Dried flowers are a type of decoration that has been around for centuries. The oldest preserved flowers were found in a Roman tomb in Egypt and are over 2000 years old. Today, you can find these flowers on display at the British Museum. Many of the things we use in our daily lives have their origins in Rome or Egypt, and dried flowers are no different.
Dried flower arrangements are popular because they are a way to enjoy the beauty of flowers year-round. People have been pressing, preserving, and drying flowers for centuries, but it was the Victorians who perfected the process. Dried flowers have both tangible and perceived benefits. They are a natural way to surround oneself with beauty, and they have a calming effect.
Here, we’ll take a quick look at the colourful history of dried flowers:
Ancient Origins of Dried Flowers
Flowers have been used for centuries as a way to add beauty and decoration to homes and gardens. Dried flowers are a popular choice for floral arrangements and wreaths, as they add a touch of elegance and can last for months.
While fresh flowers are often seen as a symbol of new beginnings, dried flowers have a more subdued, nostalgic quality. This is likely due to their association with ancient civilizations, which used them for both practical and ceremonial purposes.
The ancient Egyptians were some of the first to use dried flowers in their art. They would often adorn their tombs and temples with beautiful arrangements, as they believed that flowers would help the deceased reach the afterlife. The Egyptians also used dried flowers for medicinal purposes, grinding them into powders to make healing ointments.
The ancient Greeks also made use of dried flowers. They would often decorate their homes and public spaces with wreaths and garlands made of dried lavender, rosemary, and other herbs. These herbs were thought to ward off evil spirits and promote good health. The Greeks also used dried flowers as offerings to their gods and goddesses.
The ancient Romans continued the tradition of using dried flowers for decoration and ceremony. They would often adorn their homes and public spaces with wreaths and garlands made of dried roses, lilies, and other flowers. The Romans also used dried flowers to make perfumes and incense.
Dried flowers have a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. They are a beautiful way to add a touch of elegance to any home or garden and can last for months when properly cared for.
Dried Flowers in the Middle Ages: Perfecting Oshibana
Dried flowers have been used in the art for centuries, and the Japanese art of oshibana is a perfect example of this. Oshibana is the art of arranging dried flowers, and it dates back to the 7th century.
The first recorded use of oshibana was in the Nara period when Buddhist monks would use dried flowers to decorate their altars. The flowers were often selected for their symbolic meaning, and the arrangements were meant to represent the Buddha’s teachings.
Oshibana really began to take off in the Edo period, when it became popular among the samurai class. The samurai would often give oshibana arrangements to their loved ones as gifts, and the practice soon spread to the general population.
During the Meiji period, oshibana became even more popular, and it began to be used as a form of self-expression. Artists would create arrangements that reflected their own personal style, and many of them began to sign their work.
Conclusion
Dried flower arrangements have a long and varied history, with many different meanings and uses. Today, they are still popular for their beauty and versatility and can be found in many different settings. Whether you choose dried flowers for their aesthetic value, or for their more traditional uses, they are sure to add a touch of elegance to any setting.
Dried Flower is the trusted home of premium dried flower arrangements that you can have delivered in and around Melbourne. Get your dried flowers from us today!
