A posy is a historical name for a small, handheld bouquet or cluster of flowers. Since these arrangements are not defined by a single type of bloom, the question of their color is complex. The appearance of a posy changes based entirely on the flowers chosen for its composition. The history and purpose of these small arrangements also play a large role in determining their specific hues.
Defining the Posy
A posy is a descriptive term for a particular style of floral arrangement, not a specific species of flower. It is commonly understood as a small, round bouquet that is easily held in one hand. These petite designs are frequently used as bridal accessories, but their history stretches back centuries. The posy is often synonymous with the terms “nosegay” or “Tussie-Mussie.”
The structure of a posy is typically dense and circular, emphasizing its compact, handheld nature. Medieval people carried these bunches of flowers and herbs, known as nosegays, to counteract the unpleasant odors of the street. During the Victorian era, the posy evolved into the Tussie-Mussie, often bound together with ribbon and sometimes placed in a decorative holder.
The Range of Colors in a Posy
The color of a posy can include nearly every shade found in nature, as it is a composition of multiple blooms. Since it is an assembled bouquet, the color is entirely dependent on the specific flowers and herbs selected by the designer. A modern posy might feature vibrant colors like orange celosia or bold fall tones such as burgundy and blush. The inclusion of diverse species, such as roses, carnations, tulips, or snapdragons, allows for limitless color combinations.
Florists may create monochromatic posies, using white lilies, roses, or daisies to symbolize purity or new beginnings, often seen in wedding bouquets. Conversely, they can assemble a bright mixed arrangement, such as yellow sunflowers, pink peonies, and blue hydrangeas. The contemporary preference for a garden-inspired look means that posies frequently contain a variety of textures and hues. The color of any posy is a direct reflection of the maker’s aesthetic choice or the availability of seasonal flowers.
Historical and Symbolic Meanings of Posies
Historically, the color and content of a posy carried deep, specific meanings, especially during the Victorian era. This practice of using flowers to communicate secret messages was known as Floriography, or the language of flowers. In this context, the specific hue of a bloom was as important as the species itself. For example, a red flower symbolized passionate love, while yellow blooms represented joy, friendship, or sometimes a refusal of romantic advances.
These Tussie-Mussies often contained herbs, which added both color and symbolic weight. Rosemary, which has a woodsy aroma, was often included to signify remembrance. The inclusion of herbs like rue and thyme was a holdover from the Middle Ages when posies were carried to ward off bad air and disease. The overall color palette of these historical posies was influenced by the blues, purples, and greens of traditional symbolic plants, in addition to the more vibrant floral accents.
Dictionaries were created to help people decipher the coded messages sent through the flowers and their colors. The meaning of a posy was so nuanced that the placement of the bouquet could even change the sentiment; for instance, a posy worn near the heart indicated mutual love. This rich cultural practice demonstrates that the colors of posies were meticulously chosen to convey complex, unspoken feelings.