The Tussie Mussie, A Small Nosegay Bouquet

Being creative is what it's all about. Let's make some cute stuff! I hope you enjoy these ideas and that they spark your own fun projects.

Victorian Nosegay

Victorian Bouquets With A Romantic Message

The little confection of flowers called a "tussie mussie" was a Victorian favorite.

A small nosegay consisting of fragrant flowers, it often held secret messages which the "language of flowers" might convey. The meaning of the flowers depended on a memorized code popularized by published "Language of Flowers" books, quite popular in Victorian times.

Originating as small bunches of herbs or flowers that ladies of Medieval times may have used to mask the offensive odors common to habits of lax sanitation and hygiene. These tiny arrangements still hold fascination and pleasure for both special occasions and everyday. Tussie mussies make a charming wedding bouquet for bridesmaids or the mother of the bride.

You just might fall in love with these dainty and sweet smelling flower bouquets.

Is A Tussie Mussie A Fragrant Flower Bouquet, Or A Bouquet Holder?

It might surprise you to know that both objects are labeled with this term. Over time, the use of the word changed and describes both the ornamental holder and the small fragrant bouquet.

Will it change back to more of its original meaning? Perhaps the wedding of Royals Kate and William holds the answer.

Tussie Mussies as Wedding Flowers

A tussie mussie bouquet can be perfect for any wedding when made for the flower girls., as a delicate bouquet for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride, and appropriate even for the Victorian-style bride. Perfect for boutonnieres because of their miniature size.

Include more flowers for the female attendants, more foliage for the men. Best for DIY wedding flowers, casual, and Victorian them weddings.

Royal Example

Take Notes from the Royal Wedding of Kate and William

The Royal Trend

Kate Middleton chose to use the language of flowers and British seasonal flowers for her wedding. Trucking in real trees to create a bower of greenery to create a fairy woodland effect, she did not stint on the floral displays, but her delightful bouquet of flowers was on a much smaller scale (read the report in the Guardian). She chose a more diminutive bouquet for her personal bouquet, more of a tussy mussy or a nosegay, than most of her predecessors in Royal weddings. One that is fresh and sweet not only in aroma, but appearance.

An all-white bouquet:

• Lily-of-the-Valley
• Hyacinth
• Sweet William
• Myrtle

"The myrtle comes from a tree which grew from a cutting of Queen Victoria's own bridal bouquet myrtle. Since that time, each royal bride has included a sprig from the original plant in her bouquet."

The press release from the Royal Palace:

"The bouquet is a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers"

The photo shows the modest size of the arrangement made with fragrant flowers, all the earmarks of a tussy mussy bouquet.

Wedding Tussie Mussie

Today's Tussy-Mussy - ...refers to the bouquet holder

Although the original definition of "tussy-mussy" meant the actual bouquet, the word has evolved to another meaning. It now primarily is used to describe the type of bouquet holder illustrated in these photos..

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History of the Tussie Mussie

Historical Bouquet Timeline

Medieval:

A small bunches of fragrant plants and flowers were pressed up to the nose to mask odors, sometimes to fend off illness such as the plague.

Elizabethan:

The word itself is first found in the 15th century,reaching further back into the term "tusse" meaning "a cluster of flowers". Used as an aromatherapy to dispel ill humors, especially "gaol fever".

18th Century:

In France little nosegay bouquets were carried in a small metal hand-held vase. Some of those had attached ring chains to carry more easily.

An Overview of More Modern Use

how this little, sweet smelling bouquet evolved

Victorian:

The tussy mussy became a a circular arrangement of flowers and herbs, traditionally centered with a rose, often surrounded with a lace doily. Miniature silver vases that may be pinned on the clothing became popular, and can be used as boutonnieres today.

At Kew Garden, created in 1759 in England, is a sunken nosegay garden. Ladies and gentleman carried tussy mussies of aromatic leaved plants and sweet flowers during the age when bathing was infrequent, and street smells could be quite rank. The arrangements would be pressed to their noses in order to mask the the many unpleasant smell of close quarters and public life. Sage, thyme, mint, rosemary, and artemisia, were used, which are all grown in the nosegay garden.

A traveler of earlier times,1560, described the English practice as "their nosegays finely intermingled with sundry sorts of fragraunte flowers, in their bed-chambers and privy rooms, with comfortable smell cheered me up, and entirely delighted all my senses."

Today:

Tussy mussy has become the name of the holder for the bouquet and the traditional wedding flowers carried by the attendants are the interpretation of the much older desire to imbue the air with sweet fragrance. Sometimes the term for tussy mussie is used for miniature arrangements that hark back to the Victorian interpretations including giving secret messages through the choice of the flowers and foliage.

