Is there a floriographer in the house?

In my previous post I touched on the fact that flowers can have specific meanings. Floral symbols have been used by the ancient Greeks, early Chinese, Romans, Assyrians, Egyptians, and Indians, but the Victorian Era produced many books on the subject.

Also known as The Language of Flowers, floriography was a communication through flowers which allowed the expression of feelings that could not be spoken. In the Victoran Era, tussie mussies were the most popular way to send along a communication. Different flowers held different meanings, and it was possible to convey a lot through a variety of flowers in one bouquet.
However, it was important that the sender and receiver were both following the same dictionary, as there were differing ideas about what some flowers meant. A dictionary such as

The Language of Flowers by Kate Greenaway (1884) can still be found today.

One example I found is the meaning of a hugely popular flower, the Peony. It could mean "Happy Marriage" or "Good Fortune", but on the flip side it could mean "shame" and "bashfulness". Big difference, right?

It seems, though, that a red rose has the same meaning across the board. No wonder they are so popular still to send for Valentine's Day. No mixed signals there!

Why do we do it?

Sometimes I get to thinkin', which leads to questions, which if I'm lucky leads to answers...

Why do brides carry bouquets? I mean, they're pretty and all and look good in pictures, but why do we do it? What's the history? A quick Google search produced a few good theories, here are some satisfying answers:

The first recorded use of flowers in weddings dates to the ancient Greeks who considered them a gift from nature. Actually, the early "bouquets" were garlands worn on the heads of both bride and groom. Herbs such as rosemary and marjoram were common in the bridal crowns of Greek brides, as well as other herbs, bulbs and garlic.

rosemary

marjoram

These elements were thought to ward off evil spirits. Nuts and grains symbolized fertility, happiness, and wealth. Dill was said to be the herb of lust and a bride would only lust after her husband if she carried dill and garlic together; Sage was believed to be an herb of wisdom and the bride who carried sage and garlic together was believed to learn goodness and gather great wisdom.

dill

sage

In the Celtic tradition, the bride and groom wore garlands made of ivy, herbs, and spices for protection.

In Sweden, the groom traditionally carried thyme in his pockets and the bridesmaids carried bouquets of aromatic herbs to scare away any trolls.

thyme

It was not until the Victorian Era in England that bridal bouquets consisted entirely of flowers. Until modern times, a bride would choose her bouquet flowers based on symbolism, not on appearance.

Another common English tradition was for a flower girl to precede the bride on the pathway to the church, scattering flower blossoms; this was said to bless the bride with a lifetime of happiness and flowers.

And why do we throw petals (or blow bubbles, or light sparklers) as the bride and groom leave the reception? Another ancient wedding tradition was the throwing of confetti over the bridal couple. Confetti means sweets in Italian but it was common to throw rice, grain, nuts and sweets as well as more traditional flower petals as confetti; the throwing of confetti was meant to symbolize good luck, fertility, riches and sweet experiences for the bridal couple.

In India, the groom's brother scattered flower petals over the bridal couple at the end of the wedding ceremony to ward off evil spirits.

It seems as though flowers and herbs and most anything botanical were not only for looks, but were highly functional aspects of a wedding. Who wouldn't want to get as much good luck, happiness, and wealth as possible while discouraging evil spirits from tainting the marriage?

August Lecture Series

There are several events that The Hambidge Center offers for fellows and visitors alike. The August Lecture Series began today and every weekend is something of interest. Here are a couple in the series:

On August 14 there will be a Late Summer Exploratory Wildflower Walk. This will take about 2 hours and is open to everyone. Learn about native plants, including orchids, that are blooming.

Image from www.hambidge.org

On August 28th is an informative session on beekeeping with Bob Binnie, voted the 2003 Georgia State Beekeeper of the Year by the Georgia State Beekeepers Association. He has been tending the bee hives at Hambidge for almost 15 years. Owner of the Blue Ridge Honey Company, Bob will discuss the fascinating art of beekeeping and answer all your buzzing questions.

Honeybees are responsible for around 80% of insect pollination. Without them, there would be a severe decline in fruits and vegetables. They are also the only insect that provides a food consumed by humans. And honey itself has vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and even an antioxidant that promotes improved brain function.We owe a lot to these busy little... well, you know!

The Hambidge Beehives


Inside the beehive at Osage Farms Market, just down the road from Hambidge

Town and Country

As much as I love the city of Atlanta, I love the fact that it's not a far drive from the peace and beauty of North Georgia. With several lakes, waterfalls, national parks and the eastern front of the Appalachian Mountains, known as the Blue Ridge Mountains, the northern part of the state has a lot to offer.

One truly magical spot is up 441, just a few miles before you enter North Carolina. Just after Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and the Dillard House (yum!) is Betty's Creek Road on the left. 3.5 miles down is The Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences, where artists participate in residencies throughout the year. The mission is to provide the solitude, setting, and time necessary for creativity. Hambidge is a 600 acre tract of land with 9 cottage studios where fellows live and work for 2 to 8 weeks. The setting is pristine and provides a protected site for native plants and endangered species. In February 2009 I had the opportunity to attend this program and the experience is still fresh in my mind. Below are a few paintings I completed while there:AT ONE REMOVE

COUNTERFEIT INNOVATOR

PARTIAL VERDICT

ROOM TO BREATHE




Here's a shot of the studio that was my home:

I returned a few weeks ago to attend the Hambidge Hootin-N'anny, a green event that celebrated 75 years of the program. It was really something to see the place at the height of summer compared to the middle of winter. Both seasons do the setting justice!

Bluegrass at the Hootin-N'anny

As I write this I hear the sirens of firetrucks and car horns in Midtown. It's good to know that a quiet place is only 2 hours away!