Throughout the centuries, people have been using flower giving to pass a certain message. The Romans, ancient Greek, Chinese, and Egyptians are among the historical people known to have kept the practice for a long time. However, during the reign of England’s Victoria (1837-1901), specific flower language gave way.
At this time, the language of flowers, also called floriography, started to grow. Strong emotions that were difficult to speak, but easy to demonstrate, like love, remorse, appreciation, and sympathy, used the flower language. In the current era, flowers are widely used on special days and occasions, such as Valentine's Day, to show love to your fiancé or your spouse, and as a birthday tradition to celebrate the birth of a friend or family member.
Flowers have different symbolisms and meanings across the world. However, the sole reason you may give flowers is to speak a certain message and strengthen existing bonds. In this article, you’ll see how different cultures use flowers and what they mean.
Japan
In Japan, flower giving and gift giving are tied to their tradition. Flower giving is done at several social events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, housewarmings, and also the return from a trip. When you return from a trip, people expect that you’ll bring gifts, then, in return, they’ll give you flowers to celebrate the reunion.
The Japanese culture attaches a certain meaning to the colour and type of the flower. You can give flowers to the sick, according to Japanese customary. It’s common to take flowers to a friend or a family member in a hospital. However, you don’t take potted flowers as that could mean the sickness is bound to take ‘deeper root’ and worsen.
Flowers have several other meanings, such as:
- Red roses mean romance
- Bluebells are a sign of gratitude
- White flowers are used in mourning
- Sunflowers for loyalty and adoration
- Iris for glad tidings and good news
China
According to Chinese traditions, you can give flowers and gifts to show gratitude, love, respect, friendship, and hospitality. You can also use flowers to cultivate positive relationships. Flower giving and gift giving etiquette has been handed over from one generation to another.
Different colours have different uses and meanings, like:
- Chrysanthemum and white flowers are used for mourning at funerals or when visiting gravesites.
- Carnations and sunflowers are used to show gratitude and respect.
- Roses are used to show deep romantic love, as well as used by couples on special occasions and dating outings.
- Bamboo is used to wish financial success to a friend.
- Tulips can help show appreciation or adoration of someone’s intelligence.
- Dahlias and peonies are given to elders to show honour and wish them good fortune.
Egypt
In Egypt, gift giving dates back to the times of the pyramids, pharaohs, and idols, wherein you could give gifts to the king to win their allegiance or get personal glory. This tradition of gift and flower giving is still practiced in Egypt, although not to the extent as it was done in the first centuries. Egyptian customary chooses flowers according to events, such as:
- Floral baskets are used in funerals, where bright colours show the personality of the deceased.
- You may also send a flowers as a group to a bereaved family a week after the funeral, which shows you're mindful of them because of the loss.
- You use water lilies, iris, roses, cornflowers, and chrysanthemums in weddings in Egypt.
Ghana
Flowers are appreciated gifts in Ghana as these resonate with their practices. Even though flower gifts are always welcome, you have to be keen on what type of flower you use on each occasion. Consider the following tips:
Yellow roses are used to show joy.
- Red roses signify passion and love.
- Sunflowers communicate longevity and loyalty.
- Daisies convey cheerfulness and innocence.
Russia
Russian culture strongly upholds ancient gender roles. Thus, flower giving is popular and Russians love it. Flowers are majorly connected to love and are important in dating customs. A lady will expect her boyfriend to give her flowers during their dates and other special occasions. The quantity of the flowers doesn’t matter, but the number. An odd number is preferred because even numbers are for funerals.
Here are tips for flower giving in Russia:
- On the first date, you should give a large daisy or single rose.
- Only young girls are to be given flower buds.
- White, light blue, or pink are good when given to young women.
- You should give red flowers to loved ones or family members as they show love. Special days, like Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Valentine's Day, and birthdays are good opportunities to use them.
- Potted plants are appropriate for older women.
It's absolutely good to be familiar with how gifts, such as flowers, are used in different cultures. The tips in this article are helpful in case you ever find yourself in these countries if you’re not a native in any. If you happen to visit a country that’s not listed here, you can study about their culture online or ask the natives as you interact with them.
