Flowers and Their Roots
History of Flowers
In this article, we will be learning about the origins of flowers and their presence in human history. We'll examine the records of human interaction with these lovely blooms. These reach all the way back from the Paleolithic era to modern times.
The next section of this article probes into flowers as art subjects in ancient history. We also go over the influence they had as muses for artists of all kinds.
For a more in-depth manual on the use of color and design in floristry, contact us for the Best Florist in Apollo Beach Fl.
Last, we'll delve into a list of the most popular flowers and discover the stories behind their names!
Interested in a formal course? Want to get certified as an expert on all things floral? We encourage you to check out establishments that offer programs in floristry.Flowers through Human History
How far back are flowers documented in human history? Have they always been diverse? How diverse? How did humans discover and use them in early history?
These are only a few of the things people wonder about flowers. Here is a list of answers to some of the most relevant questions about flowers as recorded in history!
Have flowers always existed? Since when?
Yes, they have. Archaeologists have dug deep to find out when flowers first emerged. Using cutting-edge technology over time, they discovered flower fossils. With these, they assessed that flowers have been around since the prehistoric period. Their earliest estimate is around the Paleolithic age, about 93 million years ago.
Were flowers always as varied as they are now? Or did that develop over time with human interference?
Today, there are about 270,000 species of flowers! This number continues to grow with time and scientific progress.
As for the evolution of their varieties, records only go back to about 150 years. History shows only 125,000 species already existed.
Are there flowers that have been here through early history?
Plants like magnolias and herbs go back to 120 million years old. This time allowed them to grow into their forms today.
Experts believe that flowering plants have been around for around 146 million years.
How did humans discover them? Did they make use of them in their everyday lives and routine?
There is no certain record of how humans identified flowers and plants. But there's evidence on the purpose of flowers in the day-to-day life of humans in ancient history!
For instance, placing flowers on graves has been a ritual long before modern times.
Various forms of art have also used flowers both as main subjects and backdrop details. From music, literature, and sculpture, people have used flowers to express themselves. Now we see how blooms have always lightened lives and made occasions more wonderful.
We'll explore more on flowers in art below, so keep reading!
Flowers as Art Subjects in Ancient History
From Ancient Egypt to modern pop art, flowers have given rise to masterpieces throughout history. Famous works with flowers range from clay pots to still-life paintings. Its depiction has been vital in developing several art forms and mediums.
In fact, flowers as artists' muse in history is a course in arts studies programs. This only affirms how important florals are in art!
Here, we'll assess the impression that flowers have on several periods in art history. We'll discover what makes them so enticing to artists and audiences alike.
The lotus flower is one of the most esteemed subjects in Ancient Egyptian art. This is because of its symbolic meaning in their religious myths. It was often portrayed in paintings, amulets, ceramics, and other art works. Evidence also suggests the use of florals as jewelry for the royal court.
In medieval times, tapestries became prominent as art works. This gave way to using flowers as backdrops for different types of scenery.
It later birthed the form of millefleur, or a "thousand flowers". These tapestries had duplicating patterns of delightful buds stitched on it.
Artists from the Renaissance also used florals in their myth-inspired paintings. Other painters took flowers as a focus in their work. They developed still-life paintings of fresh blooms and elaborate bouquets.
The Impressionist and Fauvism movements also involved the use of flowers in art. Flowers often served as the subject of an indoor scene with a person or two beside it. Fauvism highlighted this using vivid colors. Other times, flowers were either the focus of the artwork or the backdrop of the scene.
Today, flowers remain as a celebrated muse among artists through pop art and current 3D art.
Pop art imagines plain ordinary objects in a different light and color. 3D artists often use flowers to create a sculpture of another figure. They also pay homage to art from the Renaissance and Ancient Egypt.
Flower Names and their Origins
Have you ever wondered where roses and calla lilies got their names from? Look no further! Here is a quick list of popular flowers and the story behind their names.
Carnation.
Considered to come from the Greek word carnis (" flesh"), referring to its original color. Also thought to come from corone (" flower garlands"). This is because they were first used in ceremonial crowns.
Dandelion.
First called "lion's tooth" given the petals' likeness to a lion's sharp teeth. The French translation "dent-de-lion" later morphed into the English dandelion.
Daffodil.
In Greek mythology, flowers called "asphedelos" carpeted Elysian fields. Adapting the first d in the name in the future, it translated to the modern daffodil.
Daisy.
Born from Old English poetics, daisies are an evolved variant of the phrase "day's eye".
Holly.
Called the "Holly Tree". Later known as "holly." Medieval monks felt it would defend them from evil and lightning.
Lily.
From Latin word lilium, from "lily of the valley". This is because it was often located in valleys.
Orchid.
From Greek word orchis, "testicle". Greeks presumed if pregnant women ate these, their unborn child would turn into a boy.
Rose.
Stemming from the Spanish and Italian rosa. Used to name red flowers.
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