What Do Fake Flowers Symbolize?

Silk flowers and wax petals took center stage centuries ago. And they still haven’t disappeared to this day. So what does fake flowers mean? Where did the origin come from? Let’s find out!

History of Artificial Plants

Unfortunately, we don’t know who invented fake plants. But what we do know is that the first artificial flowers were not made of plastic, but silk.

To unravel the timeline of artificial plants, we have to delve into the history of artificial flowers. That’s where it all began.

Roman and Egyptian Era

As with most decorative elements, we can’t pinpoint the exact time when artificial flowers appeared, as the first versions bore little resemblance to what we see today. But scientists speculate that artificial plants can be traced back to early Roman and Egyptian civilizations.

Historical evidence shows that the ancient Egyptians made garlands out of thin horn sheets dyed in different colors. These garlands, which adorned homes and celebrations, were one of the earliest examples of artificial plant decoration.

Around that time, the ancient Romans developed and perfected the art of replicating flowers in wax. Their craftsmanship was so ingenious that it remains unmatched to this day. In fact, flowers held such cultural significance in Roman society that Crassus, a famous Roman general and politician, adorned the winner of a contest with a crown made of gold and silver artificial leaves.

Artificial Plants in Ancient China

Some historians believe that the origins of contemporary fake leaves can be traced back to ancient China 1,500 years ago. During this era, the Chinese began to cultivate silk, said to be inspired by the legend of Leizu, the wife of the Yellow Emperor.

As the story goes, Leizu was drinking tea in her garden when a silk moth's cocoon fell into her teacup and then unraveled. After examining the cocoon, she had the idea of using it to create a soft fabric. Thus, silk production was established.

Despite these innovations, silk was expensive and only the elite could afford it, and they used it for artistic expression rather than mass production.

The Rise of Plastics

In the 1920s and 1930s, silk flowers became prominent in various displays and arrangements, often to make up for seasonal shortages. As technological advances flourished, manufacturers turned to a new material called celluloid (a type of plastic) to create fake flowers.

Celluloid marked a major shift toward more affordable and easy-to-produce artificial plants. But because it was extremely flammable and caused several fatal fires, imports of it were stopped. This led florists to adopt another cheap yet durable material - plastic.

Plastic caused a boom, and the industry was rife with opportunities. Manufacturers scrambled to squeeze the most out of the new material, producing more realistic leaves and flowers. On the other hand, florists incorporated fake leaves into their designs in creative ways.

Artificial Plants in the Modern Era

Today, artificial plants come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Over time, the focus has shifted toward owning high-quality artificial plants that are virtually indistinguishable from real plants.

While the appeal of fake flowers remains strong, they are no longer just home decor. They are a statement piece.

In modern times, lifelike artificial plants offer a low-maintenance alternative to traditional gardening, symbolizing sustainability and environmental awareness. They represent a more environmentally friendly option, allowing admirers to enjoy the beauty of nature without the ecological footprint associated with real plants.