Flower Arrangement

Lesson 02 : The History Of Floral Design

Types of Flower Arrangements for Occasions

Flower Bouquets:
Floral bouquets are simple and easier to assemble than a formal flower arrangement. Bouquets made of roses are the most popular, followed by carnations, gerbera daisies and chrysanthemums.
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 honor 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

History:
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 odor from spreading and to drive away evil spirits

Flower Baskets:
Flower baskets are flower arrangements done in baskets of varied depths. Flowers for the floral baskets should therefore be chosen on the basis of the depth of the basket. They are very popular as gifts on special occasions like Christmas, Mother's day, etc. Cornucopia is horn-shaped wicker basket typically filled with various kinds of festive fruit and vegetables, very popular as gift on Thanks giving day.

Table Centerpieces:
Centerpieces are nothing but the normal floral arrangements, designed to be placed on tales when dinners are hosted on such occasions like Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, etc. one can convey a theme for the occasion using memorabilia or traditional decorations. The buffet table lends itself to an elaborate still life of flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Garland
A garland is a decorative wreath or cord, used at festive occasions, which can be hung round a person's neck, or on inanimate objects like Christmas trees. Originally garlands were made of flowers or leaves. Its a long tradition in India where flower garlands have an important role in every festival, when the deities are decorated with garlands made from different fragrant flowers (often Marigold) and leaves. Also fruit, vegetables and currency notes are worn as thanksgiving. Also in wedding the couple wears a wedding garland. In other occasions it is used to show respect to an individual person or statue (murti).

A Gajra is a flower garland which women in India and Bangladesh wear during traditional festivals. It is made usually of jasmine. It can be worn both on the bun and with the braid coiling. Women usually wear these when they wear sarees.

Floral Wreaths:
A floral arrangement in the form of a circular garland, usually woven of flowers and foliage, that traditionally indicates honor or celebration. Wreaths are especially very popular on funerals as a symbol of honoring the deceased. Besides, they are also very much used on occasions like Thanksgiving day and Christmas to welcome the guests as welcome wreaths when dinners are hosted.

A wreath is an assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs and/or various materials that is constructed to resemble a ring. They are used typically as Christmas decorations to symbolize the coming of Christ, also known as the Advent season in Christianity. They are also used as festive headdresses as attire in ceremonial events in many cultures around the globe. Wreaths have much history and symbolism associated with them. They are usually made from evergreens and symbolize strength, as evergreens last even throughout the harshest winters. Bay laurel may also be used, and these wreaths are known as laurel wreaths. The circular shape of the wreath is seen as a common symbol of eternity. The use of wreaths varies by culture, tradition and religions. In Christianity, it is used to prepare for Jesus’ birth and in many cultures around the world, wreaths are used in weddings as a headdress. The history behind wreaths dates back thousands of years and much of the symbolism lies with Greek mythology, Roman tradition with the present day usage being focused on Advent and for festive décor.

Since the classical use and symbolism of wreaths, the meaning and representation has taken on differing views, depending on the culture. In Christianity, wreaths are used to prepare for the Advent season or the ‘coming of Christ. The first known association with these now modern day wreaths dates back to the Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century. In 1839, Johann Hinrich Wichern used a wreath made from a cart wheel to educate children about the meaning and purpose of Christmas, as well as to help them count its approach. For every Sunday of Advent, starting with the fourth Sunday before Christmas, he would put a white candle in the wreath and for every day in between he would use a red candle. The Advent wreath is constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus and the circular shape of the wreath represents God himself, with no beginning and no end. The Advent wreath is now a popular symbol in preparation for the coming of Christ, to mark the beginning of the Christian Church’s year and as décor during the Christmas festivities.