Historical records indicate that the ancient Egyptians placed cut flowers in vases. In addition, flower arrangements were an important component of their culture, and highly stylized arrangements were used during burials, for processions, and simply as table decorations as well.

The flowers used for the arrangements made by the ancient Egyptians were carefully selected according to their symbolic meaning, with an emphasis placed on religious meaning. The lotus flower or water lily, for example, is considered to be sacred to the Goddess Isis, and was therefore, often included in flower arrangements. Other flowers that were popular during ancient Egyptian times included the papyrus plant and the palm tree.

Continuing on through history we come upon the Greeks and Romans who also had a passion for flowers, though they did not often use vases or pots. Rather, they concentrated more on making garlands and wreaths. They also enjoyed tossing petals onto the floor and onto beds. Like the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans had their preferences when it came to the flowers and foliage they used.

The most popular foliage used by the Greeks and the Romans were acorns, oak leaves, laurel, ivy, bay and parsley. The preferred flowers included roses, hyacinths, honeysuckle, violets and lilies. Other flowers such as tulips, larkspur and marigolds were also selected for their shape, color and form.

The Egyptians were not the only ones engaging in flower arranging during ancient times. History has it that the Chinese were making flower arrangements as far back as 207 B.C. to 220 A.D., which is the Han era of ancient China. During this period, flowers were an important component of religious teaching as well as medicine. In fact, the ancient Chinese classified and described various herbs based on their medicinal uses and flowers in turn became an important part of religious ceremonies.

Followers of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian thinking all routinely placed cut flowers at their altars. This practice dates back to at least 618-906 A.D. In addition to placing the cut flowers in water at their temples, the ancient Chinese showed their love and appreciation for flowers in other ways as well. This includes creating paintings, carvings, and embroidered items with depictions of flowers.

Since Buddhist teachings would not allow the taking of a life of any form, religious practitioners worked sparingly when taking cuttings from plants. In addition, the flowers and leaves that were used to make basket arrangements were carefully selected based on their symbolic meaning. As an example, the bamboo, the peach tree, and the pear tree were used to symbolize the importance of living a long life. Other flowers, such as the tiger lily, the pomegranate and the orchid, symbolized fertility. The most honored of all flowers, however, was the peony. This flower, which is referred to as being known as the “king of flowers,” symbolized wealth, good fortune, and high position.

During the period from 500 to 1453 A.D., the Byzantine Empire made its contribution to flower arrangements. The arrangements made by their culture typically included a cone shape design. The cone-shaped foliage was placed in chalices and urns, which were further decorated with brightly colored flowers and fruit. Flowers commonly used in these arrangements included daisies, lilies, cypress, carnations and pine. Ribbons were also used as part of the arrangements.

The concept of flower arranging did not arrive in Europe until around 1000 A.D. Before this time, European countries were involved in the Dark Ages and the people had little room for pleasures in their own lives. As they came out of this dark period, however, plants and flowers started to be more commonly used for decoration. This was particularly true in the churches and monasteries where flowers and plants were used for food as well as for decoration. As crusaders came back from the Middle East, they brought new and interesting plants with them. As a result, European countries were able to begin experimenting with plants that were previously unknown to them.

The Italian Renaissance helped give flower arranging an extra spark in European countries. It was during this era that a wide variety of arrangement styles began to develop. By the time the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries rolled around, flower arrangements were commonplace and a wide variety of materials were used to make containers for holding the flowers. These included marble, heavy Venetian glass, and bronze.

Flower arrangements made during this time introduced a whole new element – using tropical fruits. These arrangements also focused on creating contrast with color.

Over the centuries a flower arrangement still remains a thing of beauty for everyone to enjoy.
Judith A. Babb is a self-taught floral design expert and author of Flower Arrangements Made Simple, loves to see everyone enjoy the beauty of flower arrangements has created an easy step by step guide available at http://www.artisticflowerarrangements.com Sign up for the free monthly newsletter “Flower Talk” and receive numerous tips and techniques for making your own flower arrangements.

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