How flowers are given in different countries. How flowers are given in other countries In China you can give artificial flowers

Bouquets of flowers for women, if we analyze the history of the world in this regard, were not given everywhere and not always. For modern Westerners, such a practice is familiar and in some places even obligatory. But if you count, then for more centuries flowers were not given. And in our time, there are places on the planet where ladies will not perceive cut fresh flowers as a welcome gift.

Flowers are not for women

People became friends with flowers at the dawn of civilization. The mere mention of the magnificent gardens and parks of the Ancient World is amazing. Gardeners and florists (like modern florists) created magnificent compositions to decorate homes and palaces; flowers complemented outfits and hairstyles. Petals and whole inflorescences were used for medicinal purposes and in cosmetics.

Heroes and winners of battles were awarded with wreaths and bouquets. Only these were men. To specially present a bouquet of cut flowers to a woman... - you needed a good reason for this! For example, the recipient was an empress, a priestess, or, in extreme cases, a very influential and noble lady. Giving her flowers was like giving a gift to a goddess.

According to legend, Cleopatra adored roses and took baths with their petals. Any woman today can feel like the queen of Egypt. Can you guess what a man needs to do for this?

Encrypted messages could be composed from flowers, in which each plant symbolized something. This practice, begun in ancient times, was preserved in the Muslim East and took place in India.

Residents of the European continent in the Middle Ages had no time for bouquets. The church closely monitored any sensual manifestations. The knights did not even try to present flowers to the Beautiful Lady. It’s a feat for her to accomplish – yes. On the contrary, a noble woman could give, for example, a rose to her admirer, and he would keep the dried flower all his life (which did not prevent him from getting married, leaving for the Crusades, producing bastards, etc., etc.).

The situation changed only in the 17th–18th centuries. It has become unfashionable to fight in tournaments with the name of a woman on your lips, whom you saw only once in your life and then from afar. The trend among the rich and noble included infantilism, the desire for pleasure, and games. Bouquets of flowers for a friend of the heart (a favorite who could change several times during her life) replaced exploits in the name of the Beautiful Lady. At the same time, the eastern “language of flowers” ​​reached Europe along with travelers. Grown-up noble husbands and wives have found a wonderful game, safe and beautiful, to compose flower messages. Presenting bouquets turned out to be interesting and not so difficult. “The Language of Flowers” ​​adapted to European realities.

The word “bouquet” itself is of French origin (indeed, where else but in loving France could it appear?), translated it means “bundle”, “beautifully assembled group”. In this case, a bunch of flowers.

Decorative flowers began to be grown en masse for sale. And if entrepreneurs get down to business, feeling the benefits, then the fashion for the goods they sell will not subside so easily. Bouquets turned out to be an inexhaustible source of profit.

In Holland, for example, in the middle of the 7th century, a real tulip fever began; tulip bulbs were something like modern stocks, their prices only grew for a long time.

And all for the sake of some woman somewhere receiving a beautiful bouquet.

Rus' "pre-bouquet"

As for the Slavs, in ancient times they valued more the practical value of plants (including flowers).

• If a tree has blossomed, it means that you will expect fruits soon.
• Without flowering fields and meadows, beekeeping is impossible.
• Flowers were collected for medicinal and health purposes.
• They decorated clothes and homes.
• Wreaths made of fresh flowers initially had a mystical connotation, but with the introduction of Christianity it was either lost or skillfully disguised. In many folk customs, girls decorate themselves with wreaths, give them to their lovers, float them down the river... By the way, they also decorated the dead with wreaths on their last journey.

Of course, no one can argue that the loving young man of Ancient Rus', going out into the field with a girl, did not pick her beautiful flowers - just like that, to please his beloved. But this is not at all the same practice as collecting (buying) and solemnly or in an intimate setting presenting buds specially grown for gifting to a friend of your heart.

