Floral Arrangements & Design

How did fashions in floral design evolve over time? What brought about these changes? Today, we'll address all these questions. We'll get a brief but appealing glimpse into the terrific history of flower arrangements!

Ancient Times

The very first records of floral design go back to 2500-2600 BCE in Ancient Egypt. Historical experts uncovered that Egyptians were the first to artistically place flowers in a vase. They were often used for feasts and religious ceremonials. Ancient Egyptians also used them to honor the dead in last rites and processions.

Lotus flowers are frequently recognized as the most valuable flowers of that era. Egyptians believed they were sacred to the goddess Isis. In Egyptian art, men and women were often exhibited holding lotus flowers in their hands. Similar attitudes towards the religious symbolisms of flowers were found in Ancient China. Confucians, Buddhists, and Taoists rested cut blooms on altars.

Florists were held in high regard and given great respect. Ancient Chinese art also painted florals on vases, scrolls, and carvings. Flowers and leaves were also often put together based on what meanings they kept. Peonies represented wealth and good luck. This is why they are known and revered as the 'king of flowers'. Tiger lilies and orchids symbolized fertility. Pear and peach trees represented long and bountiful lives.

In Ancient Greece and Rome, flowers were mainly used for impressive decor in a show of wealth. They weaved flowers and foliage into wreaths for joyful festivals. 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 bestowed wreaths to champions of the early Olympic games. This tradition continues to this day. They also enjoyed flair and creativity with flowers. Historians say 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 attention on perfect symmetry and polished looks. They took on garland-making as well. But they created their own twist on it by bringing in fruit and foliage, crafting tree-like designs. Gold and jewel tones were prevalent during this era. Favored flowers included carnations, cypress, daisies, and lilies. After the Roman empire fell, there was an artistic decline in the Middle Ages. Sadly, this included floral design. Monks were the only ones to keep the art of floristry, using florals in sacred places. Inspired by Oriental styles, they often placed their flowers in Chinese vases.

Renaissance

The Renaissance era saw a zealous revival of art and culture. This meant people found a new admiration for beauty and life in all forms. Italians were the first to express their new zest for creativity in floristry. Full, lavish flower arrangements were displayed 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, crafted with arc, ellipse, and triangle shapes. Flowers were also often paired with different sorts of fruits and vegetables. These were placed in a variety of containers, from bowls to baskets to vases. But they were all designed to hide the stems and only emphasize the blooms. People of this era also added special meanings to flowers, like love, purity, and virtue. Among the most popular 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 display wealth and good breeding. This is why they became extremely lavish and extravagant. Luxurious homes had ornate vases teeming with gorgeous masses of flowers. Ladies were educated on the art of floral design as a part of their upbringing. It was also at this time that floral design was formally taught and studied as a form of art.

Floral designs in the Victorian era set itself apart from other time periods. People then weren't all that concerned with symmetry, cohesion, or color palettes. They were more occupied with how many flowers were in a vase, rather than with how they appeared. Bouquets were compact and overflowing. Rich, heavy colors like purples, blues, reds, and browns were in fashion for floral design. Flowers were often arranged in a round shape. Foliage and herbs were put in for more perfume and texture. Roses, tulips, carnations, baby's breath, and lilacs were among the most popular flowers.

20th Century

Attention to floral design peaked in the USA during the 1930s. It was then determined to have its own set of rules by the Women's Garden Club. Traditional designs were concerned with creating clean, harmonious arrangements. They provided texture and depth but only followed a specific design pattern. Later on, free style became more in demand. With no fixed patterns, there was more freedom to explore several color palettes, rhythms, sizes, and plant materials. There were more natural styles that consisted of rocks, branches, and greens. Japanese styles were also featured, marked by simplicity and openness. Today, styles in floral designs continue to develop! Now, there are limitless choices for floral design that embrace everyone's distinct tastes and style!