Flower traditions of the world, from Japan to Ukraine

Every country has its own flower language: in spring the Japanese go out to admire cherry blossom, the French give each other lily of the valley for luck on 1 May, and in India no festival is complete without marigold garlands. Here is an overview of the world’s most vivid flower traditions, with links to detailed articles on each country.

Flowers for every tradition: spray roses and flower baskets.

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Traditions around the world

• Japan — hanami, spring cherry-blossom viewing, and the art of ikebana. More: Japanese flower traditions.
• India — marigold garlands at festivals and temples, jasmine in the hair. More: Indian flower traditions.
• France — lily of the valley on 1 May as a wish for luck. More: French flower traditions.
• Spain — the flower offering during Las Fallas in Valencia. More: Spanish flower traditions.

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• USA — prom corsages and carnations for Mother’s Day. More: US flower traditions.
• China — the peony as a symbol of wealth, chrysanthemums at the Double Ninth Festival. More: Chinese flower traditions.
• Brazil — white flowers for the sea goddess Iemanjá at New Year. More: Brazilian flower traditions.
• Australia — golden wattle as the national floral emblem. More: Australian flower traditions.

Ukrainian traditions

• The vinok, a ribboned flower wreath, worn by girls and on Kupala Night.
• Embroidered rushnyky with floral patterns.
• Kalyna (guelder rose) — a symbol of Ukraine and of maidenly beauty.
• The didukh, a sheaf of wheat symbolising the harvest and ancestors at Christmas.

More in Ukrainian plant symbols.

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FAQ

Where can I see cherry blossom?

In Japan in spring, with timing varying by region; in Ukraine cherry trees bloom in Uzhhorod and Kyiv, for example.

Why do the French give lily of the valley on 1 May?

It is a long-standing tradition: a sprig of lily of the valley is a wish for happiness and luck.

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.

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