Hey there, flower children! We hope you're all feeling happy and cozy as the temperatures rise a bit -- this past weekend's weather was CRAZY, right?
The studio has calmed down a bit after the usual Valentine's Day craziness, and we thought it might be cool to do a little research into the historical context for gifting flowers (since, you know, a bajillion people gave and received flowers this past weekend). We all know that it feels good to give and get a bouquet, especially on a day like Valentine's, but where did this tradition come from?
The answer is pretty cool. According to Penn State Master Gardener Carolyn Black, many ancient myths, specifically those of the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese, tell stories of flower giving. The characters in these myths gave flowers as a way of communicating. The Victorian era, which wasn't super big on public displays of affection, adapted and refined these ancient flower giving practices as a way of discreetly communicating emotion and attachment. Black says that the giving of red roses demonstrated "passionate, romantic love" in Victorian times. Apparently, those guys knew what they were doing -- we bet a TON of you got a dozen reds this past weekend.
So, historically speaking, giving flowers has essentially always been (and continues to be) a meaningful way by which we communicate feeling. Next time you give or receive flowers, you can revel in the coolness of being part of an ancient tradition. And, you know, you'll have something pretty to put on your table.
'Til next time!
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