We just love these sweet flower girl photos, and that got us thinking. Where did the flower girl tradition come from?
There were many different variations of flower girls from the Victorian Era to the Elizabethan Era, but the flower girl dates all the way back to the Roman Empire.
In ancient Rome, flower girls carried sheaves of wheat and bouquets of herbs to bless the couple with fertility and prosperity. Later, in the 14th century, they often carried strands of garlic to ward off evil and jealous spirits.
It wasn't until nearly the 16th century that we began to see flowers incorporated with the traditional herb bouquets carried by the little ones. From symbols of fertility, happiness and love to symbols of fidelity and luck, flowers and herbs played a significant role in wishing the wedding couple well. Among the most common were roses, orange blossoms, rosemary, and baby's breath.
Today, the flower girl might not necessarily represent fertility or carry strands of garlic down the aisle to ward off spirits, but they remain an important part of many ceremonies.
So what do you think? Will you incorporate flower girls into your wedding? Let us know what the traditions means to you.
