Favors, and the Meaning of Roses

One of the sweetest Faire traditions is that of giving favors. Favors are usually given to people you like, admire or are smitten with. Favors are sometimes given as a thank-you, and men enjoy both the giving of favors, and wearing a favor given to the by a lady. Both ladies and gentlemen give favors, to their own sex, and the opposite sex. Below are some ideas for favors you can bring to Faire, and bestow upon those of your choosing.

Jewelry
Many people give jewelry as favors. A good way to stock up, is to go to thrift stores. Even places like Value Village have boxes of inexpensive costume jewelry, and a lot of it looks Faire appropriate. Antique stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army, specialty jewelry stores and art fairs are great places to find jewelry. It's easy to find things that pass muster for Faire. Avoid plastic beads, and anything that looks distinctly modern. There are a lot of pins, earrings, pendants and so forth that look as though they're made of gold or silver, with stones set into them. These are perfect. Anything that looks old-fashioned is perfect. Especially good spots to find great Faire jewelry for favors, is at any thrift store near a retirement community. Ladies from earlier generations owned lovely jewelry.

Ribbon Roses and Real Roses
Ribbon roses, sometimes known as rosettes are very easy to make. Real roses make lovely favors as well. Customarily, rosettes are worn pinned to one's bodice, real roses can be added to a lady's hairstyle, pinned to a bodice, placed in a hat brim or belt, or anywhere that looks fetching. The wonderful thing about rosettes and roses is that the colour you choose sends a message.
Red: True Love
Light Pink: Devoted attention, adoration
Dark Pink: Passion
White: Pure intentions and/or loyalty
Cream: Everlasting admiration
Yellow: Friendship
Yellow with a Red Fringe: A message to a friend, that perhaps you'd wish a bit more than that.
Lavender: You're in my thoughts always
Purple: Fantasy
Dark Purple: Change of Heart
Black: Malice
Peach: Innocent crush, being "sweet" on someone. Precious friendship, if sent to a member of the same sex.
Orange: Lust
Light Blue: Thank you
Royal Blue: Friendship, particularly the kind that hangs about after hours and parties around the campfire.
Dark Blue: I'm sorry
Light Green: Admiration of one's talents. Lovely for performers.
Bright Green: Admiration of a lady's looks. Particularly suitable for the more...flamboyant ladies.
Dark Green: An offer for a night of ribald partying. Lovely when added to a light blue rosette.

Some people even bring a special pouch to hold their favors in. Make sure, if you're doing rosettes, that you bring safety pins for them to be added to the recipient's costume. Sometimes, people don't pass out their favors until the last day of Faire. Personally, I think it's much more fun to pass them around earlier, so everyone can see how beloved you are. Favors really are a lovely way to thank those who have done something nice for you, make your friends happy, and let that lovely maiden know you're her devoted servant.