Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip hold nosegays by Rosemary Hughes as they leave Wakefield Cathedral after the 2005 Royal Maundy

A nosegay, posy, or tussie-mussie is a small flower bouquet, typically given as a gift. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice.[1] Doilies are traditionally used to bind the stems in these arrangements. Alternatively, "posy holders", available in a variety of shapes and materials (although often silver), enable the wearing of these arrangements "at the waist, in the hair, or secured with a brooch".[2]

The term nosegay arose in fifteenth-century Middle English as a combination of nose and gay (the latter then meaning "ornament"). A nosegay is, thus, an ornament that appeals to the nose or nostril.[3][4]

The term tussie-mussie (also tussy-mussy) comes from the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901), when the small bouquets became a popular fashion accessory. Typically, tussie-mussies include floral symbolism from the language of flowers, and therefore may be used to send a message to the recipient.[5] In modern times the term specifically refers to small bouquets in a conical metal holder, or the holder itself, particularly when used at a white wedding.[6][7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Head Garlands and Nosegays". Yankee Peddler Festival. May 14, 2008. Archived from the original on November 18, 2005. Retrieved August 22, 2005.
  2. ↑ Felbinger, Elaine (May–June 2005). "Tussie Mussies". SUBROSA: The Huntington Rose and Perennial Gardens Newsletter. huntingtonbotanical.org (42). Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  3. ↑ "Word of the Day: nosegay". Merriam-Webster Online. December 25, 2010.
  4. ↑ "Flower bouquet buy". Tuesday, 18 June 2019
  5. ↑ Tussie-Mussies, the Victorian Art of Expressing Yourself in the Language of Flowers. Workman Publishing. 1993.
  6. ↑ "Tussy Mussy Wedding Bouquets".
  7. ↑ "Victorian Tussie Mussie, Bouquet With Meaning".
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