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Woodbury NJ Florist

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Brief History of Floral Arrangements and Design

All through 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 stunning creation is a work of art! It gives rise to a vibrant, delightful ambience wherever 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 styles in floral design advance over time? What created these changes?

Today, Flowers by Sweetens Florist & Flower Delivery address all these questions. We'll get a brief but intriguing look into the terrific history of flower arrangements!

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 put flowers in a vase.

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

Lotus flowers are frequently hailed 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.

Identical attitudes towards the religious values of flowers were discovered in Ancient China. Confucians, Buddhists, and Taoists laid cut blossoms on altars.

Woodbury florist held in high regard and given great 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 kept. Peonies represented wealth and good fortune. This is why they are famously known and celebrated as the 'king of flowers'.

Tiger lilies and orchids represented fertility. Pear and peach trees represented long and bountiful 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 festivals.

Their love of flowers is well-known. Blooms were often shown in art and written into myths.

Wreaths also marked the celebration of victories. In Ancient Greece, they rewarded wreaths to champions of the early Olympic games. This practice remains to this day.

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

Beautiful flower arrangements can be found on Woodbury flower shop.

Middle Ages

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

They adopted garland-making at the same time. But they created their own twist on it by adding 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 downturn in the Middle Ages. Sadly, this extended to floral design.

Monks were the only ones to continue the art of floristry, using florals in monasteries. Inspired by Oriental designs, 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 show their new zest for artistry in floristry.

Full, intricate flower arrangements were featured in feasts. Others started to include 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, crafted with arc, ellipse, and triangle shapes. Flowers were also often paired with different kinds 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 hide the stems and only feature the blooms.

People of this era also attached 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, propriety-- 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 exceptionally 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 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 time periods. People then weren't all that concerned with symmetry, proportion, or color palettes.

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

Rich, heavy colors like purples, blues, reds, and browns were in style 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 popular flowers.

20th Century

Interest in 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 involved with making clean, balanced arrangements. They gave texture and depth but only stuck to a certain design pattern.

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

There were more natural styles that integrated rocks, branches, and greens. Japanese styles were also headlined, marked by simplicity and openness.

Today, styles in floral designs continue to develop! Now, there are endless options for floral design that take in everyone's unique tastes and style!