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    Home » Gardening

    Tussie Mussies

    by Patti Estep · Feb 7, 2014

    Have you ever heard of tussie mussies? This is an old tradition of giving specific bouquets of flowers each with their own special meaning. Perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion.

    Basket of flowers

    What are Tussie Mussies

    The phrase “tussie mussie” comes from a medieval word that means "sweet posy." Originally, they were fragrant, floral nosegays carried by both men and women to help mask foul odors and protect themselves from disease.

    Plants such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sage were specifically used during the plague because of their disinfectant properties, as well as for their strong fragrance.

    Flower bouquet in a small jar

    Floriography

    Eventually, tussie mussies became part of floriography, the art of sending messages by flowers. By the late 18th century and throughout the Victorian Era, tusssie mussies had gained in popularity, so much so that antique floral dictionaries were handed down from Mother to Daughter as a means of teaching them this very important social grace.

    flower arrangement from the garden

    Meanings of Flowers

    The language of flowers aka Floriography is a nice bonus as part of any floral arrangement or plant gift. You can find more flower meanings from many articles online such as The Farmer's Almanac and Good Housekeeping 1-800-Flowers and Bloom and Wild. Here are few that I like.

    Red CarnationsMy Heart Aches For You
    White ChrysanthemumsTruth
    Daffodil  Unrequited Love
    DaisyInnocence
    IrisYour Friendship Means So Much to Me
    LiliesPurity and Refined Beauty
    PeonyHappy Marriage
    RosemaryRemembrance
    SunflowerAdoration
    Pink TulipsPerfect Love

    Rose Meanings

    If you must buy roses here are some of their meanings by color:

    • Red = I love you
    • White = Innocence
    • Pink = Grace
    • Yellow = Joy

    On this Valentine's Day, instead of a dozen red roses, consider giving someone you like, or love, a tussie mussie with flowers, handpicked for their meaning. Since most of us do not have a floral dictionary, tuck in a card to explain the special meaning of your bouquet.

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    Basket of garden flowers to make tussie mussies
     

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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Arlene Blissell

      February 07, 2014 at 2:44 pm

      Pat, I very much enjoy your postings. This winter is long and cold, as they all are here, but I must admit, I am counting the days to warmer weather. Take care, and thanks for lifting the deep freeze,

      Arlene

      Reply
      • pestep81@gmail.com

        February 07, 2014 at 2:47 pm

        Arleeeeen! So glad you like it. This is the worst winter yet... You were one of my early inspirations for gardening. I still think of you when I'm out in the yard. Especially when I come upon on of the many plants you have shared with me. Hope to see you soon maybe at a spring garden party and plant swap.

        Reply

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