How Flowers Were Used in Ancient Roman Feasts
In ancient Rome, flowers played a significant role in both daily life and grand celebrations, especially during feasts. The Romans used flowers not only for their beauty but also for their symbolism, fragrance, and practical uses. Flowers were a part of religious ceremonies, social events, and banquets, often reflecting the opulence and cultural practices of Roman society.
This Bloom & Song Flower Shop guide explores how flowers were used in ancient Roman feasts, their cultural meanings, and the influence they had on these lavish gatherings.
1. Flowers as Decorations in Roman Feasts
Flowers were commonly used to adorn the venues of Roman feasts, known as convivia, to create an atmosphere of luxury and celebration. They were often arranged in elaborate displays to enhance the visual appeal and highlight the grandeur of the event. These flowers were typically placed in garlands, wreaths, and vases, and were also scattered on the floor or used to decorate tables.
Garlands and Wreaths: One of the most common uses of flowers at Roman feasts was in the creation of flower garlands and wreaths. These were worn by guests or placed on tables and altars as a symbol of celebration and goodwill. Garlands of roses, violets, lavender, and myrtle were particularly popular.
Myrtle (Myrtus communis): Myrtle was a symbol of love and fertility in Roman culture. It was commonly used to make garlands for both guests and hosts, signifying the romantic and festive spirit of the event.
Rose (Rosa spp.): The rose, particularly the red variety, was associated with both love and excess, and its fragrance was considered both alluring and celebratory. Roses were often used to decorate tables or worn as adornments.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender’s pleasant fragrance was appreciated at Roman feasts, where it was used to scent the air and create a relaxing atmosphere. It was often placed in decorative arrangements or used in oils for bathing.
Violets (Viola spp.): Known for their sweet scent, violets were used to create beautiful, fragrant garlands and were often scattered on tables or floors to add color and aroma to the feast.
2. Flowers in Religious and Ritual Contexts
The Romans incorporated flowers into their religious ceremonies, and these rituals were sometimes part of the feasts. Flowers were often used to honor gods and goddesses, especially during festivals and public events that involved large banquets.
Floral Offerings to the Gods: Flowers were often offered to deities during religious feasts. For example, during the Vinalia, a festival honoring the god of wine (Bacchus), flowers like grapes and vines were used to decorate altars and give thanks for the harvest.
Flower Offerings in Weddings: Weddings were another type of Roman feast where flowers were used extensively. Flowers were often woven into bridal crowns or headpieces, with roses symbolizing love and myrtle representing fertility and the sacred bond of marriage.
The Floralia Festival: The Floralia, held in honor of Flora, the goddess of flowers and spring, was one of the most notable festivals where flowers played a key role. This festival, celebrated with feasts, revelry, and public games, involved the offering of flowers to the goddess and the decorating of homes and public spaces with wildflowers and roses.
3. Fragrant Flowers and Their Role in Setting the Mood
Roman feasts were often long, elaborate events that included multiple courses, music, dancing, and conversation. The atmosphere was important, and flowers, especially those with strong scents, played a role in setting the mood for the occasion.
Scenting the Air: Flowers like roses, lavender, and violets were used to scent the air. This was done by placing them in vases or garlands that would fill the banquet hall with their sweet aroma. The Romans understood that scent could influence mood, and fragrant flowers contributed to the sensory experience of the feast.
Rose Water: In addition to fresh flowers, the Romans often used rose water as a fragrant liquid to anoint guests or to freshen the air. Rose water was a common luxury item in Roman times and was also used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Floral Oils: Romans also created oils from flowers, especially lavender, which was used for both medicinal and aesthetic purposes. The oils were often applied to the skin during banquets or used in bathing rituals before feasts.
4. Flowers in Food and Drink
Flowers weren’t just used for decoration at Roman feasts; they also found their way into the food and drink served during these extravagant banquets.
Edible Flowers: Some flowers were considered edible and were used to garnish dishes or in the creation of special foods. For example, roses and violets were sometimes used to add color and fragrance to desserts, while nasturtiums were added to salads.
Flower Flavored Wine: The Romans also enjoyed flavored wines, and flower-infused wines were popular during feasts. For example, rose petals were sometimes added to wine to create a floral taste, while violets might be used in sweet syrups and beverages.
Honey and Flowers: Honey was often flavored with flowers such as lavender or violets and used in sweet dishes or mixed into wine for added sweetness.
5. Symbolic and Cultural Importance of Flowers
Flowers at Roman feasts were not just for decoration and sensory pleasure—they also held symbolic meaning and were associated with various virtues, deities, and societal roles. Many flowers were symbols of luxury, wealth, and social status.
The Rose and Romance: The rose, as the symbol of love and beauty, was especially important in Roman feasts where guests celebrated romantic connections and pleasures. The practice of wearing rose garlands, or scattering petals, was common among lovers, and flowers were seen as a reflection of the fleeting beauty of life.
The Myrtle and Fertility: Myrtle was not just a decorative flower but also symbolized fertility, love, and prosperity. It was considered auspicious in Roman culture, and its presence at feasts reinforced themes of fertility and abundance.
Flora and Festivity: The goddess Flora personified flowers, gardens, and the renewal of nature. Festivals like the Floralia, where flowers played a prominent role, were a direct expression of the Roman reverence for both the beauty of nature and the divine connection between flowers and life.
6. Flower-Based Festivities Beyond Feasts
Flowers were also central to other public events in Roman culture, many of which were intertwined with feasts. For example:
Triumphal Parades: After military victories, the Romans would hold triumphal processions, during which flowers, including myrtle and roses, were scattered as a symbol of victory and to honor the gods. The use of flowers symbolized the bountiful nature of the victory and the celebration of life.
Public Celebrations: During public festivals, including those dedicated to Bacchus, Ceres, and other deities, the use of flowers enhanced the sense of joy and abundance. Flower petals were tossed into crowds, and the celebration would continue for days with feasts, games, and public sacrifices.
Flowers in ancient Roman feasts were far more than just beautiful adornments. They symbolized themes of love, fertility, and abundance, while also enhancing the sensory experience of the event. From garlands and wreaths to floral decorations, fragrances, and even flower-infused foods, flowers were integral to the celebration of Roman life, culture, and spirituality. They represented a connection to the divine and a reminder of the fleeting beauty of existence, making them an essential part of Roman feasts and public festivities.
Whether used for decoration, in religious rituals, or as part of the elaborate food and drink offerings, flowers were an important symbol of the joys and pleasures of life in ancient Rome, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of cultural celebrations.