Every flower has its time and place

This went on for many centuries, until Russia began to actively adopt everything European (after Peter I “cut a window to Europe”). And there, bouquets just began to come into fashion. We had to conform too.

It didn’t take long for the ladies to get to the flower arrangements as gifts, but it couldn’t be avoided. During the reign of Catherine II, the “Register of Flowers” ​​was published, a special protocol that explained the meaning of each flower (by type, color, combination with others). With this document, it became impossible to make a mistake with a floral gift. But how many hearts were broken after receiving scarlet carnations, which meant “I don’t want to see or hear you,” and how many loving couples were reunited, giving each other red roses and tulips - symbols of reconciliation and love.

Luckily, these days we are not limited by strict floral etiquette. You can give any bouquets, as long as the message is sincere. Professional florists will help you create a composition, whether in the language of flowers, or simply based on the principle of ideal color combinations, the best price, or any other way. The only thing you can’t change is that women liked receiving bouquets as a gift.

But this is for our women. And Western. However, in the 21st century everything is no longer so clear. Let us at least recall the story of Russian President Vladimir Putin presenting a bouquet of flowers to German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a meeting in Sochi, which some media considered almost a manifestation of sexism. These are, of course, extremes.

The world, however, is full of communities where the giving of cut flowers has been and continues to be associated with death. This has its own clear logic - the flowers are cut, that is, they lived, grew in peace, but they were taken and killed.

• In China, with its thousand-year history, cut flowers mean “the energy of death.” If you bring these into someone's house, the owners will understand this act quite definitely - not in your favor. This is especially true for white chrysanthemums. White in the geographic East, i.e. in China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, is generally the color of dying (cleansing from life).

  Even with flowers in pots, not everything is clear. They seem to grow, but someday they still die... The teaching of Feng Shui deals with the correct distribution of energies, but in order not to get into trouble, it is better to give artificial flowers to a Chinese man or woman. The inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom, unlike the Russians, have nothing against them.

• In Japan things are not so tough. The ban on giving cut flowers applies mainly only to weddings. Young people entering a new life do not want to see something that will wither in a few hours. However, it’s still better to never take risks with white flowers.
• Bouquets on the other side of the globe are also unlucky. Cubans, Haitians, and Mexicans (where Santeria is common) are wary of cut flowers. They also associate them with death, they are carried to cemeteries, placed on the altars of Holy Death.
• The same is true in African countries, where authentic cults have been preserved, the most famous of which is voodoo. All cut living stems will soon wither and die, so how can they bear anything good? - they think in these countries.

But globalization still wins

No matter how different peoples feel about cut flowers, mass Western culture, with its popular films, songs, and promotion of a special way of life, does its job. More and more women, who just a few decades ago would not have understood or accepted a bouquet of cut flowers as a gift, are beginning to desire this from men. Weddings in India, Japan, Korea are no longer complete without flowers and a bridal bouquet (which must be thrown into the crowd of bridesmaids). This is neither good nor bad. Again, such is life.

10.10.2015

Modern floristry is in no way inferior to fashion: each season is characterized by its special trends and trends. The generally recognized gurus in this area are French and Dutch masters, whose floral masterpieces are admired all over the world.

For them, this is more than just arranging bouquets - it is a true art that helps people express their feelings. And since different countries have their own special traditions, symbols and rituals, real florists always take them into account in their work and create collections separately for different regions.

Since ancient times, people have widely used the language of flowers, which sometimes could express feelings no worse than words. Everything mattered: variety, color and even the number of buds. In the East, the language of flowers even acquired the status of a science, called “selam”. In France, where a beautiful bouquet is still considered the best declaration of love, flower “correspondence” was widely popular in the 18th century. With the help of flowers, it was possible to make a date and give an answer: for example, the number of buds sent in a bouquet meant a particular hour, and the color - the time of day. Thus, white poppies indicated that the meeting was scheduled for the morning, and red poppies indicated that the meeting was scheduled for the evening. Today, romantic French people most often use flower delivery to declare their love, with the help of which they give bouquets of gladioli, red tulips or scarlet roses. In particularly delicate cases, physalis is used. For the woman giving it, this is an opportunity to announce that she is pregnant, and if such a flower is presented by a man, it means that he is hinting to his beloved that he dreams of a child.

