Ancient Greek Floral Design (600-146 BC)

Influenced by Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greek floral design used arrangements similarly—for gifts, decoration, and ceremonial events. Greek culture relied heavily on their pillar of gods and goddesses—Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Athena, Aphrodite, etc.—the well-known characters that we now recognize in Greek Mythology. Each god/goddess had their own temples and distinct floral arrangements that matched. At events honoring gods, Greeks wore elaborate wreaths, a symbol of allegiance and dedication, made by professionals to match the occasion. Garlands were also adorned at specific functions, typically weddings, or the birth of a first child.

Unlike Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greece chose not to confine their floral arrangements to vases, bowls, and interior décor. Grecians instead displayed flowers and flower petals by scattering them loosely at their ceremonies and festivals. If flowers were deliberately placed for alter gifts, or offerings, they were likely placed in a wicker basket or cornucopia loosely with fruit and grains, to symbolize abundance of wealth.

While Ancient Egypt greatly valued primary colors in their floral arrangements, Greek civilization felt that fragrance and symbolism was paramount. While colors were secondary in importance, Ancient Greece often chose floral arrangements with vibrant colors of light blue, orange, burgundy, rose, and violet.

Flowers were more easily accessible in Ancient Greece than they likely were in Ancient Egypt. As Greeks walked through the village/city to get to events, professional florists were along the route, offering arranged bundles that were put together by a specific set of guidelines. Arrangements typically would avoid showing the stem of the flowers and were bundled with additional leaves, buds, and decorations.

As fragrance was important in Greek floral design, many arrangements showcased aromatic flowers, such as honeysuckle, lilies, tulips, and roses. Hyacinth, larkspur, daisy, and crocus also often made appearances in arrangements. While each arrangement was different, Grecians liked to include additional plant matter in many of their designs, including leaves of ivy, laurel, and oak leaves, and olive branches.

Similar to modern floral arrangements, Ancient Greece used flowers to mark occasions. Flowers accompanied celebrations and festivals, and likely brought an air of beauty and fragrance to events that we still appreciate in Westernized culture. Much like we use arrangements at weddings and parties today, Ancient Greece recognized the importance of adding fragrance, symbolism, and new life to every event they attended.

Ancient ruins in Athens, Greece

Modern day example of a cornucopia offering

Visual depiction of Greek Mythology. The usage of laurel wreaths and floral adornments shows the usage of flowers in Ancient Greek mythology.

“Pathway to the Mediterranean” in Oia, Greece show the brightly colored flowers and potted plants are still common place in Greece