Historical Tussie Mussie

The name "tussie-mussie" evolved from the 15th century when these bouquets were recorded as a 'tumose of flowrys or other herbys'. Elizabethan tussie-mussies included thyme, lavender, marjoram, mints, balm, rosemary and camomile for their fresh fragrance and the belief that they refreshed the head and stimulated the memory.

Tussie Mussies reached their peak of popularity in Victorian England as fashionable accessories. As admirers combined them with the floral "language of love", so they became known as word-posies or articulated nosegays. During this era, tussie-mussies were carried close to the nose to ward off the stench in the streets and the plague and were composed primarily of scented herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and rue. The age-old custom of strewing pungent herbs on the floors of homes was thought to protect the gentlefolk from germs and provide herbal fragrances - early aromatherapy.

The Victorians also turned flower giving into an art. It was common practice at the beginning of a courtship for suitors to give their intended a tussie-mussie. Floriography, the art of sending messages by flowers, brought a new dimension to tussie-mussies. Dozens of floral dictionaries were published listing the meanings of each flower and herb. The symbolic meanings were adapted from classical mythology, religious symbolism, ancient lore, and a bit of creativity on the part of the floral designer. The study of botany and the discovery of new plants from all over the world brought new and exciting ideas to this language of flowers.

Today's Tussie Mussie

Even though the secret language of flowers may be slightly outdated, tussie-mussies continue to make charming gifts. A careful selection of flowers would be suitable to give to loved ones, those celebrating a birth or marriage, or bringing cheer to someone who is unwell.

By understanding how scents influence temperament, certain flowers and herbs can be used to create a specific mood. A posy of lemon- and mint-scented herbs, along with cheerful yellow primroses, orange calendulas and white camomile or elderflowers, can create a stimulating, refreshing blend.

It is said that clean, sharp-scented angelica, hyssop, rosemary and basil assist clarity and focus - ideal for concentration - and that the scent from the leaves will help clear the head. The beauty, fragrance and historical charm of flowers and herbs have long been enjoyed, but by understanding the mood-enhancing power of scents, a tussie-mussie can become an even more potent and precious gift.

Making A Tussie Mussie

Tussie-mussies stay fresh for several days if placed in a vase, or they can be made with flowers and herbs suitable for drying.

To make a tussie-mussie, put your chosen flower sprigs in water, wash and trim them. Begin with the center flower or main sentiment, often a rose for love, or two roses for a wedding or anniversary, surrounded by fragrant foliage like mint for virtue. Next add a contrasting ring such as yarrow for health, followed by little bunches of plants, like blue salvia for wisdom, juniper for protection, lavender for acknowledgement, rosemary for remembrance, and thyme for courage, placed around the bouquet and surrounded by one or more rings of foliage such as ivy for friendship or marriage.

Some recommend stripping the lower leaves and wrapping with florist's tape, other crush them together while wrapping the stems, providing more fragrance. If the bouquet will be carried, put a wad of moist cotton or paper towel in the center of a piece of plastic wrap, then fold it around the stems before wrapping with florist's tape. If the tussie-mussie is to be dried do not return it to water. Tie the bouquet firmly with one or more colorful ribbons, which you may have soaked in lavender or rose water and dried. Tussie-mussies are often set in paper doilies. Cut an X in the middle of the doily, and put the stems through the hole. Include a card explaining the meaning in the Langage of Flowers.

Create a BOUQUET OF GOOD WISHES with artemesia for happiness, basil for good wishes, carnation for lively and pure affection, mint for virtue, rose for love, wheat for prosperity, and yarrow for health.

You can make a CHRISTMAS TUSSIE-MUSSIE, using fir for faith, holly for foresight, ivy for friendship, juniper and juniper berries for protection, yarrow for health, red roses for love and/or red carnations for lively and pure affection.

Focus on FRIENDSHIIP with ivy for lasting friendship, oak-leaved geranium for true friendship, and zinnia for thoughts of absent friends, as well as roses for love and carnations for lively and pure affection.

A tussie-mussie expressing LOVE might include a selection of: cabbage rose for ambassador of love, everlasting for always remembered, honeysuckle for generous and devoted affection, lilac for first emotions of love, rose for love, red tulip for declaration of love.

A BRIDAL TUSSIE-MUSSIE might feature the bridal rose (Rubus rosafolius) for happy love, rose for love, red tulip for declaration of love, or lilac for first emotions of love and include orange flowers for bridal festivity, ivy for wedded love, honeysuckle for generous and devoted affection, rosemary for remembrance, and veronica for fidelity.

You can create a unique and personal tussie-mussie for the recipient, choosing flowers that suit the individual. Feature their favorite flowers or their birth-month flower. Express your love, esteem, or good wishes for the recipient, while giving a lovely and fragrant gift.

Language of Flowers