Ever wonder how flowers and floral arrangements became a part of our lives?
We give flowers to show love, express sympathy, decorate our homes, and our graves. We send them as get well gestures to ailing friends and loved ones. We decorate our weddings and our special parties with them. Sometimes we buy them for ourselves because they make us happy due to their beauty and scent.
Where did flower arranging begin and how did it evolve through the ages? Read on for a short history of flower arranging and to find out where we are today with cannabis inspired arrangements.
Egypt
The history of floral arrangements begins in Egypt with highly stylized, simple, symmetrical styles that were applied in making garlands and decorating banquets. Flowers were also used in funeral processions and in burials.
Greece and Rome
Flowers were used profusely by Greeks and Romans to decorate hair, homes, banquets, and festivities. Lovers also exchanged gifts of flowers. Displays were lavish, particularly in Rome.
China and Japan
Simplicity, shape, and symbolism played a part in creating soothing, spiritually oriented designs that impart a mood of tranquility and peacefulness upon the viewer.
European Middle Ages
Flowers and herbs were revered for their medicinal and healing properties, while decorative flowers were placed in vases. All in all, there was a spiritual component to design along with an attitude of utility towards flowers.
Renaissance and Baroque
We only need to look at the paintings of the two eras to see how the attitude from the Medieval period had shifted. Arrangements during these periods were lavish and lush and fruits and leaves were incorporated into arrangements.
Dutch/ Flemish Style
Still imitated and incredibly beautiful, Dutch arrangements featured tulips, fruits, insects and strewn petals. Often flowers were arranged in blue and white tulipieres.
Victorian
Lush, messy, naturalistic, overdone and overblown, Victorian excess paved the way for more formality and standardized rules in flower arranging.
20th Century to the Present
Creativity is key, as is use of empty space. Asymmetry abounds, materials are not restricted and tension between elements creates a significant impact.
Cannabis inspired arrangements
Do they look good? To my eye, they look amazing in profuse, naturalistic bouquets and asymmetrical arrangements that incorporate blowzy flowers and natural pods and berries. Do they smell good? Well, probably not unless you like weed, but the high point is that you can smoke the cannabis after the rest of the bouquet dies off.