September 12, 2018, posted by Gina – Fall is almost here and we look forward to this particular season more than any other. The cooler weather,Fall decorations, Halloween, Thanksgiving andfootball season are just a few things we love about it. Another fun Fall event is Homecoming season. It is upon us and we have been making pretty wristlets, like the one pictured here, and handsome boutonnieres. We started wondering about the history of wearing flowers and we found some interesting things about this lovely tradition.
The term “corsage” is French and originally referred to the bodice of a dress. The reason the flowers worn to adorn formal attire are now called corsages is that women once wore flowers pinned to the bodices of their dresses. These flowers were known as the “bouquet de corsage,” and over time this phrase was shortened to just “corsage.”
The wearing of a corsage at weddings dates to the time of the ancient Greeks, who believed that the fragrances of flowers and herbs warded off evil spirits. Not only the bride but other females at the wedding held flower bouquets or attached them to their clothing.
Eventually, the meaning of the corsage shifted and they became a luxury item offered during courting. A gentleman would offer his date a corsage as a gift for attending a special event, such as a dance. He would show respect to his date’s parents by offering a bouquet of flowers and would usually pin a flower from the bouquet to the date’s dress. In this sense, corsages symbolized attachment to another person.
In the 20th century, it became common for escorts to present their dates with corsages, particularly for formal dances and proms. As women’s dresses have changed to styles with spaghetti straps or no straps, it has become more common for women to wear the flowers on the wrist.
Sources: www.onlineathens.com, www.gardenguides.com
As for the boutonniere…
French language uses the word boutonnière for the buttonhole on the lapel of a man’s suit jacket.The buttonhole is reserved specifically for this purpose and there is no corresponding button on the other side. There may be a small latch on the underside of the lapel which holds the stem in place (this is usually the sign of a higher end garment). This is located on the left side just above the heart of the wearer.
Modern day history regarding the origins of the boutonniere begins with the 15 century War of the Roses. During this significant campaign battle, the House of York was represented with the white rose, while the soldiers for the House of Lancaster wore red roses. As modern military clothing was not available during this time, most soldiers from the same area appeared similar and required something to differentiate which side they represented.
Men’s jacket styles have continued to evolve through the centuries, with folded lapels now the norm. This provides the perfect display area for lapel flowers and pins, adding an air of sophistication and flair.
The boutonniere was commonly worn by men when they went on dates, at work and, of course, for formal wear for decades, although they became less common after WWII. They remained popular with entertainers such as Dean Martin, The Commodores and Frank Sinatra, contributing to their classic and classy style. The boutonniere is still considered de rigeur for formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, proms and homecomings.
Source: www.bespokeunit.com
Please give us a call if you are in need of a special wristlet or boutonniere for your upcoming Homecoming! 601.707.7806.
120 Depot Drive (behind Strawberry Café), Madison, MS. Tues – Fri. 10 – 5 and Sat. 10 – 2
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic, I can provide insights into the fascinating traditions of wearing flowers, particularly corsages and boutonnieres, as mentioned in the article posted on September 12, 2018. My knowledge is backed by historical and cultural context, making me well-versed in the evolution of these floral accessories.
The article delves into the history of corsages, tracing the term back to its French origin, where it initially referred to the bodice of a dress. Over time, women adorned the bodices of their dresses with flowers, known as "bouquet de corsage." This practice, originating from ancient Greece, was believed to ward off evil spirits with the fragrances of flowers and herbs. Corsages eventually transitioned from wedding traditions to becoming luxury items offered during courting, symbolizing attachment.
In the 20th century, corsages took on a new role as escorts presented them to their dates, especially during formal dances and proms. Changes in women's dress styles led to the common practice of wearing corsages on the wrist.
Moving on to boutonnieres, the article explains the French origin of the term, referring to the buttonhole on the lapel of a man's suit jacket. The tradition dates back to the 15th-century War of the Roses, where soldiers differentiated sides by wearing white or red roses. Boutonnieres, worn on the left lapel just above the heart, became symbols of sophistication and flair.
While boutonnieres were historically common for men on various occasions, including dates and work, their popularity waned after WWII. However, entertainers like Dean Martin, The Commodores, and Frank Sinatra maintained the classic style, contributing to the enduring charm of boutonnieres. Despite the decline in everyday use, boutonnieres remain a staple for formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, proms, and homecomings.
For those in need of special wristlets or boutonnieres for upcoming events like Homecoming, the article provides contact information: 601.707.7806, located at 120 Depot Drive (behind Strawberry Café), Madison, MS, operating from Tuesday to Friday, 10 – 5, and Saturday, 10 – 2.
