During the Middle Ages both men and women carried nosegays everywhere as the small bundles of flowers and herbs were thought to act as a prophylactic against disease and the ravages of plague. These nosegays were called “tuzzy muzzy,” as the stems of fresh flowers were wrapped in damp moss to keep the bouquets moist. The word “tuzzy” meant flowers and “muzzy” wet moss. Often a small silver or wood box would be lined with wet moss; the little tuzzy was laid inside the box which acted as cool storage, making the flowers easier to transport. Illustrations exist today from the 13th century that show both sexes carefully treading their way down rubbish filled lanes with their noses firmly planted in small handheld posies.