Elegant Flower Holder

Williamsburg Inspiration

Instructions, delightfully illustrated

(In a PDF) The directions for making Colonial style tussie mussies couldn't be easier.

Williamsburg tussy mussy bouquets

"The nosegay, or tussie-mussie, is popular in Williamsburg for weddings and for many other occasions. In colonial days ladies carried tussie-mussies to repel offensive odors or placed them on tables to help freshen a room. A tussie-mussie makes a charming remembrance for a friend, and many can be saved and dried. Tussie-mussies can also serve in place of a more traditional table arrangement. This delightful form can be made with fresh or dried materials, may be large or small, and may be formal or informal."

A tussy-mussy is a dainty hand-held, tied nosegay with aromatic flowers and foliage.

Send a message in a dainty flower bouquet

Favorite flowers described in an old 1901 article,

Fragrant flower choices for a nosegay from long ago

Tussy-mussy was not a colloquial word ; it was found in serious, even in religious, text. A tussymussy was the most beloved of nosegays, and was often made of flowers mingled with sweet-scented leaves.

"My favorite tussy-mussy, if made of flowers, would be of Wood Violet, Cabbage Rose, and Clove Pink. These are all beautiful flowers, but many of our most delightful fragrances do not come from flowers of gay dress ; even these three are not showy flowers ; flowers of bold color and growth are not apt to be sweet-scented ; and all flower perfumes of great distinction, all that are unique, are from blossoms of modest color and bearing. The Calycanthus, called Virginia Allspice, Sweet Shrub, or Strawberry bush, has what I term a perfume of distinction, and its flowers are neither fine in shape, color, nor quality.

I have often tried to define to myself the scent of the Calycanthus blooms ; they have an aromatic fragrance somewhat like the ripest Pineapples of the tropics, but still richer ; how I love to carry them in my hand, crushed and warm, occasionally holding them tight over my mouth and nose to fill myself with their perfume."

May Day Tradition

An old tradition was to make tussy mussies to hand out on May Day. They were hung from a doorknob of a loved one the night before May Day.

The Romantic Language of Flowers

Learn The Secret Message

Tussie mussie bouquets of the Victorian age implemented the fad of the day, cryptic messages sent with an understanding of the Language of Flowers. Some of those meanings survive today in our common knowledge such as a red rose for romantic love, but some flower meanings may surprise you.

Combining flowers could become an entire message of nuanced thoughts. or personal symbolism.

May Day

The Victorian Messages

Lady Mary Wortley Montague was said to have introduced the Turkish "Secret Language of Flowers" from her stint as the wife of the British Ambassador to Constantinople.

Madame Charlotte de la Tour wrote a popular volume with the same idea that became popular in France.

Modern writers freely mix the old meanings while adding new, contemporary interpretations for desired flower messages.

See More: A complete look at the Language of Flowers.

Almond flowers -- Hope

Anemone -- Forsaken

Balm -- Sympathy

Basil -- Best wishes

Bay leaf -- "I change but in death"

Bell flower, white -- Gratitude

Bergamot -- Irresistible

Bluebell -- Constancy

Borage -- Courage

Broom -- Humility

Campanula -- Gratitude

Carnation, red -- "Alas for my poor heart"

China rose -- Beauty always new

Chrysanthemum -- Love

Clover, four leaved -- "Be mine"

Convolvulus, major -- Extinguished hopes or eternal sleep

Coreopsis, arkansa -- Love at first sight

Cuckoo pint -- Ardour

Daffodil -- Regard

Daisy -- Innocence, new-born, "I share your sentiment"

Fennel -- Flattery

Fern -- Sincerity

Forget-Me-Not -- True love

Furze or Gorse -- Enduring affection

French Marigold -- Jealousy

Gardenia -- Ecstasy

Gentian -- Loveliness

Geranium -- "You are childish"

Hare bell -- Grief

Heartsease -- "I am always thinking of you"

Honeysuckle -- Bonds of love

Heather -- Admiration

Ice Plant -- "Your appearance freezes me"

Ivy -- Fidelity, friendship, marriage

Jasmine -- Grace

Jonquil -- "I hope for return of affection"

