Flowers can be frequently and easily used as gifts. Whether you are invited to someone’s home or would like to send a thank you gift, flowers are always appropriate. However, you’d better pay attention to local customs and traditions, when giving gifts overseas or to visitors here, as the meanings of different flowers are not the same everywhere in the world.
In England for example, you can certainly bring flowers, when invited to a home, but stay away from white lilies as they signify death. As in England, in many other countries a particular color or type of flower is related with romance, weddings, or funerals. Typically, red roses are reserved for romantic gift giving. In general, never bring roses, as they are usually considered too personal, even if they are not red.
The following flowers can have a connection with funerals in certain ethnicities: lilies, chrysanthemums, white roses, marigolds, and carnations. In Italy for example avoid chrysanthemums. In Thailand however, it is marigold and carnations that are associated with funerals. Oh, and in Egypt, flower giving is even reserved for funerals and weddings only. Just Egyptians, who know about western traditions, will understand the gesture of flower giving for other occasions.
Now let’s get down to the numbers. In some countries it is customary to give an even number of flowers, in others odd numbers. In Europe, the old European tradition of always giving an odd number of flowers is still followed today, all except 13, which is considered unlucky. In Japan, ensure you are not giving the “bad luck” number of four and nine flowers per bouquet.
Potted plants are not appropriate to give as a gift in Asia. A plant symbolizes that your relationship is restricted or bound up in a negative way.
Now that you’re prepared for your next business trip to Asia or an invitation to your European neighbors, enjoy!
