The Language of Flowers : Craft Workshop Creating a Victorian Hand-Tied Bouquet

The Language of Flowers: A Victorian Era Tradition Revived By Joanne Soward, Educator at Fulton Mansion State Historic Site The Victorian era was a time of innovation, refinement, and a deep appreciation for subtlety and symbolism. Among the many cultural phenomena that blossomed during this period, one of the most captivating was the “language of flowers,” also known as floriography. This intricate system of communication allowed Victorians to convey emotions, intentions, and sentiments that were often too delicate—or too scandalous—to express outright. Through the careful selection and arrangement of flowers, messages of love, friendship, sorrow, or hope were artfully transmitted, creating a hidden dialogue of beauty and emotion. As an educator at the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site in Rockport, Texas, I’m excited to share how we are bringing this tradition back to life with our upcoming events. On Saturday, February 8, we invite families to participate in an arts and crafts workshop to create their own mussie tussies—a term for small, handheld bouquets that were a staple of Victorian courtship and society. The following day, February 9, adults can enjoy a more in-depth program where they’ll craft hand-tied arrangements using real flowers. These programs will take place in our Multipurpose Room, blending history, art, and hands-on creativity for participants of all ages.