Chinese culture is interwoven with traditions that involve flowers. Flowers appear in art and customs and are regarded as symbols that tell the receiver about the intentions of the giver. Flowers are given on many occasions and are used in feng shui, the art of arranging the environment to encourage positive life forces, to promote health, growth and good fortune.
Occasions to Give Flowers
Fresh flowers are given at many Chinese celebrations. Red is the Chinese color for good luck, so red flowers are given at weddings, graduations and births and to celebrate the opening of a new business. Flowers are given to older family members or patients to promote health and healing. Flower blossoms are also given at Spring Festival, New Year and any religious occasion.
Flower-Giving Etiquette
Flowers should never be given in odd numbers, since it is considered unlucky. Even numbers represent best wishes for prosperity and happiness. Flower arrangements should also be constructed with only even numbers of flowers. Avoid white flowers for festive occasions, since it is the color the Chinese wear for mourning a loved one.
Positive Meanings
Carnations and orchids are good for weddings, since they represent fertility, abundance and longevity. Roses and orchids symbolize luck for birthdays and graduations. Chrysanthemums are given to elders for a strong life. Orchids are for newlyweds or expectant mothers, since they mean fertility. Someone who is starting a new job should be given narcissus to bring forth hidden talents. Lotus blossoms symbolize purity, because they bring beauty from muddy waters, and they are often used to decorate Buddhist altars.
Negative Meanings
Chinese flowers can also have negative meanings. Any plant with thistles or thorns should be avoided, because they may bring pain or difficulties. Duckweed floats loosely on top of water without any roots, so it contrasts with the value the Chinese put on family and ancestry. Poplar flowers are fragile and can easily be broken apart, so they represent unfaithfulness. Epithelium flowers bloom for one night only, which is counter to the Chinese wishes of longevity.
Medicinal Values
Many Chinese flowers are used to cure illness. Chinese rose, narcissus and laurel are thought to ease bruises, while laurel also can dissolve phlegm. Plum cures fevers, cough and diarrhea. Orchids can also cure cough and lung diseases, while chrysanthemum can cure colds. Lotus flowers are used for sunstroke and insomnia, and azalea is used by Chinese women to regulate their menstrual cycles.
