Flower bouquet

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A flower bouquet is a collection of flowers in a creative arrangement. Flower bouquets can be arranged for the decor of homes or public buildings, or may be handheld. Handheld bouquets are classified by several different popular shapes and styles, including nosegay, crescent, and cascading bouquets. Flower bouquets are often given for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or funerals. They are also used extensively in weddings as well as Olympics Medal Ceremonies. Bouquets arranged in vases or planters for home decor can be arranged in either traditional or modern styles. Symbolism may be attached to the types of flowers used, according to the culture.

Contents

History

Fresh flowers are arranged in front of houses to celebrate Onam, a major celebration in Kerala, India. Onam Flower Arrangement.jpg
Fresh flowers are arranged in front of houses to celebrate Onam, a major celebration in Kerala, India.
A Japanese ikebana flower bouquet in a vase. Ikebana - Yoshiko Nakamura 01B.jpg
A Japanese ikebana flower bouquet in a vase.
Beach Wedding Bouquet Beach Wedding Bouquet.jpg
Beach Wedding Bouquet

The arrangement of flowers for home or building decor has a long history throughout the world. The oldest evidence of formal arranging of bouquets in vases comes from ancient Egypt, and depictions of flower arrangements date to the Old Kingdom (~2500 BCE). The sacred lotus was often used, as were herbs, palms, irises, anemones, and narcissus. [1]

In some cultures, ancient practises still survive today, for example in ikebana, the art of flower-arranging that comes from Japan. The oldest known book on flower-arranging is Japanese and dates from 1445. Simplicity and linear form are core features of ikebana, which has had a great influence on Western flower arranging since the late 19th century. [1]

Flower-arranging as an art form was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks, who learned it while in China. In ancient China, flower-arranging developed into a highly refined art form, based on the principle that life is sacred, including the life of plants, therefore cut flowers were used sparingly in carefully planned arrangements. Flowers were a traditional ritual offering among Buddhists, however, and remain so. [1]

In Europe, flower arranging as a formal art was first documented among the Dutch, who "in particular, painted wonderful informal arrangements of flowers [...] In the 18th century, arrangements were used to decorate the houses of the wealthy families and the aristocracy." [2]

Flower symbolism is common in many cultures, and can be complex. In China, certain flowers symbolize seasons: white plum blossoms represent winter, peach and cherry blossoms represent spring, lotus represents summer, and chrysanthemums the fall. [1]

Nosegay

The term "tussie-mussie" is sometimes used interchangeably with nosegay. A nosegay was also known as a "talking bouquet" or "flower poesy" during the Victorian era, when they became a popular gift. [3] Traditionally, brides will also carry a small nosegay. Tussie mussies were introduced to England in the early 18th century, and were a fashionable accessory for young women by the early 19th century. [4] A tussie mussie is a small circular bouquet like a nosegay, but carries symbolic meaning based upon the language of flowers, where particular flowers represent specific sentiments. They were commonly exchanged by lovers, who sent messages to one another based upon the flowers used in the bouquet. Traditionally, tussie mussies are arranged in a cone- or cornucopia-shaped container, made of tin or silver, with a chain attached for carrying the bouquet. [5]

Language of flowers

Flower symbolism originated in Asia and the Middle East, where certain flowers, such as the lotus, were considered sacred, or at least to be associated with spiritual themes. This was often reflected in artwork, for example the use of bamboo in Chinese art to represent longevity and eternity. The language of flowers was introduced to England in the early 18th century by Mary Wortley, Lady Montague, whose husband was Ambassador to Turkey. By the Victorian era, almost every flower had a specific meaning attached to it. Small nosegay or "tussie mussie" bouquets might include chamomile flowers, which a woman might send to a romantic interest to tell him "Patience"; goldenrod represented indecision. [6]

Wedding bouquets

Traditionally the bride will hold the bouquet, and the maid of honor will hold it during the ceremony. After the wedding the bride will toss it over her shoulder, and it is believed that whoever catches the bouquet is the next in line to be married. [7] This practice may be related to the Golden Apple of Discord myth.[ citation needed ]

Wedding bouquet shapes

There are many different bridal bouquet styles from which to select. Brides typically choose the shape of their bouquets according to popular trends at the time of their wedding; however, some choose bouquets which evoke another time period. While the language of flowers can contribute to a message to be conveyed about the couple, the shapes are a personal preference.

