Tracing the origin of artificial flowers and plants

Nowadays artificial flowers and plants are very popular all over the world because they don't need to be taken care of. Today, let's go back to trace their origins and history.

1、 Originated in China and related to two women.

There is no doubt that the artificial flower originated in China and is related to two famous Chinese women.

First, Leizu, the wife of the Yellow Emperor. It is mentioned in historical records that the Yellow Emperor married Leizu, the daughter of Xiling family. She invented sericulture. The story is very interesting: when Leizu was drinking tea in the palace garden, a cocoon fell into her tea cup and began to disperse. She noticed that the cocoon was made of a long and soft thread, so she came up with the idea of making a kind of textile with these materials.  China initiated the extraction of silk from silkworm, which laid the foundation for the widespread of silk processing technology ,and laid the basic for the appearance of silk flower  materials. Later, the Chinese mastered and improved the fine silk reproduction process, and then spun into cloth to make exquisite and luxurious clothing, which was unique to the senior class, as an important status symbol. It can be said that Leizu is the originator of artificial flower raw materials.

Secondly, Yang Guifei of Tang Dynasty. Artificial flowers have a history of at least 1300 years in China. It is said that Yang Guifei, the favorite concubine of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, has a scar on her left sideburns. Every day, the maidens would pick flowers and wear them on her temples. But in winter, the flowers withered. A clever maiden made artificial flowers with ribbon and silk for Yang Guifei. Later, this kind of "headdress flower" spread to the folk, and gradually developed into a unique handicraft "imitation flower". It can be said that the clever maiden created the finished product of artificial flowers.

2、Popular in Europe in the middle ages

It was not until the 12th century that Italian merchants began to use cocoons to make artificial flowers and dye . France will soon follow and master unique manufacturing methods. In the 14th century, artificial flowers made in France became popular with silk flowers and were considered to be the most beautiful and complicated design.

With the help of the French Revolution, the production technique of silk flower finally flowed into England and America. It was not until the Victorian era in the late 19th century that silk flowers became the focus of attention.

3、 The evolution of materials

The original materials of artificial flowers were silk and cloth. Later, polyester and plastic gradually became popular materials, because these materials would make the products more durable and lasting, and a wider range of artificial plants appeared. At present, the professional artificial plant factory also use expensive pigments, the colors are more vivid and not easy to fade. They also add antioxidants and light stabilizers to increase the mechanical properties of the finished products. These artificial plants can be placed outdoors for a long time, and can even be made into fire-proof products through unique technology. The application scenes are very wide.

4、 The value of artificial flowers (plants)

Nowadays artificial plants (flowers) have created billions of dollars of business every year. Because the products are not limited by seasons, they can provide eternal color and freshness to any environment. They will be regarded as "permanent plants" by professional gardeners and decorators, and even can create more colorful colors and shapes than natural plants. There are many high-rise buildings in modern cities. The space for people to enjoy nature is getting smaller and smaller. People often feel oppressive and depressed in their hearts. In this impetuous and noisy city, people begin to seek green decoration close to nature. The appearance of artificial flowers (plants) undoubtedly establishes a link to the beautiful nature for people.

When we are intoxicated with the beautiful artificial flowers (plants), don't forget that these natural substitutes also come from China, an ancient country with a splendid civilization history of 5000 years!