Birthday
HydrangeasPrepared with UFL flower delivery. In Ukraine people traditionally give an odd number of flowers, and receiving an even number can feel awkward. There is no need to be upset or to blame the giver. Here is where the custom comes from, when nobody counts at all, and what you can do with the bouquet.
Where the superstition comes from
In Slavic tradition an odd number was seen as «alive» and unfinished, a symbol of movement and life, while an even number felt complete. That is why even numbers of flowers are brought to funerals and graves, and 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 flowers are given for celebrations. It is a cultural custom, not a worldwide rule of etiquette.
When the number does not matter
- Large bouquets: past 11–15 stems nobody counts, and 50 or 100 roses are simply a luxurious bouquet.
- Spray roses and chrysanthemums: count the stems, not the buds.
- Mixed bouquets with several flowers and greenery: counting individual blooms makes no sense.
- Box and basket arrangements are not counted either.
What to do if you receive an even number
- Nothing. Most likely the giver did not count or the bouquet was designed that way. What matters is the thought.
- Split the bouquet into two or three vases — each will hold an odd number, and you get flowers in more rooms.
- Take out one flower and place it in a slim bud vase — it even looks stylish.
- Choose a happier sign: in many countries an even number means you will never be alone.
How other countries count flowers
- Western Europe and the US: the number does not matter, and a dozen roses is a classic.
- China: even numbers are lucky, but four is avoided because it sounds like the word for death.
- Japan: 4 and 9 flowers are avoided.
- Ukraine and neighbouring countries: odd numbers for celebrations.
Getting it right when you give
- For a small single-variety bouquet choose 3, 5, 7, 9 or 11 flowers.
- If unsure, pick a mixed bouquet, a flower box or a basket.
Browse rose bouquets and flowers in a box with delivery in Kyiv.
FAQ
Can I give 2 roses in Ukraine?
Better not: two flowers are associated with mourning. Give one or three.
Are buds on a spray rose counted separately?
No, count the stems. Three stems of spray roses with a dozen buds count as three flowers.
Why 101 roses rather than 100?
For large bouquets the number does not matter; 101 is more a tradition of «a round number plus one» than a rule.
Read also
- The language of flowers: 50 meanings
- The most beautiful roses: photos
- White roses: meaning and varieties
View full-size photo
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
