Birthday
HydrangeasA bouquet that says "I respect you" in Ukraine may come across as condolences in another country. Colour, type of flower and even the number of stems are read differently across cultures. Here is flower etiquette in nine countries, from China and Japan to France and Finland, plus general rules to help you choose the right gift when travelling or welcoming foreign guests.
General rules: what to avoid abroad
The most common mistakes involve mourning symbolism: white flowers in much of Asia, chrysanthemums in Western Europe and even numbers of stems in Eastern Europe. If in doubt, choose a bright mixed bouquet or a flowering plant and ask locals. Our own rules are covered in flower gift etiquette and even numbers of flowers.
China
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White is the colour of mourning, so white chrysanthemums and lilies suit funerals but not gifts. The number 4 sounds like the word for "death", so bouquets of four are avoided, while 8 is lucky. Favourite flowers are the peony, the "king of flowers" and a symbol of wealth, the orchid and the lotus. Flowering potted plants and red or pink bouquets make good gifts. More in Chinese flower traditions.
Tahiti
The island's symbol is the tiare, the Tahitian gardenia with fragrant white flowers. Guests are welcomed with tiare garlands, and a flower behind the ear is part of everyday dress. According to popular belief, a flower behind the left ear means the wearer is taken and behind the right ear that they are single. For similar hibiscus customs see hibiscus legends.
France
In France chrysanthemums are cemetery flowers, placed on graves on All Saints' Day, 1 November. Red roses belong only in a romantic context, so give a hostess a mixed bouquet instead. On 1 May the French give each other sprigs of lily of the valley for luck. Bouquets are handed over unwrapped or in attractive paper, usually in odd numbers, but never 13.
Turkey
The tulip is a national symbol: the years 1718–1730 in Ottoman history are known as the Tulip Era, and Istanbul holds a tulip festival every April. When visiting, it is customary to bring flowers or sweets. Before a wedding there is a "henna night", described in the art of mehndi.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the world's largest producers of rose oil: the Damask rose is grown in the Rose Valley near Kazanlak, which celebrates the Rose Festival in early June. Zdravets (bigroot geranium) holds a special place: its name comes from the word for "health", so sprigs are used in rituals and given with wishes of good health.
Japan
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White chrysanthemums and lilies are associated with funerals, while the yellow chrysanthemum is the emblem of the imperial house. Never give a potted plant to someone who is ill: it is believed the illness will "take root". Camellias are also avoided in hospitals because the whole flower drops at once. The numbers 4 and 9, which sound like "death" and "suffering", are avoided. The Japanese value seasonality and ikebana; see Japanese flower traditions.
India
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Orange and yellow marigolds are the flowers of celebration, woven into garlands for temples, weddings and welcoming guests. Jasmine is worn in the hair, and the lotus is the national flower and a symbol of purity. White flowers are more often associated with mourning. More in Indian flower traditions.
Belgium
As in France, chrysanthemums are for graves and bouquets of 13 are avoided. Every two years in mid-August, Brussels' Grand-Place is covered with the Flower Carpet, made of hundreds of thousands of begonias and other flowers. Belgium is a major grower of azaleas and begonias, so flowering potted plants are a popular gift.
Finland
Finns give flowers for name days, graduations and milestone birthdays, in odd numbers. At Juhannus, the Midsummer festival, an old custom has girls gather seven different flowers and put them under their pillow to dream of their future husband.
Frequently asked questions
In which countries should you not give white flowers?
In China, Japan, Korea and many parts of India, white flowers are linked to mourning.
Where are chrysanthemums cemetery flowers?
In France, Belgium, Italy and several other European countries.
How many flowers should I give abroad?
In most European countries an odd number other than 13; in China and Japan avoid 4.
What should I give if I do not know local customs?
A bright mixed bouquet or a flowering plant, and ask a local florist for advice.
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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.
