I noticed some odd stuff when I opened an old box that was hidden in the back of a cupboard. Not too thick, yet bright and a touch glittery… I first thought they were strange cocktail stirrers or old Christmas lights. These are the kinds of weird stuff you keep “just in case” but never use. But as soon as I lifted them up, I saw something that caught my eye: they were glass, delicate, and almost poetic. There was a small, hidden hook on each one. The colors were orange, yellow, and green. But what were they meant to do?
A memory of a family came back.
I informed my grandfather’s brother about it since I was confused. I was surprised by his statement, but more than anything else, it made me feel something. He chuckled a lot and remarked, as if he were revealing a secret jewel, “They’re little vases for suit pockets.” To make buttonholes. Vases that are small? For coats? I couldn’t believe that something like this was real.
And then it hit me: these thin glass tubes fit nicely in a breast pocket, and a drop of water would keep a flower alive all night. A really subtle touch, but it shows great sophistication!
When flowers convey more than words,
These extras weren’t only for looks back then. They meant something and were hints. Men chose flowers the same way they chose words: a white carnation for a wedding, a red rose for a date, and an exotic orchid for a night at the theater. Every decision mattered. A flower in the buttonhole could mean a secret message, a modest confession, or love.
This small vase ended the ceremony. It kept the flower alive, but more than anything else, it revealed how much care went into it. This is a subtle but beautiful way of living.
Where style and soul came together
These days, style usually means being quick and easy. Wear jeans and a t-shirt to work. But that little thing made me want to stop. Keep in mind that even a small change can make a big difference in how someone looks. People don’t often notice modest, thoughtful things that show real elegance.
It’s true that tiny little glass vases aren’t in style anymore. But their spirit lives on. They remind me that beauty is often found in gestures we believed were gone.
A poem to restore back to life
These little vases are now proudly displayed on my shelf, like crystal keepsakes. I occasionally look at them and think about what might happen if we brought that kind of poetry back into our lives. There is no need for big festivities. Putting a flower in someone’s hair, putting it on a table, and giving it to them without saying anything would be enough. A small, inexpensive act that shows you care.
Why not bring back some of that period when everything indicated how much they loved the beauty of everyday life?