Lavender -- Luck, devotion

Lemon Balm -- Sympathy

Lily -- Purity, modesty

Lily of the Valley -- Purity, the return of happiness

Marigold -- Health, grief or despair

Marjoram -- Kindness, courtesy

Myrtle -- Fidelity

Oregano -- Joy

Pansy -- Loving thoughts

Periwinkle -- Happy memory

Phlox -- Agreement

Poppy, red -- Consolation

Rose, cabbage -- Ambassador of love

Rose, red -- Love

Rose, pink -- Grace, beauty

Rose, yellow -- Friendship

Rosemary -- Remembrance, constancy

Rue -- Contrition

Sage -- Gratitude, domestic virtue

Snowdrop -- Hope

Star of Bethlehem -- Purity

Sweet Pea -- Departure, tender memory

Sweet William -- Gallantry

Tuberose -- Voluptuousness

Tulip, red -- Reclamation of love

Violet -- Loyalty, modesty, humility

Violet, blue -- Faithfulness

Wormwood -- Grief

Wheat -- Riches of the continuation of life

Willow, weeping -- Mourning

Wallflower -- Fidelity

Yew -- Sorrow

Try a Tussie Mussie Tea Party game, here.

What Is A Tussie-Mussie?

The meaning of tussy-mussy has changed over the years...

Today the tussie mussie is defined as "a small circular nosegay of flowers and herbs, tightly gathered and designed to carry a special message in the language of flowers".

From Victorian times the addition of incorporating a private message through the language of flowers became popular. At that time it was common to send unspoken messages based upon books consulted for the designated meanings. The symbolism is still part of what we think should be the purpose of old fashioned tussie mussies. It is again popular to choose wedding flowers based on those esoteric meanings of so long ago.

Tussie Mussies Today

Today you are more likely to find the tussy-mussy type of bouquet simply called a "nosegay". If you look for "tussie mussie" in a google search you are likely to be directed to the holder for the tiny bouquet, not the flower arrangement itself.

These small, cone shaped holders may be silver or paper, or a number of materials. They may be modern versions or genuine antiques. Originally, though, the term related to the flower bouquets tucked inside the holders.

All Occasion, Simple Holder for Flowers

Making A Christmas Cone

It really couldn't be easier. Simply roll decorative paper into a cone shape and secure with staples, glue, or tape. Fill with flowers.

Instruction on how to make an easy tussie mussie bouquet

All the flower meanings in the example bouquet are discussed, along with step by step demonstration. Great bouquet idea for members of the wedding party, especially for the mother of the bride.

Your favorite idea for a Tussy Mussy - Do tell!

Easy Directions to make Tussie-Mussie Bouquets

Use small flowers and sprigs to keep the entire bouquet quite small.

Directions for making your own tussie mussie:

• * Choose the center flower for your main message, roses are traditional.
• *Surround with three stems of an herb or foliage choice.
• *Choose a small filler flower with the meaning of your choice, 5 stems surrounding the second layer.
• *Surround with five stems of your final choice of foliage or flowers.
• *Wrap tightly with florist tape.
• *Use a small vase of water, or wrap tightly with wide satin ribbon completely covering stems bottom and to top.
• *A nice touch is to cut an opening in a round paper doily and frame the entire bouquet.

Use Snippets From Larger bouquets

Bouquet idea:

Make tussie mussies for someone special (or your own bedside table!) with little sprigs and blossoms that you didn't need for a larger table bouquet.

*mother of the bride bouquet

It really is that simple to create adorable little bouquets that lighten your heart through your senses.

Surround your tussy mussy with a delicate doily, beaded holder, or frill of chiffon.

Dainty mother of the bride flowers.

Doilies - Stiffen a crochet doily

Using heavy starch you can stiffen a fabric crocheted doily to surround your tussy mussy.

Find Out More About The Tussy-Mussy - How-to And More Wedding Ideas

"Small bouquets, such as empire bouquets or tussie mussies, are great for moms who feel too young to wear a corsage. They are equally attractive to moms who know they will be nervous and could use a little something to hold onto and play with during the ceremony. Think of it as an extravagant stress ball. Best of all, a bouquet solves the old problem of "What do I do with my hands during the wedding pictures." "

Making a Romantic Tussie Mussie Video

Sweet Remembrance of Time Spent Here - Tuck in your own message

acreativethinker on April 27, 2014:

These are so lovely. Very nice lens. :)

Ilona E (author) from Ohio on March 17, 2014:

@sweetstickyrainbo: However... it was quite poetic, wasn't it? :)

sweetstickyrainbo on December 08, 2013:

I did not imagine that I would say "Tussy Mussy" today.

Ilona E (author) from Ohio on April 26, 2013:

@delia-delia: thank you- yes, it is a cool idea, but who would memorize all those meanings? Still it is a great idea for wedding flowers and memorials .

