A Guide to Floristry in Ancient Greece
Floristry in ancient Greece was deeply connected to religion, mythology, and daily life. Flowers and plants played a vital role in ceremonies, artistic expression, and symbolism. While floristry as a profession did not exist in the modern sense, the Greeks used flowers extensively for decoration, worship, and personal adornment.
1. The Cultural Significance of Flowers
Religious & Mythological Connections
Flowers were closely linked to the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus. Some of the most famous associations include:
Roses – Sacred to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, roses symbolized passion and romance.
Violets – Linked to Persephone and the Underworld, violets symbolized mourning and renewal.
Laurel (Daphne) – Associated with Apollo, laurel wreaths were worn by victors in athletic and poetic competitions.
Narcissus – Named after the mythological youth Narcissus, this flower represented vanity and self-obsession.
Iris – Associated with the goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods, these flowers symbolized communication and divine favor.
Funeral and Mourning Rituals
Flowers were an essential part of Greek funerary customs. Mourners placed garlands and wreaths on graves to honor the dead, often using plants with symbolic meanings, such as myrtle (eternity) and lilies (purity).
Victory and Celebration
Garlands and floral wreaths were worn by athletes, warriors, and rulers as symbols of triumph. The olive wreath (kotinos), awarded at the Olympic Games, was a highly prestigious floral decoration.
2. Common Flowers and Plants Used in Ancient Greece
The Mediterranean climate allowed for the cultivation of many flowers and aromatic herbs. Some commonly used plants included:
Roses – Grown in gardens and used for perfumes and garlands.
Hyacinths – Associated with springtime festivals and linked to the myth of Hyacinthus.
Myrtle – A sacred plant of Aphrodite, used in wedding ceremonies and perfumes.
Bay Laurel – Used in wreaths and given to poets and athletes.
Ivy – Sacred to Dionysus, symbolizing festivity and intoxication.
Olive Branches – Representing peace and victory.
Saffron (Crocus) – Valued for its fragrance and used in religious rituals.
3. Floral Arrangements and Wreath Making
Wreaths (Stephanoi)
The most common floral arrangement was the wreath (στεφάνος, stephanos), made of woven flowers, leaves, and herbs. These were worn on the head or draped around statues and altars.
Weddings: Brides and grooms wore myrtle or olive wreaths.
Religious Offerings: Temples were adorned with floral wreaths, especially during festivals.
Athletic Victories: Olive wreaths were given as prizes in games like the Olympics.
Garlands (Ghirlandai)
Garlands were long strands of flowers used for decoration at banquets, processions, and religious ceremonies. The Greeks often draped garlands around their necks and used them to decorate their homes and temples.
Floral Perfumes and Oils
Greek floristry extended beyond arrangements into the production of perfumes made from flowers such as roses, lilies, and saffron. These were used for personal grooming, religious rituals, and burial rites.
4. The Role of Flowers in Festivals
Flowers played an essential role in Greek festivals and seasonal celebrations.
Anthesteria (Festival of Flowers) – Honored Dionysus and celebrated spring with floral decorations, wine drinking, and feasting.
Thargelia – A festival dedicated to Apollo, where flowers were used in processions and offerings.
Adonia – A festival for Adonis, where women created gardens of fast-growing flowers to symbolize his short life.
Panathenaic Festival – Wreaths and floral decorations were offered to Athena.
5. Floristry Techniques and Tools
Greek florists, or individuals working with flowers, likely used simple tools such as:
Knives – For cutting and trimming stems.
Twine or Vines – To bind garlands and wreaths together.
Clay or Bronze Containers – To hold floral arrangements.
Perfume Extracting Tools – For distilling floral oils.
Although ancient Greece did not have professional florists as we do today, flowers played a significant role in everyday life, from religious offerings to personal adornment. The Greeks' love for nature and beauty is evident in their use of floral decorations, perfumes, and wreaths, many of which influenced later Roman and European traditions.
