The History of Floral Design
§Egyptian §Greek §Chinese §Roman §Byzantine §Middle Ages §Japanese §Renaissance §Baroque §Flemish §English Georgian §Victorian §Modern America
Egyptian §Egyptians wore garlands or wreaths of flowers on their heads.
Greek § Wreaths were presented to outstanding athletes to symbolize victory and dedication §Cornucopia-horn of plenty
Chinese §Philosophies that influenced Chinese designs l Confucius l Buddhism l Folklore
Chinese §Seasons-flowers that symbolized each l Winter-White-blossomed plum l Spring-Peony l Summer-Lotus l Fall-Chrysanthemum
Roman §Roses were used at evening and formal occasions
Byzantine §Symmetrical, conical tree style designs
Middle Ages §Little known except that Floral designs were portrayed in Persian art
Japanese §Known as Ikebana, meaning the arrangement of living plant materials §Shin-Soe-Tai standing for heaven, earth, and man
Renaissance §Period of great change
Baroque §The crescent shape became popular
Flemish §The designs were portrayed in paintings
English Georgian §Nosegay-handheld floral arrangement carried by men as body deodorants §Tuzzy-muzzy-small nosegays placed in bowls to freshen odors in the home. Believed to keep away germs and diseases
Victorian §Were poorly designed
Modern American §Corsages became popular