Ilona E (author) from Ohio on April 26, 2013:

@Melissa Miotke: I love the way it combines a bouquet of flowers with aromatherapy ideas. Thanks for your comment :)

Melissa Miotke from Arizona on April 26, 2013:

These are beautiful bouquets! I love flowers:)

Deborah Carr from Orange County, California on February 23, 2013:

Lovely bouquets!

Delia on January 10, 2013:

It's uplifting to see such nice ideas for a lovely bouquet..I got a big kick out of the Language of Flowers.

What a delightful lens! ~d-artist Squid Angel Blessing~

Rosaquid on August 21, 2012:

Thanks for this delightful lens!

Ilona E (author) from Ohio on June 18, 2012:

@antoniow: thanks!

Ilona E (author) from Ohio on June 18, 2012:

@antoniow: I was happy to bless your very fine lens.

antoniow on June 17, 2012:

Fantastic lens, great job!

Ruthi on May 04, 2012:

I vaguely recall having read or heard the term tussie-mussie and now I know its meaning(s), thank you.

Kathryn Grace from San Francisco on April 27, 2012:

Thank you for a lovely respite in a hectic day. I love all the charming little bouquets. Lilies of the valley and sweet English violets are my favorite nosegay blossoms.

anonymous on February 15, 2012:

Just stopped by to smell the flowers again. This is such a lovely Tussie Mussie page with great ideas for the weddings or other special occasions.

WaynesWorld LM on February 12, 2012:

Flowers are just so lovely.

Peggy Hazelwood from Desert Southwest, U.S.A. on February 09, 2012:

So lovely. I love small bouquets and these are perfect! Love the name too!

SoniaCarew on February 08, 2012:

So beautiful! I love your lens, ...

Tom Maybrier on February 06, 2012:

Great lens! I have a book on tussie mussies - the "language of flowers" is a fascinating cultural relic!

queenofduvetcover on January 29, 2012:

Beautiful lens! =)

emmaklarkins on January 26, 2012:

I love the idea of sending messages through flowers! Thanks for the intriguing topic.

sheezie77 on January 16, 2012:

great lens! thumbs up

JoshK47 on November 25, 2011:

Can't say I've heard of a tussie-mussie before, but they're quite lovely!

EMangl on October 14, 2011:

I never heard the expression "Tussy-Mussy" before, sounds cute and is a sweet name for such beautiful bouquets!

hlkljgk from Western Mass on October 05, 2011:

what a sweet tradition.

Donnette Davis from South Africa on October 05, 2011:

What a stunning lens.... very informative and so well laid out. I find I learn a great deal from your lenses, worth reading from word first to word last...

pawpaw911 on September 14, 2011:

Interesting. Learned something new today. Thanks.

Raulbesquival on September 07, 2011:

Tussie-Mussies are great for weddings, proms, and cotillions. They are a wonderful gift for a friend or dinner host, get well, or congratulations.

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Ilona E (author) from Ohio on August 15, 2011:

@chezchazz: Thank you! So happy you chose my Tussy Mussy lens for such an honor :)

Chazz from New York on August 15, 2011:

Beautiful to look at and interesting to read! You put a lot of work into this lens and it shows. Blessed on the Squid Angels Epic Back To School Bus Trip Quest. Your lens will be featured on âWing-ing it on Squidoo,â our lensography of some of the best Squidoo has to offer, as soon as the quest has been completed.

Ilona E (author) from Ohio on July 15, 2011:

@anonymous: thanks for your kind words, I look forward to seeing your lenses- drop by and let me know when you publish your garden related ones, especially :)

anonymous on July 11, 2011:

Very nicely done. A delight for the eyes from beginning to end! I have just started to 'squidoo' and I am in awe. Have much garden, bible plant, growing, floral crafting, Victorian stuff to share. You have set a standard for me. Keep up the great work! Blessings.

Ilona E (author) from Ohio on June 01, 2011:

@anonymous: Thank you :)

anonymous on June 01, 2011:

Oh my, how sweetly done from the intro to the guest book title. I especially enjoyed your including the royal tradition of the myrtle, had never heard that before.....and the meaning behind each flower, very sweet!

Nancy Tate Hellams from Pendleton, SC on May 21, 2011:

I sure enjoyed learning more about the Tussie Mussie

Ilona E (author) from Ohio on May 03, 2011:

@kimbesa2: I just added that! I thought she chose a beautiful and elegant arrangement,too.

kimbesa from USA on May 03, 2011:

Great! I especially liked reading about Kate Middleton's bouquet...thanks!

Ilona E (author) from Ohio on April 25, 2011:

@SandyPeaks: Thank you so much,SandyPeaks.

SandyPeaks on April 25, 2011:

Delightful lens! Blessed by a SquidAngel.