The History of Floral Design and Flower Arrangements

The History of the World in Flowers:

The human race is a creative bunch, and evidence of this adorns the walls of ancient structures and tombs in Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Japan and other ancient cultures. Whether as a symbol of homage to their gods, or a token of love for a special person, ancient people used flowers in much the same way as Flowers Brisbane do today, to create beautiful floral designs.

Different cultures used different types of flowers and foliage, depending on what was available to them. The Greeks and Romans are the most familiar to us, and we have all seen pictures or movies of Caesar wearing a laurel wreath, which was how most flowers were displayed. Rather than use containers, they weaved the flowers and foliage into garlands and wreaths for both their body and furniture. They also tossed the petals randomly under the feet of approaching dignitaries, or onto beds or lounges.

The Egyptians placed cut flowers in vases or urns, and were very expressive in their use of floral design, creating large and elaborate displays for religious or ceremonial occasions. Flower arrangements and garlands were an important part of their culture, chosen for their symbolic significance. Different blooms would be chosen for different occasions. The ancient Egyptians placed garlands and flowers at the entrance to tombs of loved ones, similar to the way in which we decorate cemetery graves.

Across the world, as early as 220 AD, the Han Dynasty in China was using flowers in religious ceremonies, and in herbal medicine. The ancient Chinese loved and appreciated flowers so much that they placed fresh cut flowers in their temples, and created art works illustrating flowers on scrolls, silk fabric, vases, plates and items of embroidery. They also used floral designs in jewellery-making, creating works from jade, wood, bronze and ivory.

Other cultural and religious groups such as Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian and Byzantine also revered flowers and used them for religious and creative expression. The Byzantines particularly liked cone-shaped arrangements which were also decorated with fruit, cypress, pine and ribbons.

Europe lagged behind in the discovery of floral art, but once the Dark Ages passed, people looked for ways to express their delight at this more positive environment. Churches and monasteries led the way with large, decorative arrangements which included both flowers and food, and also new and exotic varieties brought back from the Holy Land after the Crusades.

The Italian Renaissance brought floral art to prominence, and experimentation saw the development of many different styles of arrangements, and a wide variety of containers and methods of supporting the displays. Since those times, flower arrangements have become accepted and fashionable for all kinds of use. They are part of the décor of all kinds of interior designs, used in workplaces, churches, on ceremonial occasions and others too numerous to list.

Equally loved and appreciated by both male and female, the beauty of floral arrangements done by Florist Brisbane gives a lift to any jaded spirit. From the very beginnings of civilisation to the present day, there is something about the gentle beauty of a flower that expresses love and care.