The History of Cut Flowers
Cut flowers are used to recognize major life transitions such as birth, marriage and death as well as less significant events such as a new job or home. A gift of cut flowers can help someone feel better during a difficult time. Cut flowers are extremely popular for holidays such as Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. With a long and colorful history, cut flowers have a universal appeal that never fades. Does this Spark an idea?
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First used in rituals
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The act of cutting flowers and using them for symbolic or religious purposes dates back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. Flowers were considered a link with the supernatural world and carried religious meaning, so only certain flowers were used for specific events. Evidence of the use of cut flowers in ancient Egypt is seen in paintings, decorations and sculptures unearthed from that time. The deceased were often decorated with flowers and herbs. The favorite flowers used by the Egyptians were the iris, the rose and the lotus flower, the symbol of the goddess Isis.
More Ancient History
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The Chinese also cut and arranged flowers based on religious and cultural meaning. They were displayed in water so the flowers would last longer without wilting. The tiger lily, orchid and peony were popular among the Chinese.
Ancient Greeks and Romans used flowers and herbs to represent victory in athletic or military events. The image of rose petals thrown at the feet of a victorious Roman warrior wearing a wreath of laurel on his head is a familiar one. Greeks and Romans used parsley, laurel, rosemary, roses and anemones.
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Flower Arranging Becomes Art
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Around 1,000 A.D., the art of flower arranging began in Europe and it blossomed during the Italian Renaissance. Beautiful, ornate vases were used as well as other material gathered from the forest or garden, such as willow branches or grasses. Ribbons were added for accent during this period and are still an important part of floral design technique.
The Language of Flowers
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In Victorian England both men and women gave small bouquets to each other known as "tussie mussies." They were given as a sign of friendship and used to mask smells in cities with poor air quality. The popularity of giving cut flowers increased as they became the preferred way to transmit messages to the recipient. "The language of flowers" added an interesting twist. The daisy stood for cheerfulness and the geranium stood for innocence. Gladiolas meant infatuation, honeysuckle and pansies meant affection and roses meant love. Hyacinths were a sign of forgiveness and lilies a sign of purity.
Modern Cut Flower Industry
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The birth of the modern cut flower industry in the U.S began in California in the 1870s when women began selling flowers they grew in their garden. Immigrants from Germany and Holland with knowledge of growing cut flowers took notice, and soon California became a major exporter to floral designers, supermarkets and wholesalers.
As labor expenses increased in the U.S., some floral producers moved to South and Central America, and now growers in Ecuador and Columbia compete with California flower producers. In some cases whole lines of floral products, such as carnations, were moved from the U.S.
The floral industry rises and falls with the economy, but the use of flowers to celebrate important milestones in lives throughout the world is still going strong.
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- Photo Credit Photos by Jim Gober
