Nosegay
Encyclopedia
A nosegay, tussie-mussie, or posy/posey/posie is a small flower bouquet
, typically given as a gift. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice.
The term nosegay arose in fifteenth-century Middle English
as a combination of nose and gay (which then meant "ornament"). So a nosegay was an ornament that appeals to the nose.
The term tussie-mussie comes from the reign of Queen Victoria
(1837–1901), when the small bouquets became a popular fashion accessory
. Typically, tussie-mussies include floral symbolism from the Language of Flowers
, and therefore may be used to send a message to the recipient.
Flower bouquet
A flower bouquet is a collection of flowers in a creative arrangement. There are different kinds including nosegay, crescent, and cascading bouquets. Flower bouquets are often given for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries. They are also used extensively in weddings. Traditionally...
, typically given as a gift. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice.
The term nosegay arose in fifteenth-century Middle English
Middle English
Middle English is the stage in the history of the English language during the High and Late Middle Ages, or roughly during the four centuries between the late 11th and the late 15th century....
as a combination of nose and gay (which then meant "ornament"). So a nosegay was an ornament that appeals to the nose.
The term tussie-mussie comes from the reign of Queen Victoria
Victoria of the United Kingdom
Victoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
(1837–1901), when the small bouquets became a popular fashion accessory
Fashion accessory
Fashion accessories are decorative items that supplement and complement clothes, such as jewelery, gloves, handbags, hats, belts, scarves, wigs, watches, sunglasses, pins, stockings, bow ties, hand fans, leg warmers, leggings, neckties, suspenders, and tights....
. Typically, tussie-mussies include floral symbolism from the Language of Flowers
Language of flowers
The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, was a Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken...
, and therefore may be used to send a message to the recipient.
See also
- SachetSachet (scented bag)A sachet is a small cloth scented bag filled with herbs, potpourri, or aromatic ingredients.It is also defined as a small soft bag containing perfumed or sweet-smelling items also referred to as an ascent bag, scent bag, sweet bag, sachet bag, sachet de senteurs, spiced sachet, potpourri sachet,...
- FloristryFloristryFloristry is the general term used to describe production, commerce and trade in flowers. It encompasses flower care and handling, floral design or flower arranging, merchandising, and display and flower delivery. Wholesale florists sell bulk flowers and related supplies to professionals in the trade...
- Floral DesignFloral designFloral design is the art of using plant materials and flowers to create a pleasing and balanced composition. Evidence of refined floristry is found as far back as the culture of Ancient Egypt....
- Ring a Ring o' Roses