The Interesting History Of Flowers

Everyone loves flowers. Giving or receiving a bouquet is a special occasion.  Bouquets and flower arrangements make some of the best birthday gifts and are always welcome at baby showers, bridal showers, wedding receptions, and any other special occasion. A bouquet is also an excellent “just because” present.  

As commonplace as bouquets are, they actually have a fascinating history. Learning a little bit more about how these simple items have been used throughout history is the perfect way of increasing your appreciation of your next bouquet.

Long, Long Ago
People have been bringing blossoms home with them for a very long time; even our distant ancestors attached special meaning to them. Early humans would bury their dead family members in the ground and cover them with flowering plants  Archeologists and other scientists have analyzed the soil found in these ancient graves and found traces of pollen matching the flowering plants growing in the same area. Clearly, we’ve treasured the gift of a bouquet for a very long time.

Floral images were widely used once people began to create art and abstract representations of the world around them. Simple geometric patterns were combined to create elaborate floral designs on pottery, walls, buildings, clothing, textiles, coins, and religious artifacts. Many of the oldest written records attest to the use of a flower being used as tokens of affection between lovers – just like they are today.

Money and Meaning
As time went on, the floral world became a more integral part of people’s daily lives. Many religions incorporated floral imagery into their theology and religious ceremonies. A flower, blossom, or tree branch might be used symbols to represent some important religious lesson. This tradition continues today.  

The cultivation of flowers may have begun in order to ensure that churches and temples had a steady supply of the plants they needed. In Europe the cultivation of plants became big business. They were used extensively in perfumes and in early medicinal remedies, so it was important to have a steady supply available all throughout the growing season. Tulips began to be cultivated in Denmark and flourished easily thanks to the local climate. The Dutch people became enamored of this lovely flower and soon began buying the bulbs as often as they could. Before long people were spending whole fortunes on these small objects. The trade in tulip bulbs became one of the most lucrative in the world. Many fortunes were made during this period and then suddenly lost when market demand for tulip bulbs suddenly dried up. Even though this market collapse devastated the Dutch economy for many years, the association of the tulip with Denmark endures to the present day. This simple flower is still loved by the Dutch people and their country is now one of the top tulip producers in the world.

Modern Flower History
The rise of the financial middle class during the nineteenth century meant that more people were able to afford private homes. This gave them the opportunity to cultivate flower gardens of their own. In Western Europe and the United States there developed an extensive “flower language” that attributed specific meanings to many common plants. Though this tradition has faded from general use many people still enjoy studying this fascinating subject.

Lovely fresh bouquets continue to be a rich part of our cultural traditions. The next time you look at a flower, remember that it has come a long way!

Disclosure: Article courtesy of Pro Flowers