Sending Flowers and Their Symbolism in Different Asian Countries
Flowers hold deep cultural significance across Asia, with each country assigning unique meanings and traditions to floral gifts. Understanding these customs ensures your gesture is well-received and conveys the right message. Here's a flower delivery guide to sending flowers and their symbolism in various Asian countries.
General Tips for Sending Flowers in Asia
Know the Occasion: Different flowers are suited to occasions such as weddings, birthdays, funerals, or holidays.
Understand Cultural Symbolism: Flower meanings and associated colors vary widely.
Avoid Unlucky Numbers: Many Asian cultures regard the number 4 as unlucky due to its association with death.
Country-Specific Flower Customs
China
Symbolism:
Peonies: Wealth, honor, and romance.
Orchids: Elegance, fertility, and refinement.
Chrysanthemums: Longevity and rejuvenation, but white chrysanthemums are reserved for funerals.
Plum Blossoms: Resilience and hope.
Color Significance:
Red: Joy and prosperity (great for celebrations).
White: Mourning and funerals.
Occasions:
Red roses or pink peonies for romantic gestures.
Lucky flowers like orchids or plum blossoms for Chinese New Year.
Japan
Symbolism:
Cherry Blossoms (Sakura): Beauty and the fleeting nature of life.
Chrysanthemums: Imperial power and longevity; white ones are used for funerals.
Camellias: Admiration (red) or mourning (white).
Irises: Protection and purification.
Etiquette:
Avoid gifting flowers in numbers divisible by 4.
Be cautious with red flowers, as they can symbolize blood in some contexts.
Occasions:
Cherry blossoms for celebrations.
White lilies or chrysanthemums for condolences.
South Korea
Symbolism:
Roses: Love and romance (red), friendship (yellow), or purity (white).
Lilies: Innocence and virtue.
Carnations: Deep respect and gratitude, often given on Parent’s Day or Teacher’s Day.
Color Significance:
Avoid white flowers in celebratory settings; they are linked to mourning.
Occasions:
Bouquets of mixed vibrant flowers for birthdays or graduations.
White or yellow flowers for funerals.
India
Symbolism:
Marigolds: Spirituality and purity; used in religious ceremonies.
Lotus: Divine beauty and enlightenment.
Jasmine: Love, purity, and hospitality.
Color Significance:
Bright colors like orange, yellow, and red are preferred for joyful events.
Avoid white flowers, as they are associated with funerals.
Occasions:
Marigolds and lotuses for religious or wedding ceremonies.
Vibrant mixed bouquets for birthdays.
Thailand
Symbolism:
Orchids: Elegance, beauty, and strength.
Jasmine: Motherhood and purity; traditionally given on Mother’s Day.
Marigolds: Luck and prosperity.
Etiquette:
Avoid gifting carnations or chrysanthemums, as they are linked to mourning.
Occasions:
Orchids for formal occasions.
Jasmine garlands for family events.
Vietnam
Symbolism:
Lotus: Purity and perfection.
Peach Blossoms: Luck and prosperity during Tet (Vietnamese New Year).
Chrysanthemums: Longevity and filial piety.
Color Significance:
Yellow and red are lucky and joyful colors.
White flowers are reserved for funerals.
Occasions:
Peach blossoms or kumquat trees for Tet.
Mixed bouquets for celebrations.
Philippines
Symbolism:
Sampaguita (Jasmine): Purity and simplicity; a national symbol.
Anthuriums: Hospitality and abundance.
Orchids: Beauty and refinement.
Etiquette:
White flowers are suitable for funerals but not festive events.
Avoid gifting overly extravagant bouquets, as modesty is valued.
Occasions:
Vibrant flowers for birthdays or anniversaries.
White sampaguita garlands for religious ceremonies or condolences.
Indonesia
Symbolism:
Frangipani: Purity and spiritual connection; often used in religious offerings.
Orchids: Love and beauty.
Jasmine: Sacredness and purity.
Etiquette:
Avoid gifting flowers associated with religious ceremonies in non-religious contexts.
Occasions:
Jasmine and orchids for weddings.
Frangipani for spiritual rituals.
Malaysia
Symbolism:
Hibiscus: Courage and vitality; Malaysia’s national flower.
Orchids: Exotic beauty and strength.
Jasmine: Devotion and purity.
Etiquette:
Avoid white flowers unless for mourning.
Vibrant colors are preferred for happy occasions.
Occasions:
Orchids or hibiscus for celebrations.
Jasmine garlands for traditional ceremonies.
Hong Kong
Symbolism:
Roses: Love and admiration.
Peonies: Wealth and honor.
Orchids: Elegance and refinement.
Etiquette:
Avoid white flowers for happy events.
Choose lucky numbers like 8 or 9 in your bouquet.
Occasions:
Plum blossoms and orchids for Chinese New Year.
Red roses for romance.
When sending flowers in Asia, understanding the cultural context and symbolism ensures your gift is meaningful and appropriate. Tailor your choices to the recipient's country, traditions, and the occasion to leave a lasting impression.
