The Occupation of Florist Through the Ages
The profession of a florist—someone who cultivates, arranges, and sells flowers—has existed in various forms throughout history. While modern florists operate in commercial flower shops, their ancient counterparts were often gardeners, temple workers, or market vendors who supplied flowers for religious, medicinal, and decorative purposes. This Bloom & Song guide explores the evolution of floristry across different cultures and time periods.
1. Florists in Ancient Civilizations
Ancient Egypt (c. 3000 BCE – 300 CE)
Flowers played a significant role in religious rituals, burials, and temple offerings.
Florists (often temple workers or gardeners) provided lotus flowers, papyrus, and garlands for ceremonies.
Wreaths and floral decorations adorned tombs and statues of gods.
Ancient Mesopotamia (c. 3100 BCE – 539 BCE)
Gardens were cultivated for palace and temple use, with florists tending to sacred plants.
The rosette (a stylized floral motif) was a common decorative element, suggesting the importance of floral arrangements.
Flowers were used in religious rites and medicinal practices.
Ancient Greece and Rome (c. 800 BCE – 476 CE)
The Greeks and Romans valued floral arrangements for feasts, temples, and personal adornment.
Florists created elaborate wreaths and garlands for athletes, warriors, and weddings.
In Rome, flower sellers (florists) operated in markets, supplying blooms for public and private events.
2. Florists in the Middle Ages (5th–15th Century)
After the fall of Rome, floral decoration declined in Europe, but monasteries preserved knowledge of plant cultivation.
Islamic gardens in the Middle East flourished, with florists supplying fragrant flowers for religious and medicinal use.
During the late Middle Ages, flowers regained popularity in European courts, where floral symbolism became important in art and literature.
3. Florists in the Renaissance (14th–17th Century)
The Renaissance saw a revival of interest in botany and floral aesthetics.
Dutch and Flemish painters depicted elaborate floral arrangements, reflecting the growing status of florists.
Florists began specializing in ornamental flower cultivation, supplying nobility and merchants.
4. Florists in the 18th and 19th Centuries
The rise of botanical gardens and scientific exploration led to the introduction of exotic flowers.
Florists in Europe and America started commercial flower shops, catering to growing urban populations.
The Victorian era (19th century) popularized the "language of flowers" (floriography), increasing demand for florists who arranged flowers with symbolic meanings.
5. Florists in the 20th and 21st Centuries
The global flower trade expanded, with florists sourcing flowers from different continents.
Advances in refrigeration and transportation allowed for year-round flower availability.
The modern florist profession includes floral design for weddings, events, and funerals, as well as online flower delivery services.
Sustainable floristry and eco-friendly floral arrangements are gaining popularity in response to environmental concerns.
From temple gardeners in ancient Egypt to modern floral designers, the occupation of a florist has evolved significantly over time. While their role has shifted from religious and medicinal suppliers to creative designers and entrepreneurs, florists continue to shape human culture by bringing beauty, symbolism, and meaning to everyday life and special occasions.
