Chances are that when you arrange a flower deliver, you rarely think about the history behind your arrangement. But our flowers in the UK have a rich past that links them to ancient times and faraway places which is worth exploring. So here are some interesting stories about some of our most popular flowers.
Tulip
Although tulips may put you in mind of the Netherlands, you may be surprised to learn that tulips were first cultivated as garden flowers in Turkey at the beginning of the 16th century. In fact, the word “Tulipa” is the Latin version of the Persian word for turban. Tulip bulbs became big business as the European bulb trade took off in the 17th century. A “tulip mania” ensued where single bulbs were sold for more than 10 times the annual income of a skilled craftsman. The term “tulip mania” is now often used to refer to an economic bubble. Today the tulip is an inexpensive flower and comes in all the colours of the rainbow. Perfect if you’re looking for a flower delivery to brighten someone’s day.
Violet
Did you know that violets are closely associated with Napoleon? When he was banished to Elba, Napoleon vowed that he would return in the spring with the violets,. He thus became known as “Caporal Violette” and the violet became the emblem for all those who supported him. The question “Do you like violets?” became secret code for “Are you a supporter of Napoleon?”
Daisy
The word daisy is a corruption of day’s eye from the Old English “dages eage”, so called because it is said to close its lashes to sleep when the sun sets. Superstition surrounds the flowering of the daisy and if you fail to tread lightly on the first daisy you see in the spring, daisies will grow over your grave – or that of a loved one – before the year ends. Gerberas which are part of the daisy family are the fifth most used cut flower in the world (after rose, carnation, chrysanthemum and tulip) and a very popular choice in flower deliveries.
Lavender
The generic name for Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is indirectly from the Latin lavare which means “ to wash”. For many centuries the plant has been used to scent bath water and soap. Lavender was established in England by the Romans and cultivated on a large scale in London. (Lavender Hill in Battersea is a reminder of this.) But beware, superstition says that if the plant thrives in a garden, the daughter in the house will remain unwed as lavender grows only in an old maid’s garden. Perhaps not the best flowers to send to your unmarried female friend.
Rosemary
In ancient times, rosemary was regarded as a love oracle. If a girl wished to dream of her future husband she would place a sprig of rosemary and a sixpence under her pillow. Rosemary also played an important part in the marriage ceremony. Rosemary was included in the bridal bouquet and after the wedding, one of the bridesmaids would plant a sprig in the garden of the newlyweds which would then, in time, be used by their daughter.
Sunflower
Sunflowers are native to Peru and Mexico and many indigenous American people used the sunflower as the symbol of their solar deity, including the Aztecs, the Otomi of Mexico and the Incas in South America.The outline of sunflowers can be traced in the sculptures of the ancient temples. Likenesses of sunflowers were fashioned out of gold and wore by priestesses. Sunflower seeds were a fertility symbol and eaten during religious rites. Online florists report that in recent years, sunflowers have become a very popular choice.
