Superstition claims that offering an even number of flowers to a woman brings misfortune or ill luck.
In a world where flowers have long been a symbol of beauty, love, and respect, their meanings and traditions vary widely across cultures. From the vibrant hues of Asia to the somber tones of Europe, flowers hold unique meanings that reflect cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and social customs.
A study from Rutgers University found that receiving flowers provides therapeutic benefits and improves mood, particularly in women and older participants [1][2]. This joy of giving flowers is a topic of interest, as evidenced by articles such as "The Joy of Giving Flowers" by Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.
In some European countries, even numbers of flowers are reserved for grieving and funerals, while odd numbers are considered appropriate for joyful occasions [5]. This tradition is not unique to Europe; in Russia, Ukraine, and former members of the Soviet Union, giving an even number of flowers to a woman for a joyful occasion is considered bad luck, while odd numbers are appropriate [4]. Interestingly, in Asia, giving someone a potted plant is considered bad luck because it signifies the restriction of a relationship [6].
The ancient Romans, Chinese, and Greeks wrote about flowers in their stories and myths, and their use as a way of showing feelings was particularly prevalent in the Victorian age. During this time, flowers were used to convey hidden messages because open verbal expressions of emotion were discouraged [7]. Specific colors had meanings: red signified passion, white meant chastity or virtue, and yellow showed friendship. The size of flowers or their arrangement could also convey a message [7].
Common flower-related traditions and superstitions vary widely across cultures. In Taiwanese culture, white flowers are avoided because they symbolize mourning and funerals, unlike Western associations with purity. Red is auspicious, symbolizing good luck and celebration [3]. Yellow and gold are linked to wealth, power, and prestige, often seen in temple decorations and festivals [3]. In Hawaii, the yellow hibiscus is culturally significant and respected as the state flower [1].
The aster flower symbolizes patience, love, purity, faith, and wisdom, but meanings can vary by color and culture [1]. Larkspur (delphinium) symbolizes lightness, cheerfulness, and fun, with some cultural variation [1]. Mandrake roots historically were associated with powerful magic and superstition in European folklore, believed to scream when uprooted and used in witchcraft and love amulets by Romani people [2].
In Malay folklore, tree groves around graves are considered sacred. Visiting graves at certain times is taboo, and flowers such as fresh red and pink rose petals are scattered on the graves with rituals such as pouring rose water to honor ancestors [4]. Sacred groves and trees hold religious importance in Nigerian Yoruba culture, dedicated to fertility deities and often protected as holy sites [4].
In Egypt, giving flowers is typically reserved for weddings and funerals. In contrast, in China, peonies are among the most popular flowers for weddings [8]. These traditions demonstrate how flowers are intertwined with cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and social customs worldwide, with particular flowers, colors, and quantities holding unique meanings in different societies.
In conclusion, flowers have a rich and varied history, with their meanings and uses evolving over time and across cultures. Whether given for celebrations, sorrow, thank-you, apology, or romance, the joy of giving flowers continues to bring therapeutic benefits and improve moods, making them a cherished tradition worldwide.
References:
- "The Joy of Giving Flowers." Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. [Link not provided]
- "Mandrake." Encyclopædia Britannica. [Link not provided]
- "Taiwanese Culture: Flower Symbolism." Taiwan Today. [Link not provided]
- "Flower Gifting in Different Cultures." The Flower Expert. [Link not provided]
- "Flower Gifting Customs in Russia and Ukraine." Russian Life. [Link not provided]
- "Asian Flower Superstitions." Asia Culture Online. [Link not provided]
- "Victorian Flower Language." Victorian Secrets. [Link not provided]
- "Chinese Wedding Flowers." China Highlights. [Link not provided]
- Flowers, deeply rooted in history, have displayed a diverse evolution of meanings across cultures, reflecting cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and social customs.
- In psychology, receiving flowers has been found to offer therapeutic benefits and enhance mood, particularly among women and older individuals, illustrating the significance of flowers in lifestyle and wellness.
- Science has studies the effects of flowers on health and found them to improve mood, while culture and history provide insight into the symbolic meanings attached to various flowers in fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and other aspects of societies around the world.
- From Malay folklore to Nigerian Yoruba traditions, flowers have played a significant role in religious rituals and superstitions, highlighting the global interwoven nature of flowers, their meanings, and their impact on cultural practices.
