Bristol PA Florist

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Quick History of Floral Arrangements and Design

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

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

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

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

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

Today, we'll address all these questions. We'll get a brief but intriguing peek into the fantastic history of flower arrangements!

Interested in a formal course? Want to get licensed as an expert on everything on flowers? We encourage exploring 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 discovered that Egyptians were the first to artfully set flowers in a vase.

They were often used for feasts and religious ceremonials. Ancient Egyptians also used them to honor the dead in burials and processions.

Lotus flowers are commonly hailed 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 shown holding lotus flowers in their hands.

Identical attitudes towards the religious meanings of flowers were found in Ancient China. Confucians, Buddhists, and Taoists set 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 set together based on what meanings they kept. Peonies signified wealth and good fortune. This is why they are known and honored as the 'king of flowers'.

Tiger lilies and orchids represented fertility. Pear and peach trees represented long and happy lives.

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

Their love of flowers is well-known. 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 practice remains to this day.

They also enjoyed flair and creativity with flowers. Historians assert that the very 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 symmetry and refined looks.

They took on garland-making at the same time. But they created their own twist on it by bringing in fruit and foliage, building tree-like designs.

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

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

Monks were the only ones to keep 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 spirited revival of art and culture. This meant people found a new appreciation for beauty and life in all forms. Italians were the first to express their new zest for artistry in floristry.

Full, intricate flower arrangements were presented in feasts. Others started to include 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 paired with different types 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 added special meanings to flowers, such as love, purity, and goodness. Among the most beloved flowers then were carnations, daisies, irises, lilies, marigolds, and violets.

Victorian Era

Opulence, luxury, courtesy-- these were the defining traits of the Victorian Era.

Flower bouquets became a way to exhibit wealth and good breeding. This is why they became exceedingly lavish and extravagant. Luxurious homes had ornate vases teeming with gorgeous masses of flowers.

Ladies were trained on the art of floral design as a part of their upbringing. It was also amid 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, cohesion, or color schemes.

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

Rich, heavy hues like purples, blues, reds, and browns were in vogue for floral design. Flowers were usually set in a round shape. Foliage and herbs were put in for added scent 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 in 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 offered texture and depth but only followed a specific design pattern.

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

There were more natural styles that included rocks, branches, and greens. Japanese influences were also featured, marked by simplicity and openness.

Today, styles in floral designs continue to evolve! Now, there are limitless choices for floral design that embrace everyone's distinct tastes and style!

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