The Best of Blooms
Brief History of Floral Arrangements and Design
All through changing times, fashions and trends have come and gone.
But flower arrangements have consistently expressed our love for nature. They've played a huge part in our appreciation of life's beauty!
Each stunning creation is a work of art! It gives rise to 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 advance with time? What produced these changes?
Today, Flowers by David will address all these questions. We'll get a brief but exciting glimpse into the wonderful history of flower arrangements!
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 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 acknowledged as the most important 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 meanings of flowers were found in Ancient China. Confucians, Buddhists, and Taoists laid cut blossoms 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 held. Peonies symbolized 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 happy 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 celebrations.
Florist Langhorne PA 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 bestowed wreaths to champions of the early Olympic games. This tradition continues to this day.
They also enjoyed artistry and innovation with flowers. Historians say that the very first mixed flower arrangement was from the Romans.
Middle Ages
The Byzantines continued the floral designs of the Roman empire. They placed more attention on perfect symmetry and refined looks.
They adopted garland-making too. But they put their own twist on it by adding in fruit and foliage, crafting tree-like designs.
Gold and jewel tones were prevailing during this era. Popular 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 monasteries. 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 appreciation 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 presented in feasts. Others began to use them as decor for homes and churches. Call our Langhorne flower shop to order beautiful flowers for flower delivery in Langhorne PA.
Renaissance floral design was often interested in pure beauty and symmetry. Bright and bold color triads were in style, created with arc, ellipse, and triangle shapes. Flowers were also often coupled with different sorts of fruits and vegetables.
These were placed in a range 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 attached 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
Opulence, luxury, courtesy-- these were the distinct traits of the Victorian Era.
Flower bouquets became a way to showcase 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 trained on the art of floral design as part of their upbringing. It was also amid 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, rather than with how they appeared. Bouquets were compact and overflowing.
Rich, heavy hues like purples, blues, reds, and browns were in fashion for floral design. Flowers were usually arranged in a round shape. Foliage and herbs were put in for added aroma and texture.
Roses, tulips, carnations, baby's breath, and lilacs were among the most well-loved flowers.
20th Century
Attention to floral design piqued in the USA in the 1930s. It was then recognized to have its own set of rules by the Women's Garden Club.
Traditional designs were concerned with designing clean, harmonious arrangements. They offered texture and depth but only stuck to a specific design pattern.
Later on, free style became more popular. With no strict patterns, there was more free rein to explore various color schemes, rhythms, sizes, and plant materials.
There were more natural styles that included rocks, branches, and greens. Japanese influences were also headlined, marked by simplicity and openness.
Today, trends in floral designs continue to evolve! Now, there are countless choices for floral design that take in everyone's unique tastes and style!
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