Military build up and stronger partnership with US
Whether it's a birthday, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or a bereavement, giving a bouquet of flowers as a gift has been a consistent practice through changing times and cultures.
But when did gifting flowers begin? This gallery covers all you need to know about the history of giving flowers, from its ancient Egyptian origins to floriography in 19th-century England and its place in the modern day. Curious to know more? Simply click to discover.
The oldest flowers in the world date back to the Cretaceous Period more than 130 million years ago. They were barely visible to the human eye and were almost unrecognizable as flowers.
Flowering plants and insects aided each other's evolution, with flowers developing strong fragrances and appealing colors. It was these traits that appealed to early human societies.
The history of gifting flowers originated in ancient Egypt, where they were used as offerings to the gods. Flowers were also placed on pharaohs' tombs with the belief that they would ward off evil spirits.
The ancient Egyptians assigned meaning to lotus flowers, associating them with rebirth and the sun.
The practice of gifting flowers continued in ancient Greece, where they held central roles in rituals, weddings, and festivals.
The art of flower arranging, or Ikebana, emerged during the 7th century. Ikebana soon became a popular gift-giving practice, especially during special occasions like weddings and funerals.
The cherry blossom, or sakura, has been revered since the Heian period (794 - 1185) and is associated with the transient nature of life due to its short bloom.
The practice of gifting flowers in China dates back to the Tang Dynasty when flowers were often given to express love and affection.
Lei-giving (a garland or necklace of flowers) is an ancient Hawaiian tradition that symbolizes love, friendship, honor, or greeting. It is often gifted as a gesture to say hello, goodbye, or congratulations.
In India, flowers have been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. They are often offered to gods and goddesses to show devotion and gratitude.
The tradition of giving meaning to each flower began in Turkey and spread to Europe.
During the medieval period, flowers became tokens of courtship for chivalrous knights.
In the Victorian era of 19th-century England, floriography, or the language of flowers, was used as a way to communicate feelings covertly.
In 1884, Kate Greenaway published 'Language in Flowers,' a floriography dictionary that provided the meaning of different flowers and their significance in floral arrangements.
In Kate Greenaway's 'Language in Flowers,' blue violets in a bouquet signify faithfulness.
In the Victorian era, even the position of the flower added to the overall meaning. For example, if flowers were given to someone using the right hand, it would answer "yes" to a question. Flowers given with the left hand would signify "no."
Floristry, the production, arrangement, and sale of cut flowers, developed in the mid-19th century.
In 1884, the Society of American Florists was established in Chicago to advance floral artistry and boost sales. As the 20th century began, floral shops further popularized and commercialized the tradition of giving flowers.
In 1914, Mother's Day became an official US holiday, and it received enthusiastic support from the floral industry. Around 23 million flowers are sold annually to celebrate this special occasion.
The act of giving Valentine's Day flowers began in the early 18th century. According to the Society of American Florists, 250 million roses are produced for the holiday.
While floriography isn't as popular today as it was in the 19th century, some flowers continue to have specific meanings. Giving someone red roses still represents feelings of love and desire.
In many cultures, white lilies are still traditionally given at weddings, representing purity and new beginnings, and funerals as a symbol of grief and remembrance.
A nod to floriography was featured in Kate Middleton's 2011 wedding bouquet, which included Sweet William blossoms, representing gallantry and referencing Prince William, her husband-to-be.
While some carnations make excellent gifts, avoid sending yellow ones as they symbolize rejection and disdain.
Avoid sending petunias as they symbolize resentment and anger (unless you want to let the recipient know you're mad at them.)
If you're considering gifting someone a bouquet of flowers, seek out a florist to help you create a beautiful arrangement and convey a message that can't be expressed through words.
Modern technology has changed the way we give flowers. With floral emojis and virtual bouquets, "giving" flowers can be as simple as sending a text or email.
With online florists and international deliveries, bouquets can travel across continents to brighten someone's day, sending a message of affection and connection anywhere in the world.
Sources: (History Facts) (Lovingly)
The fascinating history of giving flowers
From ancient Egypt to present day
LIFESTYLE Gift giving
Whether it's a birthday, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or a bereavement, giving a bouquet of flowers as a gift has been a consistent practice through changing times and cultures.
But when did gifting flowers begin? This gallery covers all you need to know about the history of giving flowers, from its ancient Egyptian origins to floriography in 19th-century England and its place in the modern day. Curious to know more? Simply click to discover.