Recently, while sorting through my grandma’s old things, I accidentally came across an inconspicuous little box, hidden deep in the cupboard. It was completely covered in dust, clearly untouched for a long time. Inside were strange items: thin glass rods, shiny and delicate. At first glance, they looked like cocktail decorations or pieces of old Christmas lights, but when I picked them up, I realized they weren’t plastic, but fragile glass. They shimmered with a subtle glow, and each had a tiny, barely visible hook.
I couldn’t figure out what they were for for a long time. When I told my grandfather’s brother about the find, he laughed and explained that they were miniature boutonniere vases, which men used to wear in their jackets. It seemed incredible to me, yet it was true: men would put these tiny vessels in the pocket on the lapel, pour a drop of water inside, and place a fresh flower. This way, the flower stayed fresh and fragrant throughout the evening.
In those times, flowers held a special meaning. They were chosen very deliberately, as each carried a specific message. A white carnation symbolized purity and dignity, a rose expressed affection, and an orchid emphasized the uniqueness of the moment. A flower in a boutonniere was not just an ornament — it became a sign of attention, a symbol, a small wordless letter. And the tiny glass vase added extra care and elegance to the gesture.
Today, our lives are different. We’re always rushing, favoring comfort and simplicity: jeans, t-shirts, work, meetings. Yet this discovery reminded me that it’s often the little things that give life its special character. True elegance doesn’t lie in wealth or grand gestures, but in the ability to notice beauty and share it with others.
These glass vases have long gone out of fashion, yet their spirit still lingers. They remind us of a time when feelings were expressed through simple, yet sincere gestures. Now they sit on my shelf like small relics from the past. Sometimes I look at them and think about how important it is not to lose the ability to see poetry in everyday life.
You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to give someone a flower. You can place a branch in a glass of water, decorate the table with a small bouquet, or simply hand a flower to a loved one for no reason. Such gestures cost almost nothing, yet they bring warmth, create a pleasant atmosphere, and make everyday life more beautiful.
Every time I look at these tiny vases, I realize that true elegance has nothing to do with fashion or wealth. It is the desire to share light, care, and beauty even in the simplest moments. And it is precisely these small gestures that remind us of what truly matters — attention to loved ones, love for life, and the poetry hidden in the smallest details.
