The Cultural Significance of Flowers and the Ascent of Man.

Humanity has always had a natural affinity with flora and fauna of all kinds. Prehistoric man evolved from isolated group out in the wilderness and formed into a tribal hunter-gatherer society that symbiotically relied upon its connection with nature and the world around them. Hunting and gathering food from various flora and fauna sources took up much of prehistoric mans time. Over time mankind developed and refined agricultural practices such as crop growing and harvesting. These techniques would later supplant mans need to spend long hours hunting and searching for new food resources. The fact remains that man has always relied upon nature to provide himself with food and resources. Of course the resources gained from nature were not always used for construction or to build equipment, some weren’t even used to feed the expanding population.

A large body of archaeological evidence suggests that these resources were used for art, decoration, communication and social entertainment. Numerous wall painting and cave drawings show that mankind has always had an eye for aesthetics. Art, literature, design, song and verse have been instrumental to the development of civilization throughout mans evolution. Our perspective and views about nature, flora and fauna have continued to provide inspiration throughout the ages for these devices of social development and interaction. Who could forget Van Gogh’s Sunflower or Monet’s Water Lilies. Indeed, who could forget Shakespeare’s immortal line in Romeo and Juliet,

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” (II, ii, 1-2)

Flowers, their connection with beauty and nature, their use as inspiration throughout all the mediums of art, and their interaction and meanings within society have played an intrinsic part in the development of human civilization.

In the 1950’s an excavation was carried out in a site known as Shanidar Cave situated in Northern Iraq. The site is extremely important for understanding prehistoric man due to the onsite discovery of 9 Neanderthal skeletons, dating between 60-80,000 years BP. Perhaps the most startling part of the study was found after the discovery of the fourth Neanderthal skeleton which provides us with several important insights into prehistoric burial ritual. The body of Shanidar 4 was found lying on his left side in a foetal position. An analysis of the soil samples surrounding the body discovered multiple pollen grains from various flowers suggesting that the flora had been placed their deliberately either for medicinal or burial purposes.

shanidar-cave

Flowers have played an important role in decoration and burial customs throughout ancient history. In ancient Egypt as far back as 3,000 BC, flowers were an essential part of burial custom. A sarcophagus discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 2006 was found to contain numerous woven flower garlands indicating their significance within ancient Egyptian burial. There are also numerous tomb paintings and friezes depicting the importance of flowers within Egyptian life. Family members and mourners are believed to have worn garlands and left flowers at the tombs of dead loved ones much like we would today.

egypt-flower-painting

Coinage from the Ptolemaic dynasty often depicts a variety of flowers held within the Cornucopia or the horn of plenty. The Cornucopia is often shown to carry numerous flowers, fruits and vegetables, and it was considered by the ancients to be a symbol of immense wealth, prestige and prosperity.

ptolemy-coin

As well as being a symbol of prosperity, grief and artistic inspiration, flowers were also considered to be an honourable and prestigious gift by many ancient cultures. Throughout both the Roman and Greek civilizations, flowers or various wreaths were often gifted to the champions of both Pan-Hellenic and Roman festivals. Even victorious military general would have been awarded with wreaths when they triumphed through the streets of Rome. Archaeological evidence from Pompeii suggests that there was a thriving flower garland business in many cities throughout Rome during both the Republic and the Principate era’s.

From Neanderthal man, to ancient Egypt and throughout the golden ages of both Greece and Rom, even up to modern day; flowers have always been an important part of human existence. Today flowers are used in multiple ways, from modern day burial customs, to declarations of love and respect and even just for simple enjoyment or decoration. What is certain is that flowers will continue to be a significant source of inspiration and joy to many of us for many years to come.

Posted on
Friday, May 8th, 2009