What's in a Name?

World-renowned poet and playwright, William Shakespeare mused "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" in his play of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet.

Today, we will be exploring the history of a very different flower, orange blossoms, and why we chose it as the epithet for our bridal brand and online shop. Let's break it down.

Use of Orange Blossoms in Weddings Around the World

Orange blossoms have been used in wedding ceremonies for a millennia and seem to be beloved worldwide, anywhere that orange trees grow. They carry a special connection to royal brides, especially in modern times. Read on to learn more about the history of orange blossoms in wedding ceremonies, as we take a trip through history and around the world to explore this fascinating tradition!

China

According to my research, the tradition of using orange blossoms began in ancient China where the delicate white blossoms symbolized fertility, purity, innocence, and chastity. It is believed that orange blossoms symbolize fertility, as orange trees are unusual in having both blooms and fruit at the same time, according to Cornelia Powell, author of "To Gather Orange Blossoms – History of Wedding Flower Bouquets."

Greece

Orange trees are associated with Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage, women, family, and protector of women in childbirth. Wife of Zeus and Queen of all the gods of the Greek pantheon, she was one to be respected. Since some of Hera's duties included  presiding over the legality of marriage, blessing, and leading the bride, it would behoove the Ancient Greek bride to have a symbol honoring Hera to bless the couple.

Persia

Orange blossoms are used to this day in Iran as symbols of eternal love, happiness, and purity. They are often incorporated into the Sofreh Aghd, or wedding table, with other symbols of love, marriage, eternal companionship and commitment. They can also be used as part of the bridal bouquet, flower crown, or perfume. You may be familiar with term neroli. Its sweet, citrusy, white floral fragrance is similar to that of tuberose and jasmine being used in many perfumes and cosmetics. Neroli is the term used for orange blossom essential oils.

Spain and Italy

During the time of the Crusades, oranges were first brought to Spain from the Middle East where they thrived in the warm climate. According to Sarah Bancroft, in her article "Orange Blossoms: Culture, Ceremony, and Royalty" in sunny Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy, brides often wear orange blossom crowns or carry bouquets with fragrant blooms to signify happiness and fertility.

France

According to the article "PIECES OF THE PAST: Orange Blossoms and Brides" by Brenda Eubanks Burnette, by the beginning of the 19th century, oranges were introduced to France. Numerous captivating tales had circulated across Europe of maidens weaving fresh orange blossoms into a bridal wreath for their hair. The impact was so deeply ingrained in the culture that the expression “to gather orange blossoms” implied “to seek a wife.”

England

A Royal Tradition

Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in 1840 broke a number of traditions and ironically, set the standard for wedding celebrations to this day. Not well known is that she proposed to Prince Albert herself! Of course, most of us are familiar with Queen Victoria for solidifying the trend of white wedding dresses, not only in Europe but in North America as well. She eschewed the traditional tiara in favor of a crown of orange blossoms, we could consider her the original Bohemian bride. She was also the originator of the "something blue" trend, by wearing a blue sapphire brooch which had been gifted to her by her fiancé. The very public royal wedding also deviated from the norm.

The Victorians were quite obsessed with floriography, or the language of flowers. Orange blossoms represented chastity. Prince Albert continued to give his wife orange blossom themed jewelry on special anniversaries to symbolize their love. 

Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Louise, also wore an orange blossom crown on her wedding day in 1871.

In 1947, Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten in Westminster Abbey. She honored the tradition set by her grandmother, Queen Victoria started by having the hem of her wedding dress embroidered with orange blossoms. The marriage between Elizabeth and Philip became the longest royal marriage until Prince Philip's death after they had been married for over 70 years.

According to Vanity Fair, Princess Diana in her epitomical display of fairytale romance, began the tradition of representing orange blossoms as a scent, with Houbigant Quelques Fleurs eau de parfum, alongside jasmine and bergamot.

Duchess Catherine chose Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne. She also burned orange blossom scented candles during her ceremony to Prince William, according to Katie Frost of Good Housekeeping. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wore a custom perfume with orange blossom as the main note.

Into the Future

Just as brides of the past have created their own traditions with orange blossoms, we hope that at Orange Blossom Bridal, we can be part of your own traditions on your wedding day. However you interpret orange blossoms-- we want to help you make your day your own! Whether you need traditional gown for your wedding ceremony, a midi dress for a garden reception, or a mini dress for an after-party we want to wish you luck and happiness.