Color is especially important in many cultures. It can be decisive even during business negotiations, so you should always remember the nuances of how it is treated in different countries. Thus, in Russia, white flowers symbolize fidelity and purity of intentions, while in Bangladesh it is not customary to give them at all: they are considered funeral. In Latin American culture, red flowers are used to express grief, while white flowers are presented for celebrations.

Life is generous with joyful and sad events. Even for mourning occasions there are flowers. For example, on the African continent, in Kenya, it is generally customary to give them in order to express one’s condolences. In Hungary, the chrysanthemum, which in Eastern countries means youth and longevity, became a symbol of deep sadness. In Russia, carnations are primarily considered mourning flowers, and in Greece - violet, hyacinth, and narcissus that bloom in spring. In Europe, rosemary has a double meaning, symbolizing fidelity: it is used in both funeral and wedding ceremonies. The number of buds in the bouquet is also a kind of code. In America and Europe, an even number of flowers can be given on any occasion, while in Russia - only for funerals.

Those who know the rules of Western etiquette will never present red roses to their colleagues, because this is a symbol of love and is intended for people who are closer to them. In England, they prefer to delight the woman they love with bouquets of pansies - this is an indispensable attribute of Valentine's Day. Red flowers are bought to the most dear people. Bouquets with such buds are often given as gifts in Turkey and China, but they are additionally decorated with decorative branches of green plants. In Chinese culture, the attitude towards flowers has always been especially reverent. A bouquet of plum and bamboo branches was supposed to tell about the devotion of a friend, ready to help in times of sorrow. A lotus always meant purity of intentions, and an orchid given to the mistress of the house meant that she was beautiful. On New Year's Day in China, a tradition has been established of giving potted flowers, and in many countries they prefer bouquets with flowering branches.

The theme of the language of flowers is truly inexhaustible. It is very interesting to study it, but a much greater pleasure is to give flowers, realizing how much they can mean to a person.

Flowers are given all over the world. They are admired in every country, legends are made about them, songs are written and poems are composed. Each of us has a common understanding of how, how many and what kind of flowers it is preferable to give. For example, it’s elementary - everyone knows that it is not customary for us to present bouquets of an even number of flowers.

Before going to another country, it would be good to learn more about the peculiarities of mentality and traditions. You can even ask the specialists of the Kazan flower shop “Parizhanki” about this. How is it customary to present bouquets in different countries?

Flower tour of Europe

Regarding the even and odd number of flowers in a bouquet, in Europe the opposite is true. Even numbers bring good luck; you need to be careful with odd numbers.

France and England are countries where there is prejudice against presenting red or burgundy roses to colleagues and employees. In their opinion, it is appropriate to choose such bouquets only for your soulmate, the object of your adoration. Pansies have gained particular popularity, entrenched as a symbol of fidelity, devotion, and sincere love.

People here treat yellow flowers with hostility - the opinion is firmly established that they speak of betrayal. This does not apply only to sunflowers - they personify everything that is sincere, warm, and a family hearth. But lilies can be given everywhere and always, for absolutely any occasion. It is a wonderful tradition to present sunflowers when you visit Italians.

Hungary is categorical about chrysanthemums. They are used only to express condolences at funerals and wakes. At the same time, in Greece, hyacinths, violets, and daffodils are used for these purposes.

In Turkey, it is important to emphasize the beauty of the recipient, so when choosing a composition, a young girl pays attention to flowers with unopened buds (preferably tulips). More mature women are given orchids, roses, and gerberas. This places emphasis on their youth. Red flowers are a symbol of friendship, but white and blue ones evoke sadness.

