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The Best of Blooms
Brief History of Floral Arrangements and Design
Through changing times, styles and fads have come and gone.
But flower arrangements have continually conveyed our love for nature. They've played a huge part in our appreciation of life's beauty!
Each vivid creation is a work of art! It brings about a bright, delightful 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 olden days?
How did styles in floral design develop over time? What created these changes?
Today, we'll answer all these questions. We'll get a brief but exciting look into the terrific history of flower arrangements!
Interested in a formal course? Want to get accredited as an expert on everything related to flowers? We suggest exploring organizations that offer programs in floristry, such as:
American Institute of Floral Designers
Society of American Florists
American Floral Endowment
Ancient Times
The very first records of floral design go back to 2500-2600 BCE in Ancient Egypt. Historical experts found that Egyptians were the first to artfully set flowers in a vase.
They were often used for banquets and religious ceremonials. Ancient Egyptians also used them to honor the dead in last rites and processions.
Lotus flowers are frequently hailed as the most important flowers of that era. Egyptians believed they were divine to the goddess Isis. In Egyptian art, men and women were often shown holding lotus flowers in their hands.
Identical attitudes towards the religious symbolisms of flowers were discovered in Ancient China. Confucians, Buddhists, and Taoists laid 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 held. Peonies signified wealth and good fortune. 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 abundant lives.
In Ancient Greece and Rome, flowers were mostly used for grand decor in a show of wealth. They weaved flowers and foliage into wreaths for joyful festivals.
Their love of flowers is widely-known. Blooms were often depicted 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 assert that the first mixed flower arrangement was from the Romans.
Middle Ages
The Byzantines continued the floral designs of the Roman empire. They placed more importance on perfect proportion and polished looks.
They adopted garland-making at the same time. But they created their own twist on it by adding fruit and foliage, making tree-like designs.
Gold and jewel tones were widespread 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 monasteries. Inspired by Oriental fashions, they often placed their flowers in Chinese vases.
Renaissance
The Renaissance era saw a spirited revival of art and culture. This meant people found a new respect for beauty and life in all forms. Italians were the first to show their new zest for artistry in floristry.
Full, intricate flower arrangements were featured in feasts. Others began 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 style, created with arc, curved, and triangle shapes. Flowers were also often paired with different kinds of fruits and vegetables.
These were placed in a variety of containers, from bowls to baskets to vases. But they were all fashioned to hide 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 sought-after 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 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 part of their upbringing. It was also at this time that floral design was officially 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, proportion, or color palettes.
They were more taken up with how many flowers were in a vase, instead of with how they appeared. Bouquets were compact and cascading.
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 more scent and texture.
Roses, tulips, carnations, baby's breath, and lilacs were amongst the most well-loved flowers.
20th Century
Attention to floral design peaked in the USA during the 1930s. It was then determined to have its own rules by the Women's Garden Club.
Traditional designs were concerned with designing clean, harmonious arrangements. They provided texture and depth but only followed a specified design pattern.
Later on, free style became more popular. With no fixed patterns, there was more free rein 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, trends in floral designs continue to evolve! Now, there are countless choices for floral design that embrace everyone's distinct tastes and style!
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