Young Blonde Girl On The Red Scarf With A Flower Bouquet Arranged In A Vase

The term "tussie mussie", "tussy mussy" or "tuzzie muzzie" is sometimes used interchangeably with nosegay. A tussie mussie was also called a "talking bouquet" or "flower poesy" during the Victorian era, when they became a popular gift. Tussie mussies were introduced to England in the early 18th century, and were a fashionable accessory for young women by the early 19th century. A tussie mussie is a small circular bouquet like a nosegay, but carries symbolic meaning based upon the language of flowers, where particular flowers represent specific sentiments. They were commonly exchanged by lovers, who sent messages to one another based upon the flowers used in the bouquet. Traditionally, tussie mussies are arranged in a cone- or cornucopia-shaped container, made of tin or silver, with a chain attached for carrying the bouquet.
Language of flowers
Flower symbolism originated in Asia and the Middle East, where certain flowers, such as the lotus, were considered sacred, or at least to be associated with spiritual themes. This was often reflected in artwork, for example the use of bamboo in Chinese art to represent longivity and eternity. The language of flowers was introduced to England in the early 18th century by Mary Wortley, Lady Montague, whose husband was Ambassador to Turkey. It was in Turkey that Wortley became familiar with local customs, and the sentiments attached to certain types of flowers exchanged in bouquets as a way exchanging messages. By the Victorian era, almost every flower had a specific meaning attached to it. Small nosegay or "tussie mussie" bouquets might include chamomile flowers, which a woman might send to a romantic interest to tell him "Patience"; goldenrod represented indecision.