History of Flower Gifting and Their Traditions Around The World
Published · Flowers
Giving the gift of flowers is one of the most beautiful forms of non-verbal communication. This has evolved over time from when it started in ancient times to today’s many occasion-worthy gifts. Thousands of flowers exist in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, smells, etc. They overwhelm the eye, calm the mind, and invigorate the soul through its beauty all over the world. The history of flower gifting is very old and has a deep meaning. It also has a complex language called Floriography. The myths and tales date back to ancient Greek, Egypt, and Japan where they were a significant part of social customs and theology.
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History of Flower Gifting
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Language of Flowers
Different flowers carry different meanings. Depending on the color, history, or even the way a flower bouquet is arranged. People send flowers to express love, regret, celebration, or remembrance. The modern floral traditions help us express our feelings, celebrate, and mourn. The French as well the English discovered a language of flower called Floriography.
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Flowers of Ancient Greece
In ancient Greece, flowers were offered to gods and goddesses to pay them respect and prayer. Over time this act became a social custom. Moreover, Greek mythology especially talks about flowers and plants in its stories. Throughout Greek history, writers have used the rose as a metaphor for beauty, passion, and love. The history of flower gifting dates back to centuries ago and you can learn many new things related to it.
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Flowers of Ancient Egypt
Flowers were the sign of opulence, beauty, and power for the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. They mostly used flowers to decorate their chariots. Also, early Egyptians offer flowers grown near the Nile River to express their love. Roses are associated with feelings of love and it also represents beauty. Even Cleopatra used roses to entrance Marc Anthony.
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Flowers of Victorian Era
During Victorian Era, people used to openly greet and show emotions with flowers. People used to make floral arrangements based on their emotions. Each flower has a different meaning and people understand the meaning of styling it. But one strange thing is yellow roses were not associated with positive feelings but jealousy. You can look for stunning autumn flowers to brighten the autumn with these flowers.
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Flowers in Today’s World
Though the complex language of flowers is less known. The tradition of giving flowers is an important part of today's culture. It is a commonly seen practice to give potted flowers or flower bouquets as gifts to your near and dear ones. Flowers can convey a special meaning when given as gifts. No matter what the occasion is flowers are a great gift be it birthdays, weddings, anniversaries.
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Flower and Gift-giving traditions around the world
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Asia
In Asian cultures, a potted plant is not given as a gift because it has roots which mean staying in bed. So a potted plant is not given to a person recovering from an illness. Flowers like a lotus are said to give peace and harmony, orchids represent prosperity. They are considered good flowers to greet your loved ones. Order plants online to greet your relatives with thoughtful greens on important days.
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Europe
The color of flowers is significant to their meaning in Germany. Thus, white flowers are used at funerals, red to show love, yellow, orange signify joy and blue flower is for freedom. In Rome, brides carry flowers to scare off evil spirits and also to encourage fertility. But Roses are never given in even number because it is associated with mourning. You can learn of different non-toxic plants safe to gift so as to decorate your home with green home décor.
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Australia
Australians are passionate about gardening. They often take pleasure in visiting florists to get flowers for their loved ones. They also take great pride in their national flower Golden Wattle. It symbolizes remembrance, reflection, and unity. You can know about the history of flower gifting to learn the importance of each flower.
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North America
Flowers come in use for rituals, drinks, crafts, sculptures, gastronomy, medicines, making dyes, etc. They are displayed at markets, shrines, altars, and within Mexican homes too. Roses are a symbol of love in the United States and Canada. It is very common to gift a dozen of roses to convey your love and affection. Send Flowers to USA for your loved ones living there and shoe your love. Be it special occasions and festivals you will always find fresh flowers.
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Africa
The national flower of South Africa is Protea. It represents diversity, change, and courage. It is named after the Greek deity of shape-shifting capabilities, Proteus. This flower is so popular that even the national cricket team uses this flower as their symbol. The amazing history of flower gifting explains when people begin to use them as gifts.
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South America
The South American countries avoid giving purple color flower as they are related to funerals. Giving 13 flowers is also bad luck. Whereas the Argentinians are not at all fussy about their symbolism of flowers. In fact, it is rude to show up empty-handed at a dinner party, you should carry a nice bouquet at the dinner table. And in Brazil, a single rose is for a romantic occasion. Women receive and gift flowers more in Brazil and if men send flowers it is for the wife.
We hope now you are well aware of the history of flowers as well the traditions of flower gifting around the world.