23/09/2016
LITTLE BIT ABOUT FLOWERS HISTORY
Have you ever thought about how flower arranging became so popular? This is something that spans across all cultures and eras. This article will tell you a bit about floral arrangements and history of this beautiful hobby.
Researchers have found that the art of arranging flowers go all the way back to the days of ancient Egypt. This goes back as far as 2,500 BC. Egyptians back then were using flowers to decorate their homes and their environment. These flowers were usually arranged in lovely vases. Simple arrangements were used in the home. Examples are flowers to decorate a table setting or to adorn entries.
Different types of flowers were chosen by what the flower represents symbolically. Religious symbolism was highly significant and was emphasized. For instance, the water lily, or lotus flower, was often found in arrangements because it represented the Egyptian goddess, Isis. Popular species of flowers include the narcissus, rose, and delphinium.
Egyptians were not the only ones who used flower arrangements in ancient times. The Romans and the Greeks utilized this form of expression as well. The Greeks used flower arrangements mainly for decoration and adorning purposes. To complement the flowers, the Greeks often used herbs. These were weaved into garlands and wreaths and were worn. Unlike the Egyptians, vases were not used very often because flowers wreaths and garlands were often hung. They may put plant parts, like olive branches, in terracotta containers. Branches that were leafy were used during weddings. Petals from flowers were often removed and tossed upon the bed or the floor.
Much like the Egyptians, the Romans and the Greeks also had their favorite varieties of flowers and plants to use. Among their favorites were the laurel, bay leaves, oak, ivy, acorns, and parsley.
Some of the favorite flowers of the Romans and the Greek are roses, lilies, violets, and honeysuckle. There are also other types of flowers that were popular because of their shape and color, like marigolds and tulips.
Often, flowers were a symbol of luxury. The wealthy and the powerful used them heavily in religious rituals. Much like today, the rose symbolized love to the Romans and used lots of it. During banquets, roses and petals were often tossed onto the floor until they were ankle-deep or more. The scent of the roses was often overwhelming during meals.
The Chinese use flowers arrangements back around 207 to 220 BC, during the Han dynasty. Flowers were used in medicines and in religious education. Cut flowers were usually placed on the altar. Carvings and paintings were discovered with flower arrangements depicted. These paintings were often found on vases, scrolls, and silk fabric.
The Chinese preferred a variety of plants and flowers, based on what they represent symbolically. For instance, long life is favored. Therefore,the pear tree, peach tree, and bamboo are often used. Fertility is also important, and that is symbolized by the tiger lily, the orchid, and the pomegranate. Finally, the most revered flower of all is the peony. This was as a symbol of aristocracy, fortune, and wealth. This was considered the king of all flowers.
Monks grew herbs and flowers at their monasteries, and this is evidenced by the elaborate flower borders found on the pages of their ancient manuscripts. In the later years, pictures with flowers were found on and around altars. A herb garden was very important for medicinal purposes. Plants were used in spiritual and physical healing, as well as sacred religious ceremonies.
"Floral design" had its European beginnings in Italy, marking its renaissance, and from there, it spread throughout Europe. In this period of time, many different styles came about. During the 15th and 16th centuries, flower arranging became very popular. People began to make containers out of various materials, like bronze, glass, and marble. Paintings were found showing very elaborate flower arrangements contained in vases. Bright colors were favored. Leaves and flowers from fruits were made into garlands to adorn their high ceilings and walls. Petals were scattered on the floors and streets.
In the beginning of the Baroque period, flower arrangements were often symmetrical, but during the later years, design grew away from symmetry and began to take a more free-form shape.
During the 17th to 19th century or the French baroque period, floral arrangements began to reflect a more feminine look. Arrangements were more free-form, often in the shape of a "c" or an "s".