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Quick History of Floral Arrangements and Design

With changing times, styles and trends have come and gone.

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

Each dazzling creation is a work of art! It creates a bright, pleasant ambience wherever it's placed.

But where did flower arrangements begin? Whose idea was it to place flowers together and for what goal? What did flowers mean to people in the ancient days?

How did styles in floral design advance over time? What created these changes?

Here, we'll answer all these questions. We'll get a brief but appealing glimpse into the history of flower arrangements!

• Ancient Times

The very first records of floral design go back to 2500-2600 BCE in Ancient Egypt. Historical experts discovered that Egyptians were the first to artistically put flowers in a vase.

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

Lotus flowers are often recognized as the most significant flowers of that era. Egyptians believed they were holy to the goddess Isis. In Egyptian art, men and women were often shown 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 flowers on altars.

Florists were held in high regard and given immense 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 held. Peonies represented wealth and good luck. This is why they are famously known and honored as the 'king of flowers'.

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

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

Their love of flowers is notable. Blooms were often shown 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 remains to this day.

They also enjoyed artistry and creativity with flowers. Historians assert that the very first mixed flower arrangement was from the Romans.

• Middle Ages

The Byzantines carried on with the floral designs of the Roman empire. They placed more emphasis on perfect symmetry and sleek looks.

They took on garland-making as well. But they put their own twist on it by adding fruit and foliage, building 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 included floral design.

Monks were the only ones to carry on with 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 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 convey their new zest for creativity in floristry.

Full, elaborate flower arrangements were displayed in feasts. Others began 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 vogue, designed with arc, ellipse, 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 conceal the stems and only emphasize the blooms.

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

• Victorian Era

Affluence, luxury, courtesy-- these were the distinct traits of the Victorian Era.

Flower bouquets became a way to exhibit wealth and good breeding. This is why they became exceptionally 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 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 periods. People then weren't all that interested in symmetry, consistency, or color palettes.

They were more involved with how many flowers were in a vase, instead of 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 usually set in a round shape. Foliage and herbs were put in for more scent and texture.

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

• 20th Century

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

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

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

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

Today, styles in floral designs continue to progress! Now, there are countless options for floral design that take in everyone's distinct tastes and style!