Today flower arranging is a much-revered skill, with some professionals earning exceptional salaries for their artistic skill and the service they bring to others. From creating tasteful wreaths for lost loved ones to enhancing celebrations like weddings and anniversaries with astonishing displays, flower arrangements have an important place in our society.

Far more than a fad, flower arranging is a time-honoured tradition and we have been creating displays with different blooms as far back as 2,500 BCE. In the next sections we’ll take a closer look at how people of the ancient worlds arranged their flowers and some of the blooms they chose to include.

Ancient Egypt

The earliest sign of flower arrangements dates all the way back in time to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians often put cut flowers within vases and created stylised arrangements for everything from stately processions and burials to simple table decorations.

Flower garlands were worn by loved ones who would carry them to leave at tombs. Garlands included narcissus, delphinium and blue scilla, and tombs dated to the time of Cleopatra have wall paintings that depict roses.

Ancient Greece and Rome

Both the Romans and Greeks used flowers, favouring wreaths and garlands rather than vases. Flowers and foliage were artfully combined for weddings or awarded as prizes for Olympic winners and victors in battle. Popular choices for foliage included acorns, ivy, and leaves from bay and oak trees, while the flowers preferred included hyacinths, roses, violets, lilies, and honeysuckles. Other flowers were chosen specifically for their colour, shape, and form such as tulips, marigolds, and larkspur.

Ancient China

With flower arrangements dating back to 207 BCE, the Chinese also saw blooms as a vital part of both medicine and religious teaching. Cut flowers were placed on alters by Taoists, Buddhists, and those who practised Confucianism. However, Buddhists took minimal cuttings from plants in line with their teachings, which forbids the taking of life.

Flowers were arranged in baskets with different symbolic meanings. Orchids and tiger lilies symbolised fertility and peonies, honoured as the “King of Flowers” were a symbol of good fortune and wealth. Later, urns and chalices were used for arrangements that would include carnations, daisies, and brightly coloured fruit.