As we wrap up a busy February, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at the history of giving flowers and see how flower giving is different in other countries. Flowers can have so many meanings, that’s what makes them so special and meaningful. It was actually the French and English that discovered the language of flowers, called Floriography, in Turkey in the 1700s.
THE HISTORY OF GIVING FLOWERS
So, where did the tradition of giving flowers actually begin? We can’t pinpoint an exact date, but it can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks. They often brought floral offerings to temples to honor their gods. As time went on, the Greeks began to give flowers as an appreciation of a woman’s beauty. It then evolved as a way to express how you felt about someone.
Ancient Egyptians also gave flowers to gods and lovers to show their love and adoration. The lotus flower holds special meaning in their history. They saw it as an image of rebirth and regeneration. Peasants used flowers to decorate themselves, and pharaohs would decorate their carts before heading off to war.
As we progressed through history, flowers became a way for people to express all types of emotions. This was particularly important in the Victorian Era because showing emotions wasn’t considered good manners. They thought emotions should be stifled, not expressed. So, they created unique meanings for every flower and how they were arranged. They wrote books and guides so everyone could keep track of what everything meant!
FLORAL MEANINGS AROUND THE WORLD
It’s also interesting to see how floral traditions vary in other cultures and countries. The colors, types, and arrangements of flowers can mean something totally different than what we are used to here.
- Russia - Don’t use an even number of stems in bouquets. Even numbers are only meant for funerals. Also, be careful who you give yellow flowers to, since they are meant to symbolize a breakup or separation.
- United Kingdom - Never use white lilies as a present. They are only used in funeral arrangements.
- Japan - Flowers are often given to someone when returning from a trip. It is also common to take flowers to someone in the hospital, but don’t take a potted plant. They are seen as offensive and to mean the illness could get worse, or “take a deeper root.”
- China - White flowers and chrysanthemums are only used for funerals or when visiting gravesites. Bamboos are associated with financial success.
- Mexico - Avoid yellow flowers, except for Day of the Dead celebrations, because they symbolize death.
- France - Odd numbers are best for bouquets, but 13 is considered bad luck. Don’t send red carnations because they are a symbol of ill will. And, red roses are only for those you are in love with.
- Brazil - It’s not common for men to send or receive flowers. It’s mostly something women do. If men do send flowers, it’s usually only to their wives.
MARCH REMINDERS
It’s time to plan for the special birthdays and anniversaries coming up in March. The gift of flowers is sure to make anyone’s day extra special. We would love to create a unique surprise for any of your celebrations.
March Anniversaries
March Birthdays
MARCH HOLIDAYS
1st - Fat Tuesday
4th - Sons Day/Employee Appreciation Day
12th - Working Moms Day
13th - Daylight Saving Time
17th - St. Patrick’s Day
20th - First Day of Spring
23rd - Puppy Day
29th - Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
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- Team Floral Design by Heidi