Tussie-mussie nosegay

A nosegay, posy, or tussie-mussie is a small flower bouquet. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice. [1].

All about the Tussie Mussie nosegay bouquets. What they are, how to make them and the history of the tiny tussy-mussy.

“A ‘tussie’ is a nosegay, which is a Middle English word for a small group of flowers held together in a little bouquet,” Deitsch says, explaining the etymological origins of this curious-sounding collectible.

During the Victorian era gloves and a hat were common accessories for men and women when they went outside but to ward off disease and the plague they often wore a nosegay or tussie-mussie.

Nosegay illustration of a nosegay by Currier and Ives Bouquet holder A nosegay, posy, or tussie-mussie is a small flower bouquet. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice. [1] Doilies are traditionally used to bind the stems in these arrangements.

All about the Tussie Mussie nosegay bouquets. What they are, how to make them and the history of the tiny tussy-mussy.

“A ‘tussie’ is a nosegay, which is a Middle English word for a small group of flowers held together in a little bouquet,” Deitsch says, explaining the etymological origins of this curious-sounding collectible. “‘Mussie’ refers to the moss that was moistened and put around the stems of the flowers to keep them from wilting.

During the Victorian era tussie-mussies were carried close to the nose to ward off the stench in the streets and the plague and were composed primarily of scented herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and rue. The small tapered metal vase that holds small bouquets is now sometimes called a tussie-mussie, as are the fragrant flowers in the vase.