Flowers have universal meanings across the globe and giving flowers to someone has regional and cultural variations. In many cases, flowers are also used in weddings and other ceremonies to reflect or express something special. So, how did this tradition survive over all this time and pass to us? Where did it begin and how many countries adapted to it, we’ll find below.
Armenia
There are many beautiful flowers found in Armenia, many of which are known with impactful cultural significance that reflect the country’s past and history. Perhaps the earliest blossom to sprout in the spring is snowdrops, which much of the time show up while the snow is still on the ground. Locally referred to as “snow flowers,” these delicate blooms herald the arrival of spring and are sold by street vendors in late February. Picking them from the wild is forbidden by local laws because they are endangered.
Another example is the white Lily, which is a delicately scented flower, associated with good luck in love, grows well in Armenia’s wet springs, and is frequently used in bridal bouquets.
Tulips and roses are also widely popular in the country and are sold in any local flower shop, that you could grab while on your way. In Armenia, Roses are known to be associated with love and affection, while tulips are associated with renewal and spring.
Italy
Brides in ancient Italy, especially in the Roman era, adorned themselves with flowers thought to have warding properties against evil spirits. This custom mirrors the more extensive social importance that blossoms are given in Italian culture, where they are utilized to address a scope of feelings and send messages.
The history behind this is that the Moors invaded Sicily between 800 and 600 BCE, which is when the custom of using flowers in weddings originated. Brides also would usually carry bouquets composed mostly of white flowers during this time, which stood for innocence and purity. Although the flowers used in contemporary bridal bouquets come in a variety of hues and varieties, this custom has changed over time.
- White Lily: Known as Italy’s public bloom, the white lily addresses honesty, resurrection, and trust. It is frequently used in wedding decor and, in religious contexts, is connected to the Virgin Mary.
- Roses: Italian floral customs are strongly rooted in the use of roses. Every hue has a distinct meaning.
- Peonies: Often referred to as “the rose without thorns,” peonies stand for discretion and unending love. Because of their romantic associations, they are frequently used in weddings.
- Chrysanthemums: Despite the fact that these flowers are associated with funerals in Italy and represent happiness in many cultures, they should not be given as gifts unless for sad occasions.
- Sunflowers: Representing bliss and comfort, sunflowers are in many cases given as gifts to recognize life achievements like graduations.
Germany
Each hue of a flower has a specific meaning and emotion, and flower colors have a deep cultural significance in Germany. The selection of flowers for various occasions is influenced by this knowledge, particularly when interacting with others and exchanging gifts.
- White flowers: These are reserved for funerals and represent loss and sadness. They are not usually given as gifts in celebratory settings but rather are frequently utilized in memorial service arrangements. For example, in non-funeral settings, white lilies should be avoided as they are often connected to death in Germany.
- Red Flowers: Love and passion are represented by red flowers. In many cases, they are a perfect gift for important occasions. For example, the traditional emblem of passionate love is a red rose, as seen in many cultures worldwide.
Giving a bouquet of flowers in Germany is customarily done with an odd number because even numbers are connected to funerals. This training is an impression of a bigger European custom that puts accentuation on the plan’s social importance and stylish allure.
It is a standard convention to bring a container of wine and a bundle of roses when you are welcome to somebody’s home. In these situations, yellow or tea roses are preferred over red roses, which could indicate amorous feelings.
Japan
The flower arrangement technique known as ikebana (甼け花) or kado (華道) in Japan is a deeply ingrained cultural practice that highlights the aesthetic and spiritual value of flowers. It is additionally associated with Japanese way of thinking and otherworldliness and fills in as a fine art that implies correspondence and profound articulation that goes past straightforward design.
Kado welcomes asymmetrical designs that capture the beauty of nature, in contrast to Western floral arrangements that frequently stress symmetry. Usually, arrangements are built around triangular compositions, which stand for the harmony of heaven, earth, and humanity.
Additionally, it frequently employs a limited number of blooms to emphasize the distinctive form and beauty of each plant. This cleaned-up system advances consciousness of the little subtleties in nature and care.
Conclusion
Blossoms from one side of the planet to the other have unique and lovely implications, that are appreciated and perceived all through numerous nations.
This was also proved by the Victorian Era when flowers got special attention from many locals who also dedicated books to flowers that were present in many households. So, even today the tradition of recognizing flower significance is actual and practiced in many countries.