The Posy bouquet is typically round in shape and is thought of as modern due to the small size and relative simplicity of the arrangement. It is also popular for the ease of carrying and passing-off during the ceremony. It can be composed of an expensive flower, such as a rose, or can be a sampling of country flowers.

The Cascading bouquet is usually a large arrangement which tapers near the bottom. It was popularized as the arrangement of choice for the 1980s at the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and the Prince of Wales at Westminster Abbey. It can, and is often, made up of many types of flowers and is enhanced with Baby's Breath and different types of greenery, such as ivy. This bouquet became less popular as bridal trends shifted towards simplicity; however, it has found a resurgence in recent years.

The Presentation bouquet saw a surge in popularity at the turn of the twentieth century. It is most frequently composed of a long-stemmed bud, such as the Calla Lily, and is cradled in the bride's arms, rather than carried by the stems.

The following gallery shows popular bride's bouquet shapes, including cascading, hand-tied, nosegay, pomander, flower spray and Biedermeier. [8]

See also

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Related Research Articles

<i>Ikebana</i> Traditional Japanese flower arranging

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is also known as kadō. The tradition dates back to Heian period (794–1185), when floral offerings were made at altars. Later, flower arrangements were instead used to adorn the tokonoma (alcove) of a traditional Japanese home.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Floristry</span> Production, commerce and trade in flowers

Floristry is the production, commerce, and trade in flowers. It encompasses flower care and handling, floral design and arrangement, merchandising, production, display and flower delivery. Wholesale florists sell bulk flowers and related supplies to professionals in the trade. Retail florists offer fresh flowers and related products and services to consumers. The first flower shop in the United States opened prior to 1851.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Language of flowers</span> Cryptological communication through the use or arrangement of flowers

Floriography is a means of cryptological communication through the use or arrangement of flowers. Meaning has been attributed to flowers for thousands of years, and some form of floriography has been practiced in traditional cultures throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Plants and flowers are used as symbols in the Hebrew Bible, particularly of love and lovers in the Song of Songs, as an emblem for the Israelite people, and for the coming Messiah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corsage</span> Small bouquet worn on clothing

A corsage is a small bouquet of flowers worn on a woman's dress or around her wrist for a formal occasion. They are typically given to her by her date. Today, corsages are most commonly seen at homecomings, proms, and similar formal events.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Korean garden</span> Type of Asian garden

Korean gardens are a type of garden described as being natural, informal, simple and unforced, seeking to merge with the natural world. They have a history that goes back more than two thousand years, but are little known in the west. The oldest records date to the Three Kingdoms period when architecture and palace gardens showed a development noted in the Korean History of the Three Kingdoms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doily</span> Ornamental fabric or paper

A doily is an ornamental mat, typically made of paper or fabric, and variously used for protecting surfaces or binding flowers, in food service presentation, or as a clothing ornamentation, as well as a head covering for Jewish women and Christian women. It is characterized by openwork, which allows the surface of the underlying object to show through.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Floral design</span> Artistic design of flowers and plants for decoration

Floral design or flower arrangement is the art of using plant material and flowers to create an eye-catching and balanced composition or display. Evidence of refined floral design is found as far back as the culture of ancient Egypt. Floral designs, called arrangements, incorporate the five elements and seven principles of floral design.

<i>Moribana</i> An expression of ikebana

Moribana is one of the expressions of Japanese flower arrangement Ikebana. The word Moribana means "full bloom flowers".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nosegay</span> Small flower bouquet tied at the base

A nosegay, posy, or tussie-mussie is a small flower bouquet, typically given as a gift. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice. Doilies are traditionally used to bind the stems in these arrangements. Alternatively, "posy holders", available in a variety of shapes and materials, enable the wearing of these arrangements "at the waist, in the hair, or secured with a brooch".

<i>Ikenobō</i> School of ikebana

Ikenobō (池坊) is the oldest and largest school of ikebana, the Japanese art of floral design.

<i>Rikka</i> Form of ikebana

Rikka is a form of ikebana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of flower arrangement</span>

The history of flower arrangement dates back to ancient Egyptian times.

