Floral History

Classical (Greek and Roman) and Byzantine Periods

Greek Period (600 – 146 B.C.)

• There is no record of Greeks arranging cut flowers in vases

• Designs of the time were garlands and wreaths made predominately of foliage.

• Fragrance and symbolism were important

Greek Period (600 – 146 B.C.)

• Wreaths and garlands were worn as signs of allegiance, honor, and love

• Books were written on proper etiquette for wearing a wreath or garland

• Often made of laurel

Greek Period (600 – 146 B.C.)

• Awarded to honor athletes, poets, civic leaders, victorious soldiers and other heroes.

• Worn at weddings and used to decorate interiors and exteriors of homes, statues, and graves.

Greek Period (600 – 146 B.C.)• Greeks were

the first of have professional florist… Garland Makers

• Flowers and petals were scattered on the ground

What is the object the person on the left is holding called?

• Haides and Persephone, as he pours fertility upon the earth…

Cornucopia• “Horn of Plenty”• It was container that held fruits, vegetables,

and flowers that was held upright and offered to the gods.

Americanized…

Liknon???

Roman Period (28 B.C. – 325 A.D)

• Flowers were used to make garlands and wreaths during this time period

• Plant material was used more elaborately than in the Egyptian or Greek periods

Roman Period (28 B.C. – 325 A.D)• Fragrance and color were way more important.

• Arrangements had heavy-headed flowers and were strewn over tables.

• Americanized…

Roman Festivals

• Roman Goddess Flora– Custodian of blossoming plants– Floralia Festival

• The city was decorated in flowers…

This festival is still held in most countries and is called???

May Day

Roman Period (28 B.C. – 325 A.D)• Began arranging flowers in baskets• Roman mosaic (2nd century) now displayed in

the Vatican showed a mix of flowers in various colors and forms

Byzantine Period (325 – 660 A.D.)

• This was in the Eastern Roman empire and Southwest Asia.

• Architecture had huge domes, spires, minarets, and use of mosaic tiles.

• Formality came about.

Spires Minarets

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic Tiles

Byzantine Flowers

• Pave – tightly placed blossoms in jewel tones that reflected the buildings

All information take from AIFD Guide to Floral Design