Speaking Through Flowers

A bouquet of flowers for a birthday, anniversary or as a gift for a host is mostly a matter of course; yet it also expresses social relationships. Flower gifts follow traditional rules, norms and notions, reflecting feelings, wishes and social roles. Which flowers we choose, how and in which situations we give flowers, what flower gifts may say about interpersonal relationships, and what the recipient expects ‘in return’: these are just some of the questions addressed in the exhibition at the Folk Life Museum.

The presence of cut flower bouquets, potted plants, dried flower arrangements, hand-picked or, more recently, home-grown flowers in our everyday lives also points to social, economic, ecological, religious and political contexts. For example, fair working conditions in the flower industry or the smallest possible ecological footprint of roses and tulips – the most popular cut flowers in Austria – are increasingly the concern of critical consumers.

The exhibition highlights gift-giving practices both past and present. These are interwoven with individual stories about flowers, which are always meaningful in some way or other, though not necessarily only beautiful.