In the United States and Canada, weddings follow traditions often based on religion, culture, and social norms. Most wedding traditions in the United States and Canada were assimilated from other, generally European, countries. Marriages in the U.S. and Canada are typically arranged by the participants and ceremonies may either be religious or civil. There is a tradition that the prospective bridegroom ask his future father-in-law for his blessing.

A flower girl is a young female who scatters flower petals down the aisle during a wedding procession.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flower preservation</span> Preservation techniques

Flower preservation has existed since early history, although deliberate flower preservation is a more recent phenomenon. In the Middle East, the bones of pre-historic man were discovered with delicate wild flowers probably as a tribute to a passing loved one. Evidence of deliberate use of specific flowers is indicated by the pollen grains that were present. Brightly colored and vivid flowers were also found in Egyptian tombs. These flowers were approximated to be 4,000 years old. In the sixteenth century medicinal nosegays began to give way to ornamental ones. Flowers essentially started to be used for decorative purposes such as jewels, fans and gloves. During the Elizabethan Age the once familiar ruff was replaced by soft lacy collars, and bosom flowers also became popular.

<i>Banmi Shōfū-ryū</i> School of ikebana

Banmi Shōfū-ryū (晩美生風流) is a school of Ikebana, an ancient Japanese art form that involves arranging flowers for spiritual purposes. Ikebana accompanied Buddhism's arrival in Japan in the 6th century and evolved from a Buddhist ritual. This ritual, which started in India, consisted of throwing “floral offerings” to the spirits of those who had passed. By the 10th century, containers were used for the floral offerings, slowly representing the development of Ikebana. Kado, which means “way of the flower,” is used in Ikebana practice and began to spread into more of an aesthetic than a spiritual representation during this time. By the 15th century, Ikebana embodied what it is known for today, an art form with a spiritual foundation. Ikebana is a way to connect with the flowers through active meditation, producing calmness and concentration for those who engage in this complex and expressional art. Ikebana has also been shown to have calming physiological effects on both creators and viewers of the art.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vegetable bouquet</span>

A vegetable bouquet is a collection of vegetables in a creative arrangement. Vegetable bouquets are often considered as an alternative to flower bouquets. Vegetable bouquets can be handheld or can be used for the interior decoration. They are often given as a gift for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or romantic dates. They are also occasionally used in weddings. Vegetable bouquets that contain fruit, flowers and other vegetation in addition to vegetables are commonly referred to as vegebouquets.

<i>Nageirebana</i>

Nageirebana (抛入花), also known as simply nageire, is a style of ikebana. It is also known as Heika (瓶花).

<i>Seika</i> Form of ikebana

Seika (生花) is a form of ikebana. Written with the same kanji characters, it is also pronounced and known as Shōka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Symbols of Ukrainian people</span>

National symbols are the sacred attributes for Ukrainian people. In Ukrainian graphics there exist a number of symbols and images from national songs, legends. Such symbols and imagery are used in national customs and rituals. They are reproduced in embroidery on national costumes, ritual cloth—rushnyks, painted on crockery, in forged products, in carving, in bas-relief house decoration, in hearth painting, pottery, engraving and also in Ukrainian traditional Easter eggs—pysanky.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Belcher, Betty (1993). Creative flower arranging: floral design for home and flower show . Timber Press. pp.  16–17. ISBN   978-0-88192-247-9.
  2. Hillier, Malcolm (1990). Flower Arranging . The Reader's Digest Association. pp.  8. ISBN   9780895773579.
  3. Laufer, Geraldine Adamich; Starr Ockenga; Chipp Jamison (2000). Tussie-Mussies: The Language of Flowers. Workman Publishing. p. 2. ISBN   978-0-7611-2066-7.
  4. Laufer et al. p 44
  5. Laufer et al. p 48
  6. Early American Society (1990). Early American life, Volume 21. Madison: University of Wisconsin. p. 209.
  7. Pearce, Cindi. "Garter and bouquet tossing as tradition". Catalogs.com. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  8. Rye, Terry L. (2000). Creative Wedding Florals You Can Make . North Light Books. pp.  9. ISBN   978-1-55870-560-9.