From corsages at homecoming to bouquets at weddings to arrangements at funerals, flowers seem to be in some way intertwined with all pivotal moments in life. Whether someone is sick, grieving or celebrating, sending flowers has always been a simple way to show care. But why?
The tradition of gifting flowers dates back thousands of years. In ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece and Rome, flowers were used in religious ceremonies and celebrations, with different meanings assigned to different flowers. These meanings evolved throughout history and eventually reached the Victorian era, where flowers had an incredibly specific role in the culture. During this time, people used flowers, or “floriography,” to express emotions that were frowned upon to say out loud. A specific bouquet could convey any number of messages, from love and gratitude to sorrow and grief.
While most people today do not know the exact meaning of every flower, their purpose of communication remains the same.
For UAHS junior Iris Bachey, flowers have been important from early on in life.
“Some of my earliest memories of flowers are when I used to dance as a little kid in elementary school. My dad would bring me flowers after recitals. I think that always made me happy, and it made me feel like I knew he was there for me, always,” Bachey said.
Flowers provide an easy way to express emotions for many people. In Bachey’s family, gifting flowers is a common occurrence.
“It’s become a pretty often thing, just an easy way to show love for each other,” she said.
According to Hannah Schmitz, who runs a small independent flower business in UA, holidays play a big part in keeping the tradition alive.
“[It is] tradition with a heavy emphasis on marketing–for example, for Valentine’s Day which is a hallmark holiday, red or pink roses fill every flower shop and grocery store. The association between the two has become a cultural norm,” Schmitz said.
But aside from romance and marketing, flowers can hold memories as well.
“Flowers represent life, seasonal change and memories–both good memories and bad. The smell of lilacs reminds me of the farm I grew up on. Tulips bring me joy knowing warm weather and sunshine on the way,” Schmitz said.
For Fred Salmons, the owner and founder of Flower Galaxy, the importance of flowers lies in their emotional versatility.
“It’s a way [people] can express their emotions, whether they’re mourning something or celebrating something. It just adds a little more special touch to what you’re trying to convey,” Salmons said.
Throughout centuries of change in all aspects of life, flowers have remained an important part of culture and communication, and will likely continue for generations into the future.
