The History of Bridal Bouquets
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The History: The custom of bouquets has its origin in ancient times. Women carried aromatic bunches of garlic, herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits.
In ancient Greece and Rome, the bride and groom wore a garland around their necks, symbolizing new life, hope and fertility. Traditional Celtic bouquets included ivy, thistle and heather. The garland was not made of flowers but of strong-smelling herbs and spices. The strong-smells were thought to have mystical powers and meant to keep away evil spirits.
When Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, the herbs and spices had been replaced by fresh flowers, especially marigolds. Edible flowers were still included in the bouquet. The bride would carry her arrangement as she walked down the aisle. The dill from the bride's bouquet (also known as the herb of lust), was consumed by the bride, the groom, and their wedding guests during the reception, as the herb was meant to increase sexual desire.
In Victorian times, flowers became the secret messengers of lovers; each flower having its own meaning. It is believed that 'the flower language' began in Turkey during the seventeenth century. Lovers began using floral exchanges to convey messages. Thus bridal flowers were chosen with regard to their traditional significance.
Unfortunately many lovely flowers were assigned rather undeserved meanings. For many brides, these meanings continue to influence the types of flowers they included in their bouquets. These meanings were based on a science known as Florigraphy, 'the flower language'. Many flower lovers followed this language as it revealed underlying messages to sending and receiving flowers.
However in our modern times, brides pick their flowers on their lovely colours and shapes. Lovely blooms that suit their personality, bridal gown and their own unique style and taste.
