History of Floral Adornment
The Greek Period
600 - 150 B.C.
Purpose:
Wreaths were used as symbols of allegiance and dedication, they were given forwards to military Hereos.
Flowers are not as common and are seen as wealth.
Pictures of pieces worn in the Greek period
Use of adornments
Greek statue with floral crown with leaves and berries on it
Inspired by Greek floral wreath crown
Hair accessories with small white flowers braided into hair
Cultural facts
The wreath is associated with Greek attire and celebrations since ancient times, continuing a tradition to the modern day Olympic ceremonies. Ancient coinage minted by early Greek city-states often depicted a divinity or other figure with a wreath. Wearing a wreath may have also had a mediating role by helping the wearer get closer to a specific deity. Different plants were dedicated to various gods: oak to Zeus, laurel to apolo, herbs to Demeter, grapevine to Dinyosus and myrtle to Aphrodite Wreaths were also used to decorate the hermae stone pillars surmounted with the head of a god or distinguished mortal.
Facts about the world in 600-150 B.C.
- 508 B.C. The first democracy is created in Athens
- 432 B.C. Sparta declares war on Athens
- 405 B.C. Athens Besigned
- 215 B.C. Great Wall of China building begins
- 200 B.C. Han dynasty in China develops paper, gun powder, and moveable type
- 184 B.C. Cato become the censor of Rome