People in Bulgaria are simply crazy about roses. They are depicted on clothes, paintings and even on the coat of arms. There is a rose bush in every yard, and a rose festival is held here every year at the beginning of summer.

Physaliz is an incredible plant for Europeans. It is given by a man to a woman to show his desire to have children together. The tradition is to present bouquets of physalis to pregnant girls.

Flowers in Latin America, China, Japan

In Mexico, yellow and red buds are a symbol of parting and grief. In order not to make a mistake, it is better to pay attention to white lush bouquets.

In Japan, sakura and chrysanthemum are highly valued, representing honesty, kindness, and sympathy. Narcissists show respect. Carnation only speaks of sadness and disappointment - they are used in mourning ceremonies.

It is better not to bring freshly cut flowers to a Japanese wedding - local residents prefer to give home plants in such cases.

China has its own traditions regarding the gift of flower arrangements. Bouquets from:

plums and bamboo indicate devotion;

lotus - about the seriousness of intentions and purposefulness of actions;

orchids - pleasant compliments towards a girl will show passionate feelings.

In both China and Japan, an even number of colors is the norm. The only taboo is 4, which means death.

Greetings from the most “flowery” country in the world

When talking about the traditions of giving flowers in different countries of the world, it is important not to miss Holland - the “homeland of all flowers”. Here there are endless fields with tulips and roses - it looks incredibly beautiful and mesmerizing.

The main and most beloved thing here is the tulip; it can be given for absolutely any occasion and without it. The bouquet should consist of an odd number of flowers, as is customary with us.

In Holland they love hyacinths, as well as daffodils. But for mourning events it is customary to buy chrysanthemums and lilies.

Choose colors wisely so that they come in handy for the recipient and in no case bring the opposite result. Inexpensive flower delivery in Kazan can be ordered at Parisianka. Here, experienced florists will advise you and help you make the right choice.

Since ancient times, flowers have been companions of people. It’s hard to imagine holidays and everyday life without them. They decorate themselves and their homes with flowers. Over the centuries, each nation has developed its own traditions of giving flowers and placing them in homes.

The role of flowers in the past.

The art of creating bouquets dates back to the times of the Egyptian Pharaohs. It was then, according to archaeologists and historians, that they began to compose bouquets in a special way and attach sacred meanings to flowers. Houses in those days were very richly decorated with flowers to preserve peace and goodness. And the sarcophagi of the deceased pharaohs were strewn with flower buds to make it easier for the rulers to move to the new world. Even Tutankhamun was buried surrounded by many flowers.

Ancient Rome was famous for its holidays in honor of the goddess Flora. She was the patroness of all nature and flowers, including. During the holiday, competitions were held, the winners of which were awarded flower wreaths. It was during these times that the fashion for gardens with beautiful flowers appeared. Noble people considered it their duty to plant a flower garden in their garden and show it to all their guests. This was a reason for special pride.

In the traditions of the Jews, there was a ritual in which, when sending the deceased to the new world, his body was surrounded with fragrant flowers. The brighter the aroma of flowers, the easier it will be for a person’s soul to move into a new life.

In the Middle Ages, the cult of flowers was great. It was flowers that helped in communication; a special language of flowers was created that helped people express emotions. At that time, public expression of emotions and feelings was prohibited, so flowers came to the aid of people. The carnations given to the girl indicated that the man had a passion for her. And if a girl decorated herself with buds of white roses, she spoke of her purity.

Then the real tulip fever began in Holland. There they were ready to give all their greatest wealth for a tulip bulb; they sold houses and hunted for rare varieties of these flowers. The owner of a rare tulip bulb was considered a rich man and could live in abundance until old age by selling the bulb.

In the East, completely different traditions associated with flowers developed. In Japan, the yellow chrysanthemum has always been revered. Only noble people could pin it to their clothes.

Many historians are convinced that the tradition of offering fresh flowers to burial sites appeared in Japan. There, the graves of the deceased have been decorated with flowers since ancient times.

