The History of Flower Giving: From Ancient Times to Today

Flowers have been one of humanity’s favorite ways to convey emotions, foster connections, and express love, gratitude, and sympathy for thousands of years. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or simply to brighten someone’s day, flower giving is a tradition that resonates across all cultures. From ancient rituals to modern-day celebrations, the journey of gifting flowers is a fascinating one that reflects our shared values and evolving customs. Today, with online flower delivery in Calgary and beyond, sending flowers has become even easier, allowing us to share sentiments with our loved ones anytime and anywhere.
In this article, we’ll take a walk through history, exploring the roots of flower giving from ancient civilizations to the present, looking at how flowers became the ultimate symbol of human connection.

The Origins of Flower Giving in Ancient Civilizations

The tradition of giving flowers as gifts has roots that go back to ancient times. From Egypt to Greece to Rome, flowers were not just decorative; they held profound symbolic and religious significance.

Ancient Egypt

In Ancient Egypt, flowers were central to religious practices and ceremonies. Egyptians believed flowers were sacred, offering blooms to the gods and using them in rituals and decorations. The blue lotus, for example, was considered a symbol of rebirth and was often placed in tombs to honor the deceased and protect their spirits. Floral arrangements were elaborate and symbolized purity, beauty, and life.

Ancient Greece

Greeks used flowers in mythology and storytelling, associating different blooms with gods and goddesses. They viewed flowers as divine symbols, with each one carrying its own myth and meaning. Flowers also served as decor in ceremonies and were given as tokens of affection among loved ones, setting a foundation for the tradition of flower giving in personal relationships.

Ancient Rome

In Rome, flowers were also symbolic, but their use was primarily in festivities and to celebrate victories. Romans adorned their homes and streets with flowers during celebrations and gave them as gifts to express admiration or love.

Flower Symbolism in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, flower symbolism became more refined and widespread. This era saw the development of floriography, or the language of flowers, where each flower and color came to represent specific emotions or messages.

Flower Symbolism in Turkey

In Turkey, the concept of associating flowers with symbolic meanings took shape in a system known as “selam.” Turks assigned messages to different flowers, which could then be used to convey specific emotions without the need for words. This practice spread throughout Europe, where it would later take root and flourish.

The Influence on European Culture

By the late Middle Ages, the idea of sending flowers to convey messages became popular in Europe. This tradition provided a discreet way for people to express feelings, especially in societies where open displays of emotion were frowned upon.

The Rise of Floriography in Victorian England

The Victorian era, in particular, stands out for its elaborate use of flower symbolism. This period in the 19th century witnessed a boom in the popularity of flowers as a means of communication.

The Language of Flowers

In Victorian England, people were often reluctant to express their emotions openly. Instead, they communicated through flowers, which held specific meanings that could convey love, friendship, jealousy, sorrow, or joy. With a bouquet, individuals could express complex sentiments, sending hidden messages to friends or lovers.

Courtship and Romantic Messages

Courtship in the Victorian era often revolved around floriography, as lovers exchanged bouquets to convey messages that they couldn’t speak aloud. An arrangement of roses, lilies, or carnations could tell someone, “I love you” or even “I forgive you,” depending on the selection and presentation of the flowers.

Presentation and Arrangement

Even the way flowers were arranged or handed to someone was meaningful. A bouquet presented upright conveyed a positive message, while presenting it upside down reversed the sentiment.

Flower Giving in Asia: Japan’s Ikebana and China’s Floral Traditions

While flower giving spread across the West, similar traditions were developing in Asia. In Japan and China, flowers have long held cultural and spiritual significance, celebrated through artistic practices and traditional gifting.

Japan’s Ikebana

In Japan, the art of Ikebana, or flower arranging, is a centuries-old practice that began as early as the 7th century. Ikebana is a disciplined art form that emphasizes harmony, balance, and simplicity. Gifting an Ikebana arrangement shows a deep sense of respect and appreciation and remains a beautiful way to convey sentiments through the art of flowers.

China’s Floral Symbolism

Chinese culture also has rich floral symbolism, with specific flowers representing virtues such as loyalty, purity, and longevity. Orchids, chrysanthemums, and plum blossoms are among the “Four Gentlemen” in Chinese culture, each symbolizing different aspects of life and character. Gifting flowers in China is a thoughtful gesture, often chosen carefully to suit the occasion or recipient’s personality.

The Global Spread of Flower Giving in the 20th Century

As transportation and communication advanced, flower giving became more accessible and popular worldwide. The 20th century witnessed the evolution of flower gifting from a symbolic act to a common gesture in everyday life.

Wartime and Remembrance

During wartime, flowers like poppies became symbols of remembrance, especially after World War I. The image of the red poppy became an enduring symbol of hope, honoring the sacrifices of soldiers.

Commercialization of Floristry

With the advent of modern floristry, flowers became more accessible to the general public. By the mid-20th century, flowers were no longer limited to the elite or special ceremonies; they became a gift suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday expressions of appreciation.

The Modern Era: Online Flower Delivery and Global Accessibility

Today, the tradition of giving flowers is more alive than ever, thanks to technology and the growth of online flower delivery services. From New York to Calgary, online flower delivery has revolutionized the way we send flowers, making it easy to reach out to loved ones with a thoughtful bouquet, no matter the distance.

Online Flower Delivery in Calgary and Beyond

With online flower delivery in Calgary, you can celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or just make someone smile with a few clicks. Whether you’re sending roses, lilies, or a mixed arrangement, online delivery services make it possible to show you care anytime, anywhere.

Personalization and Customization

The digital age allows people to customize their flower arrangements to reflect their unique sentiments. Many online flower delivery services in Calgary offer options to add personalized notes, choose from a variety of arrangements, and even select seasonal flowers for a truly unique gift.

Sustainable Floristry

Sustainability is also becoming important in the floral industry. Today’s consumers are more eco-conscious, and many florists are sourcing locally grown flowers to reduce environmental impact. Online flower delivery in Calgary often includes options for locally sourced, eco-friendly flowers, making it easier than ever to give meaningful, eco-conscious gifts.

The Emotional Impact of Flowers Today

Flowers continue to be a universal gift because they embody beauty, warmth, and human connection. Studies show that flowers can have a significant impact on emotional well-being, uplifting moods, and creating a sense of peace and comfort.

Celebrating Life’s MomentsFrom weddings to graduations to sympathy bouquets, flowers mark both the joyful and somber moments of life. They’re an expression of presence, offering a reminder that someone cares, even if they can’t be physically there.

Building Bonds Through Flower Giving

In a world increasingly reliant on technology for communication, flower giving remains a deeply personal act. Online flower delivery in Calgary and other cities ensures that this tradition continues, allowing people to maintain close connections despite physical distance.

The Bottom Line

The history of flower giving reveals how a simple bloom can carry layers of meaning, bridging distances, expressing emotions, and bringing joy across cultures and eras. From the sacred lotus of Ancient Egypt to the hidden messages of Victorian bouquets, flowers have been, and will always be, a symbol of connection and compassion.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, offering condolences, or just making someone’s day brighter, flowers are a timeless gift. With online flower delivery in Calgary, it’s never been easier to share in this age-old tradition, delivering beauty and sentiment to those who matter most.