Flowers and Weddings.

A flower bouquet is a collection of flowers in a creative arrangement.

There are different kinds including nosegay, crescent, and cascading bouquets. Flower bouquets are often given for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries They are also used extensively in weddings. Traditionally the bride will hold the bouquet, and the maid of Honour 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. This practice may be related to the Golden Apple of Discord myth.

An apple of discord are references to the Golden Apple of Discord which, according to Greek mythology the goddess Eris said that she would give “to the fairest” at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, sparking a vanity-fuelled dispute between Hera, Athena and Aphrodite that eventually led to the Trojan War. Even before flower bouquets were used by brides in wedding they were used in a different form of art. They appeared as early as the 17th century and possibly earlier. Flower bouquets were captured in paintings and on pottery as decorations.

The art of arranging flowers was first documented in the 17th century, when the Dutch, 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.

In years past, as a matter of tradition, an upper class bride was required to hold a bouquet of roses or flowers as she walked down the aisle to prevent body odour from spreading and to drive away evil spirits.

A nosegay, posey (or  posy), flower bouquet or tussie-mussie is a small bunch of flowers 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 to mask the unpleasant smells of the time literally, to keep the nose gay (to keep the nose happy). In their current form, they rose to popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 onwards, at which time the tussie-mussie became a popular fashion accessory.

During the Roman era brides would carry bouquets of flowers, herbs and some spices in with their outfits to ward off evil spirits and bring luck to the union. The softness and fragility of a flower has always been compared with the beauty of a woman thus possibility popularising its propriety in the wedding rites.

Cymbidium orchids come in a multitude of hues and colours.

Other ancient peoples such as the Greeks favoured the use of Ivy in the belief that it was a sign of everlasting and unbreakable love and in the middle ages, the Arabs known as called Saracens used Orange Blossoms as it meant happiness and fulfilment for them. In the 1840′s the stylish Royal Queen Victoria chose the use of Marigolds for her rites for it symbolised creativity and passion. It was also referred to as “Herb of the Sun.

Flowers have now gone beyond the traditional value as harbingers of emotions and appreciation because of their aesthetic value, now even their fragrance has come into play. This has replaced the used of ancient herbs but now flowers are arranged with many kinds of fillers or sometimes even matched with other flowers, ribbons, lace and many other items. Flowers also are mostly seasonal so availability also will affect the cost of purchase and wisdom of the ages will suggest consulting your florist.

FLOWERS IN SEASON:

SUMMER:  Sweet pea, Delphinium, Agapanthus, Bouvardia, Hydrangea, Flannel flower, November Lilly, Water lilly, Stephanotis, Tuberose, Cornflower, Lavender, Dahlia, Liatris, Frangipani,  Catleya Orchids,  Scabious, Vanda  Orchid, Protea,  Fairy Statice,  Alstroemeria,  Pansy,  Lupin,  Daisy.

• AUTUMN:  Nerine, Camellia, Jonquil, Chrysanthemum, Tuberose, Azalea, Alstroemeria, Blushing Bride, Daphne, Polyanthus.

• WINTER:  Violet,  Tulip,  Camelia,  Hyacinth,  Jonquil,  Chrysanthemum,  Cymbidium Orchid.

• SPRING:   Daffodil, Camellia,  Azalea, Lilly of the Valley,  Jasmine,  Stock,  Lilac,  Flannel Flower, Polyanthus, Iris, Sweet Pea, Freesia, Tulip, Forget Me Not, Hyacinth, Bluebell, Grape Hyacinth, Cornflower, Violet, Stock,  Boronia,  Magnolia,  Peony,  Bella  Donna  Lilly,  Lillium,  Anemone.

• ALL YEAR ROUND:  Rose, Carnation, Phalaenopsis Orchid, Singapore Orchid, Anthirium, Gladiolus, Gardenia, Perennial  Gypsophila  (Baby’s Breath)

 

Jannie Kock and White Orchid 2010 Any unorthorised use and/or duplication of the content of this blog is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the blog’s owner. Excerpts and links may be used provided that full and clear credit is given to Jannie Kock and White Orchid with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Tagged: Bestman, Bouquets, Bridegroom, Brides, Bridesmaids, Flowergirl, Flowers, flowers in season, orchids, pageboy, ringbearer, roses, wedding bouquets, wedding flowers, Weddings

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