Nowadays it’s difficult to surprise anyone with flowers. They are given for holidays and presented in memory of the dead. Flowers can express many emotions from love and passion to sorrow and respect.

Traditions associated with flowers in different countries.

Each nation and region has developed its own traditions regarding how to give certain flowers.

A striking example of differences in cultures is the European tradition of giving an exclusively even number of flowers in a bouquet for the holidays. This should promise prosperity, happiness and love. In Russia, on the contrary, it is customary to give an odd number of flowers to living people, and an even number to the dead.

A bouquet of red roses for the French will mean only one thing- passion and true love. This gift is only suitable for lovers. It would be inappropriate to give such a bouquet to anyone else. You may be misunderstood.

The French woman will most likely throw a scandal at the man who gave her yellow flowers. They hint at betrayal and separation.

For Italians, sunflowers are a symbol of comfort and family well-being, so it is customary to visit an Italian family with a bouquet of these sunny flowers.

Chrysanthemums in some European countries are considered mourning flowers, so it is better not to add them to bouquets.

Lilies are universal flowers for European countries. They can be given as a gift for almost any occasion.

In Europe, rosemary is often added to compositions, including for the bride's bouquets. This plant maintains happiness, health and gives peace in the home.

In the East, the most revered flower is the chrysanthemum. This is what is usually given as a gift for the holidays. They will also be happy to receive a donated orchid. This flower brings comfort and joy to the house.

There is a cult of tulips in Turkey. In this country, the history of the flower has played an important role for a very long time. They are given to lovers, mothers, grandmothers with or without reason. And it’s better if the bouquet contains buds that have not yet opened. This emphasizes feminine beauty and tenderness.

No matter what country you are in, flowers are a sign of strong emotions, vivid feelings and respect. A bouquet of flowers is a gift that will be understood and accepted in any language and anywhere in the world.

Each country is full of its own traditions of gifting these beautiful representatives of the flora. In this article we will talk about cross-cultural floral features.

Holland

Holland is a country that is personified with many tulip plantations. Compositions usually consist of an odd number of these colors. The exception is the number 13. Hyacinths and daffodils are also favorites of local residents, but chrysanthemums and white lilies are presented at funerals.

Europe

Everyone knows that red roses represent passion and love. In England and France, compositions of these flowers are presented to the object of adoration to express strong feelings. Residents of the UK can also give pansies for this purpose. But a bouquet of red or burgundy roses would be inappropriate for a colleague.

There will be no limit to the indignation of French women if they are given yellow flowers, especially chrysanthemums, since this is a sign of betrayal. The only exception is the sunflower. The man who gave it to the girl considers her exceptional and unsurpassed. For the French, lilies are also of great importance, which can be a pleasant gift regardless of the occasion.

To express condolences in Hungary, a bouquet made of chrysanthemums is presented. They are a symbol of sadness.

The tradition of giving flowers in Bulgaria should be treated with caution. For example, dahlias are a symbol of unrequited love, and chrysanthemums are a symbol of grief and sadness.

According to European traditions, an even number of flowers in a composition represents happiness and good luck, but an odd number is for funerals. When any important events occur in life, the bouquets are decorated with rosemary. If a man wants a child from his chosen one, then he will definitely give her physalis.

Latin America, Japan and China

In Japan, sakura and chrysanthemums are flowers that are a sign of kindness and honesty. They also treat narcissists with respect. But bouquets with carnations can upset the recipient.

In China, unusual traditions are associated with flowers. For example, a composition of bamboo and plums is a sign of devotion. Giving a lotus means telling about the purity of your intentions. When they want to compliment a girl about her beauty, they present her with an orchid. Peony will tell about the passionate feelings of the giver. Interestingly, in China, artificial flowers represent attractiveness and freshness.

For residents of Latin America, it is customary to present white flowers at significant moments in life. Red flower arrangements are left for times of mourning.