from bowls to baskets to vases. But they were all fashioned to cover the stems and only emphasize the blooms.

People of this era also attached special meanings to flowers, like love, purity, and goodness. Among the most beloved flowers then were carnations, daisies, irises, lilies, marigolds, and violets.

Victorian Era

Opulence, luxury, propriety-- these were the distinct traits of the Victorian Era.

Flower bouquets became a means to showcase wealth and good breeding. This is why they became extremely lavish and elaborate. Luxurious homes had ornate vases teeming with gorgeous masses of flowers.

Ladies were trained on the art of floral design as part of their upbringing. It was also during this time that floral design was formally taught and studied as a form of art.

Floral styles in the Victorian era set itself apart from other time periods. People then weren't all that concerned with symmetry, proportion, or color palettes.

They were more occupied with how many flowers were in a vase, instead of with how they appeared. Bouquets were compact and cascading.

Rich, heavy colors like purples, blues, reds, and browns were in fashion for floral design. Flowers were usually set in a round shape. Foliage and herbs were placed in for added scent and texture.

Roses, tulips, carnations, baby's breath, and lilacs were among the most popular flowers.

20th Century

Interest in floral design piqued in the USA in the 1930s. It was then recognized to have its own rules by the Women's Garden Club.

Traditional designs were involved with making clean, balanced arrangements. They provided texture and depth but only stuck to a specific design pattern.

Later on, free style became more trendy. With no set patterns, there was more leeway to explore several color schemes, rhythms, sizes, and plant materials.

There were more natural styles that included rocks, branches, and foliage. Japanese styles were also spotlighted, marked by simplicity and openness.

Today, trends in floral designs continue to evolve! Now, there are countless options for floral design that embrace everyone's standout tastes and style!

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