Flowers to Avoid Sending for Valentine's Day Around the World
Valentine's Day is celebrated globally, but flower symbolism varies dramatically across cultures. What expresses love in one country might signal death, bad luck, or insult in another. Here's a florist guide to help you avoid floral faux pas.
East Asia
China White, blue, or yellow chrysanthemums are strictly funeral flowers and should never be given for romantic occasions. White flowers in general are associated with mourning and death. Yellow roses can imply infidelity or a fading relationship. Clock-shaped flower arrangements are taboo as they symbolize attending someone's funeral. Avoid giving flowers in sets of four, as the number sounds like "death" in Mandarin.
Japan White lilies are reserved for funerals and symbolize death. Lotus flowers have strong Buddhist funeral associations. Camellias, while beautiful, are considered unlucky because their blooms fall off suddenly and completely, symbolizing a sudden death. Giving four or nine of any flower is unlucky, as these numbers are associated with death and suffering respectively.
South Korea Similar to China and Japan, yellow chrysanthemums are funeral flowers. White flowers should generally be avoided for romantic occasions. The number four should be avoided in any flower count.
Europe
France Chrysanthemums of any color are placed on graves, particularly around All Saints' Day, making them entirely inappropriate for Valentine's Day. Yellow flowers can suggest jealousy or infidelity. Red carnations may be seen as bringing bad luck.
Italy Chrysanthemums are funeral flowers exclusively. Yellow flowers traditionally symbolize jealousy in romantic contexts, so avoid yellow roses. Purple flowers can be associated with funerals and sorrow.
Belgium and the Netherlands Chrysanthemums remain associated with death and mourning. White lilies are funeral flowers.
Germany White lilies or chrysanthemums suggest death and mourning. An even number of flowers (except for twelve) is traditionally given at funerals, so romantic bouquets should contain odd numbers. Red roses in particular should never be given in counts of twelve at funerals, but are acceptable for romantic occasions.
Russia and Eastern Europe Even numbers of flowers are strictly for funerals and graves—this is one of the most important rules. Always give an odd number for celebrations and romantic occasions. Yellow flowers can symbolize separation, deceit, or infidelity in romantic relationships.
United Kingdom White lilies have strong funeral associations, as do chrysanthemums in some contexts. In Victorian flower language, which still influences some British sensibilities, yellow carnations mean rejection and yellow roses can suggest jealousy.
Latin America
Mexico Marigolds (cempasúchil) are strongly associated with Day of the Dead celebrations and are used to guide spirits of the deceased, making them inappropriate for Valentine's Day. White flowers in general can have funeral associations, though this varies by region.
Brazil Purple flowers are associated with death and funerals. Bright, vibrant colors are much more appropriate for romantic occasions.
Middle East
Many Middle Eastern cultures White flowers can be associated with mourning. In some contexts, yellow flowers may suggest jealousy. However, red roses are universally appreciated for romantic love.
Practical Tips for International Valentine's Gift-Giving
Research the specific country and even region where your Valentine lives, as symbolism can vary within countries. When in doubt, red roses are the safest universal choice for expressing romantic love across most cultures. Avoid white, yellow, and purple as primary colors unless you're certain they're acceptable in that culture. Always give an odd number of flowers in Eastern European and Russian contexts. Pay attention to the types of flowers as much as their colors—some species have universal funeral associations in certain countries.
Consider including a card explaining your flower choice if you're sending internationally, which can help overcome potential misunderstandings. Working with a local florist in the recipient's country is often the best approach, as they'll understand local customs and can guide appropriate choices.
The most important takeaway is that thoughtfulness matters more than perfection. If you do make a mistake, a sincere explanation of your intentions will usually be well-received. After all, the gesture of reaching across cultural boundaries to express affection is meaningful in itself.
