It’s a normal thing today to give flowers as a sign of sympathy, care, and love. But who taught us to do it? Where does this custom come from? There are a few versions of where this tradition originates from.
Was It The Bible To Teach Us To Give Flowers?
Actually, there is an interesting story about Adam and Eve, who lived in Paradise that was filled with beautiful plants:
- Green caring grass;
- Nourishing fruit trees;
- Colorful fields of flowers.
After they had been expelled from Paradise, they felt really depressed and sad. This is why Adam decided to try and bring back the smile to Eve’s lips by recreating the piece of Paradise. He was looking for flowers everywhere to surround his beloved Eve with beauty and divine aroma and finally came across a huge field that was covered with many colorful flowers. Adam picked them up and gave them to Eve as a huge bouquet. Since then has continued the custom of making bouquets and baskets of flowers to make women happy.
What About Ancient Times?
Another legend connects the custom of giving flowers with the rites of sacrifice to the Mother of God in Ancient Greece and afterward the Roman Empire. She was a symbol of femininity, love, family well-being, and fertility. As a sign of recognition and honor, ancient people laid out paths of herbs and flowers for her and decorated their houses with flowers to worship her. Over the time, this ritual of bringing flowers spread to many countries all over the world and these days successfully continues. However, nowadays, we can easily order fresh flower delivery anytime with no need to wait for the spring or summer, as well as create bouquets ourselves.
How Did Flowers Become A Sign of Recognition?
Maria Taglioni – the star of the French theatrical stage – taught her audience to bring her flowers to express their admiration and recognition. With time this tradition has gradually transformed and not only actresses started receiving flowers. Now if you want to show your special attitude to somebody, support or just express your admiration – flowers are the most suitable and elegant way to do it. Surely there are no proofs that one or another version is 100% true. But most traditions develop gradually, originating from various activities and resulting into the customs that would most organically fit the times and habits of each generation. One thing is clear: nowadays, no significant event is complete without flowers.