Scroll or pinch to deep-zoom · powered by IIIF

<I>Wire frame, spray holders</I>

The floral spray became the most popular sympathy tribute in the early twentieth century. These hand-tied bunches of flowers were generally made with a dozen of the same type of flower and finished with a bow. Many florists preferred floral sprays to wire frame designs because they could be made easily, saving time and labor which resulted in greater profit. These designs were sent to the homes of the bereaved or the funeral home. Larger sprays could be placed on the casket and was a less expensive option than floral pall. Sprays could also be used as church decorations for funerals, holidays, weddings, and other special occasions. A pew marker was a popular form of decoration used in churches the home for occasions such as weddings, funerals, holidays, or important days on the religious calendar. Markers were placed at the end of a row of seating or the church pew, which is a long bench seat for members of the congregation to sit during church services. Pew seating might also be used in church choirs, synagogues, and even some courtrooms. From the mid-nineteenth century, pew markers were usually used to highlight the main center aisle; however, they may be placed at either end of a row to indicate reserved seating. The markers were small hanging receptacles, which held clusters of flowers and foliage, often trailing over the edges, and they were often adorned with ribbons or cords in colors that complimented the occasion. Pew markers were usually lined and held a receptacle for a water source to help keep flowers fresh. These floral designs were popular for church and home weddings in the nineteenth century. In the 1960s and 70s, pew markers such as this were replaced by plastic pew clips and floral foams, which made the decoration of churches and other venues easier to arrange, install, and remove.

Date

ca. 1860-1940

Type

Floral frames

Medium

Wire

Department

HAC

Institution

Smithsonian Gardens

Object number

hac_1980.036.013.001-.004

Credit

Smithsonian Gardens, Horticultural Artifacts Collection.