Communicating feelings or exhibiting social niceties with flowers has been in practice since the ancient times. Even today, flowers form an integral part of gifting tradition in almost every culture around the world.
We normally pick red roses to express undying love or pink lilies to wish prosperity. But did you know that these floral colour codes originated during the Victorian era in England when flowers were used extensively to express emotions?
Apart from this more or less universal language of flowers, cultural differences prevail in the custom of gifting flowers across the globe. As the saying goes, “when in Rome, do as the Romans”. So, being knowledgeable about different regional sentiments and traditions around flowers will help you follow proper floral gifting etiquette in a foreign country.
Read along for a few of the most prominent global traditions in floral gifting.
The colour code
One would think that you can never go wrong with red roses when you have to express your love, but do you know in Latvia and Hungary, the same red roses are given at funerals? In most Western countries, white blooms form an essential part of the wedding bouquet. But in Asia, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, white blooms are used to pay respect to the deceased. While a yellow flower would in general symbolize friendship and joy, in Russia, they would denote a breakup.
Flowers are joy or not!
In common parlance, flowers are objects of beauty and are a joy forever. However, in some countries, they are associated with grief and loss. This is particularly true in Egypt, where flowers represent death and hence gifting flowers on a social occasion is not appreciated.
Say it with a rose?
The complexities of flower meanings and associated customs can be confusing. In Vietnam, you can profess your undying love with a single rose. However, in Brazil, nothing less than a dozen roses will do to seal your claim.
In Korea, you would receive 20 red roses to celebrate your 20th birthday. On the contrary, Italians gift red roses to express love and to wish victory or success too.
Differing blooms of choice for departed souls
Traditionally, in the UK, people pay homage to the deceased with white lilies. But in Japan, it is customary to give camellias, lotus and lilies at funerals. In Brazil, black and purple blooms are associated with mourning, and in China, chrysanthemums serve the purpose.
Even or odd?
You could buy a dozen of whichever flowers you choose. But, do you know that in many European countries, it is believed that gifting an odd number of flowers brings good fortune. However, do not ever make the mistake of gifting 13 flowers to anyone as the number is considered a bad omen in many cultures.
Setting aside all these differences in flower gifting custom, if you are looking for a reliable flower delivery service in Sydney, then Pearsons Florist is your go-to option. Call us today for all your flower gifting needs, and sit back to relax while we convey your floral message.