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Tussie mussie is a medieval word which means
"sweet posie" and consists of a tiny, tightly made nosegay of fragrant
flowers and herbs, all with sentimental meanings using the language of
flowers. Back when sanitation was poor and a walk down the street could
be a smelly affair, both men and women held these tiny, fresh nosegays
up close to their nose to sniff the fragrant leaves and mask the odors
of the streets. Men also wore small posies on their lapels or
placed them atop their walking sticks. Women held them in their
hands, wore them on their arms, or placed them in tiny vials of water
attached to their lacy bodices.
| Flower or
Herb |
Meaning |
Flower or
Herb |
Meaning |
| Basil |
Good Wishes (also
hate!) |
Lemon Verbena |
Enchantment |
| Bay |
Glory |
Marigold |
Grief |
| Bee Balm |
Compassion |
Marjoram |
Happiness |
| Borage |
Courage |
Mints |
Wisdom/virtue/warmth |
| Carnation |
Pure affection;
divine love |
Pansy |
Thought; loving thoughts |
| Chamomile |
Humility |
Parsley |
Festivity |
| Daisy |
Innocence |
Rose |
Love |
| Dill |
To lull |
Rose Geranium |
Preference |
| Fern |
Magic,
fascination |
Rosemary |
Remembrance |
| Hibiscus |
Delicate beauty |
Sage |
Domestic virtue; good health |
| Lamb's-ears |
Surprise |
Thyme |
Happiness, courage |
| Lavender |
Devotion |
Yarrow |
Health |
| Lemon Balm |
Sympathy |
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