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Definition of Tussie Mussie - A nosegay, posey (or posie, posy), flower bouquet; a small bunch of flowers or herbs, typically given as a gift. The word is sometimes spelled "tuzzy-muzzy." The word "tuzzy" refers to the Old English word which means a "knot of flowers." Muzzy refers to the damp moss wrapped around the stems to keep them moist. The tussie-mussie should be no larger than six inches in diameter. A tussie-mussie or word poesy is a small circular nosegay of flowers and herbs, tightly gathered and designed to carry a special message in the language of flowers. The traditional tussie-mussie is composed of fragrant herbs surrounding one central flower.
A bit of history
They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice to mask the unpleasant smells of the time - literally, to keep the nose gay (to keep the nose happy). They rose to popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 onwards, at which time the tussie-mussie 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.
Victorians studied Fluorography, or the language of flowers, with passion. Victorians loved gardening. Floral design was taught and recognized as an art. Young Victorian ladies were required to study flowers. Cultured young girls had to know how to arrange flowers, make tussie mussies, grow, preserve, press, draw and paint flowers. It was considered to be a genteel occupation. This era was often labeled the "Romantic Movement" by some historians. The “tussie mussie” was a popular means for suitors or lovers to convey a coy exchange of flirtation or secret messages of sentiment and affection in a prim and proper Victorian society. A young man admiring a lady would bring her a small hand bouquet of flowers. Any proper woman of that that time would have known the meaning of every flower in her posie and been able to decipher her unspoken message. If the lady pinned or cradled the tussie mussie to her heart, the man knew his message was well received! Tussie Mussies were not only worn by lovers, since each flower had a different meaning, they were also worn by men and woman as a token of friendship and so on. Because the flowers did not last long and were sometimes cumbersome during dining or dancing, jewelers rivaled one another in making posy holders. Many were quite ornate and came in many shapes and styles. Bosom bottles were tucked into the decolletage of a dress. Tiny holders were also worn at the waist, in the hair, or secured with a brooch.
Meanings of Flowers and Herbs
Some plants have kept their symbolic meanings through the years. These include: Rosemary, signifying Remembrance; Ivy, Fidelity; Lilies, Purity; Laurel, Victory; Parsley, Festivity; Rose, Love; Artemesia, Dignity; Basil, Best Wishes; Calla lily, Panache; Red geranium, Comfort, Health; Hydrangea, Devotion; Sage, Wisdom; Pine, Loyalty, Longevity; Iris, Hope; Sunflower, Vitality; Hyacinths, playfulness; Hibiscus, Exotic Beauty; Gardenia, Hospitality; Daffodil, Respect and Admiration.
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Notes & Suggestions 