Modern Brush

Although in modern times, fresh flowers are mostly considered ornamental, throughout human history, flowers were used for more than birthday gifts or nice gestures. In modern American times, we are most familiar with flowers given as presents, such as with gift baskets, or used in landscaping. However, flowers have played a pivotal role in many other cultural and social arenas throughout the ages.

Religion

In religion, flowers and plants were used in ceremonies of many types. Amaranth was sacred to the Greek goddess of the hunt. Artemis’ temples were often decorated with amaranth blossoms both because it represented immortality and as a decoration for the tombs. Bay laurel was thought to be sacred to the Greek god Apollo; his devotees lay laurel wreaths at the feet of his statues in hopes of gaining his favor. Similarly, peonies were thought to protect shepherds and their flocks by invoking the power of the moon. Considered holy by the Druids, the yew tree was found in many sacred religious sites, and the lotus flower, significant to Buddhists, invokes the powerful message from Buddha that even among the dregs beauty emerges.

Even pre-historic gravesites of ancient people indicate that flowers held great significance for these groups. Archaeologists have unearthed burial sites that were once heaped with fresh flowers. Although the flowers themselves had long disintegrated, evidence of their presence remained in the soil surrounding the remains. Before humankind had any recorded language, the beauty of blossoms was used to convey adoration for loved ones.

Culture

Modern weddings still pay homage to the traditional importance of flowering plants. These customs have both practical and cultural significance. The flower girl strews rose petals before the bride approaches as a matter of ritual, but her actions sweeten the air as the fresh flowers are crushed underfoot by the bridal party, releasing fragrance. Culturally, the practice originates in Roman times, when a girl bearing grains and herbs preceded the bride and groom to invoke prosperity and plenty for the pair. As the bride throws the bouquet, once used to mask unpleasant human odors, she is now signifying the “next in line” for a bridal walk

In cultural celebrations, flowers are used in hundreds of ways. The American Thanksgiving Day Parade presents hundreds of floats decorated with daisies, sunflowers, baby’s breath, mums, and many other types of blooms. Plants are arranged in fantastical shapes and themes to cover body of the float. Oftentimes, these floats also have people riding on them, waving to crowds. Portland also hosts the annual Rose Festival, which displays thousands of roses. A parade launches the festival, which includes food vendors and a carnival along the Willamette River. Portland is known for its amazing starter garden in which multitudes of rose cultivars are displayed for the public to enjoy.

In Asia, many festivals revolve around flowers. In the Philippines, the Baguio Flower Festival in Manila is studded with gigantic sunflowers. Headdresses are adorned with fresh flowers and the fragrance of a thousand blooms fills the air, while sculptures made of tropical flowers take the shape of butterflies and animals. In Thailand, the annual Flower Festival in Chiang Mai draws thousands of tourists and locals. In vibrant costumes, people walk the streets and ride floats bedecked with plants and blossoms. In India, the Fulaich Festival takes place to honor beloved ancestors and pray for their tranquility during a flower-watching ritual.

Flowers continue to mark modern traditions and cultural customs. The good fortune of receiving flower deliveries may seem a small pleasure, but it derives from a joyous celebration of floral appreciation that has existed for ages.

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