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 consistently conveyed 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 bright, pleasant ambience anywhere it's placed.

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

How did fashions in floral design develop over time? What created these changes?

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

Interested in a formal course? Want to get certified as an expert on everything on flowers? We encourage 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 uncovered that Egyptians were the first to artistically set flowers in a vase.

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

Lotus flowers are commonly acknowledged 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 exhibited 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 flowers on altars.

Florists were held in high regard and given immense 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 had. Peonies signified wealth and good luck. 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 primarily 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 illustrated 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 continues to this day.

They also enjoyed artistry and ingenuity 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 emphasis on perfect balance and sleek looks.

They took on garland-making too. But they created their own twist on it by bringing in fruit and foliage, crafting tree-like designs.

Gold and jewel tones were prevailing during this era. Favored 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 keep the art of floristry, using florals in monasteries. Inspired by Oriental fashions, they often set their flowers in Chinese vases.

Renaissance

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

Full, lavish flower arrangements were featured in feasts. Others started to add them as decor for homes and churches.

Renaissance floral design was often concerned with pure beauty and symmetry. Bright and bold color triads were in fashion, designed with arc, ellipse, and triangle shapes. Flowers were also often coupled with different types of fruits and vegetables.

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

People of this era also added special meanings to flowers, such as love, purity, and virtue. Among the most sought-after flowers then were carnations, daisies, irises, lilies, marigolds, and violets.

Victorian Era

Affluence, 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 exceedingly lavish and elaborate. Luxurious homes had ornate vases teeming with gorgeous masses of flowers.

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

Floral fashions in the Victorian era set itself apart from other time periods. People then weren't all that interested in symmetry, consistency, or color schemes.

They were more taken up with how many flowers were in a vase, rather than with how they looked. Bouquets were compact and overflowing.

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

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

20th Century

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

Traditional designs were involved with crafting clean, balanced arrangements. They offered texture and depth but only stuck to a specified design pattern.

Later on, free style became more in demand. With no fixed patterns, there was more free rein to explore different color schemes, rhythms, sizes, and plant materials.

There were more natural styles that consisted of rocks, branches, and foliage. Japanese styles were also featured, marked by simplicity and openness.

Today, styles in floral designs continue to develop! Now, there are endless choices for floral design that welcome everyone's standout tastes and style!

Hollon Flowers Location

Additional Information

Social Media Channels