The history of floristry

Whether given as a gift or enjoyed as part of the décor, flowers bring beauty and charm not just to events and celebrations but the simple everyday too. Floristry is the art of selecting and arranging these flowers into bouquets, table displays, wreaths and art installations. A global industry, it’s the source of joy for so many occasions, from birthdays to weddings, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, to name a few. But how did floristry begin, and how has it evolved? In this guide, we'll delve into the role that flowers and flower arranging has played throughout history, from the divine offerings of the Ancient Egyptians to the secret messages of the Victorians. 

Ancient Egypt (2800 BC to 28 BC)
Archaeological evidence has shown that flower arranging dates back as early as the Ancient Egyptian civilisation. The Ancient Egyptians prized flowers, using blooms in religious ceremonies, banquets and even in daily life. Flowers were not just for decoration – though they were displayed in wealthy homes – but as a way to communicate to the divine powers. Seen as symbols of life, death and regeneration, they were often used as offerings to the gods. Papyrus and the lotus were both revered as sacred flowers, as they were grown along the shores of the Nile. 

Evidence for the Ancient Egyptians’ love of beautiful blooms comes not just from paintings and carvings, in which flowers frequently appear, but in the incredible preservation of flowers over millennia. When the tomb of Pharoah Tutankhamun was opened, archaeologists discovered floral garlands of cornflowers, olive leaves and lotus petals had been draped over his coffins, with the dark, air-tight conditions of the tomb preserving them for 3,000 years. 

Ancient Greece (600–150 BC)
Flowers held significant meaning to the Ancient Greeks, playing a central role in mythology. In fact, though floriography as we know it today is often attributed to the Victorians, much of the symbolism we associate with blooms stems from the Ancient Greeks. The red rose, for example, plays a central role in the legend of Aphrodite, who is said to have pricked her foot on a thorn while rushing to save her lover Adonis, turning a once white rose red with her blood – hence the red rose’s association with passionate love. 

It’s little wonder, then, that floristry also played an important role in the Ancient Greek civilisation, serving as decoration in homes, religious offerings, ceremonies and also as clothing. Guests attending symposia (drinking parties) would wear floral wreaths of roses, violets and myrtle on their heads, and celebrated citizens and athletes were awarded with laurel wreaths or floral crowns. Flowers were also used as gifts for the gods, decorating temples and graves.

Ancient Rome (28 BC–325 AD)
The Romans adored flowers and used them lavishly to decorate banquettes, honour heroes and praise the gods. They associated beautiful blooms with their goddess Flora, and viewed them as symbols of wealth, power and beauty. Instead of traditional vase displays, the Romans favoured floral garlands and wreaths, made using roses, lilies and hyacinths. 

The rose was of particular significance during the Roman era. Dies Rosationis, also known as Rosalia or Day of Rose-adornment, was an annual memorial that took place in late May and saw Romans decorate the graves and burial sites of their relatives and ancestors with roses and violets. This has heavily influenced memorials in the modern day, particularly the custom of placing flowers on a grave. 

French Floral History (Baroque, Rococo and Empire periods)
The Baroque era was a period of bold expression, through architecture, art, sculpture, music and literature. Naturally, flowers echoed this, with lavish, symmetrical displays in vibrant colours. Exotic tulips were popular in bouquets, in a nod to the luxury and prosperity of the Dutch Golden Age. Flowers regularly appeared in artwork, with grand, overflowing arrangements painted in vibrant shades. 

A daintier style followed in the Rococo period (1730s–1760s), in which a more feminine, softer palette and smaller design style reigned supreme. Flower arrangements were narrower and tighter, and starred roses and hydrangeas in pastel shades.

In the Empire period (1804-1814), designs became triangular and simple, influenced by the military symbolism of time.

Georgian Floral History (1700s–1819)
Flowers during the Georgian era were considered more functional than aesthetic, selected for their high fragrance rather than their beauty. This was the era before plumbing and proper ventilation, so flowers were a natural air freshener for unpleasant household smells. Nosegays – more commonly known as posies in the modern era – were small handheld arrangements of flowers that herbs that were carried to block out the bad odours of crowded towns and cities.   

Victorian Floral History (1820–1901)
The Victorians are who we have to thank for the modern interpretation of floriography, or the language of flowers. In an era of strict rules and social etiquette, flowers were an opportunity to convey certain sentiments and messages, with different blooms and colours symbolising different emotions. The bouquets themselves were typically tight and round, densly packed with flowers and lots of foliage. Nosegays continued to be popular, and were used as a way to convey secret messages during courtship.

Floristry styles differ across the world, but three main styles stand out: Ikebana, English Garden, and modern/contemporary.

Ikebana

Originating in Japan, Ikebana – which translates to 'giving life to flowers – is a style of arranging known for its simplicity. It focuses on developing closeness with nature and is often viewed as an art form comparable to paintings and sculptures. It is admired worldwide.

English Garden

Traditionally English in style, these arrangements feature seasonal flowers and foliage. Taller vase displays are common. Typical flowers include roses, gardenia, camellia, delphinium and peonies.

Modern/Contemporary

Modern arrangements use linear designs and often lack symmetry. They typically feature experimental colours and textures. Common flowers include orchids, Bird of Paradise and protea.