Gather Ye Flowers While Ye May

The tradition of the bridal bouquet started in Ancient Greece when brides carried bunches of fresh garlic, herbs and aromatic spices to ward off evil spirits as they began their married life.  There was also a tradition of the bride and groom wearing garlands of the same aromatic sort around their necks, also for the purpose of chasing away the evil that awaited them.  Celtic bouquets were gatherings of heavy spices, also for the protection of the married couple and ancient English bridal bouquets were laced with dill that the bride and groom ate during the ceremony.   Happily it seems that flowers at a wedding have become much more for the purpose of adornment and celebration than for protection of the married couple, and it is somewhat of a relief that we no longer eat the bridal bouquet during the ceremony.  It is interesting to know, however that the concept of the bouquet, meant only for the bride, was not invented by florists who wanted to make a dime, but that there is actual tradition behind it.  The first person on record to change from the herbs and spice bouquet to fresh floral arrangements was Queen Victoria when she married Prince Albert in 1840.  She was said to be a smart woman who usually got her own way.  We can all be glad for that.