Flowers to Avoid Sending in Hong Kong to Avoid Social Pitfalls

Hong Kong is a vibrant, multicultural city where traditional Chinese customs blend with modern global influences. Flower gifting is a common way to express feelings, celebrate occasions, and show respect. However, the cultural symbolism behind flowers in Hong Kong is nuanced. Sending the wrong flower can unintentionally offend, bring bad luck, or convey an unintended message. This guide will walk you through which flowers to avoid, why, and what to choose instead to keep your gestures warm and appropriate.

1. White Chrysanthemums (白菊)

Why Avoid?

In Hong Kong and much of the Chinese-speaking world, white chrysanthemums are exclusively associated with death, funerals, and mourning rituals. You’ll see them used for honoring ancestors and adorning graves during the Qingming Festival or other memorial ceremonies.

Social Pitfalls

  • Giving white chrysanthemums for birthdays, weddings, business openings, or even hospital visits can be seen as a deeply inappropriate omen.

  • It might imply you’re wishing bad luck, death, or sorrow on the recipient.

Additional Notes

  • Sometimes, non-Chinese may not be aware of this symbolism and inadvertently cause offense.

  • If you want to send flowers for condolences, white chrysanthemums are appropriate, but always confirm local customs first.

2. Lilies (百合)

Why Avoid?

While lilies are often elegant and popular in Western contexts, in Cantonese-speaking communities like Hong Kong, the word for lily (baak6 hap6) sounds somewhat like “getting rid of” or “parting ways.” This phonetic similarity can make lilies symbolically linked to separation or breakups.

Social Pitfalls

  • Sending lilies to a friend or romantic partner could be misunderstood as a wish for separation.

  • They are best avoided in romantic, celebratory, or encouraging contexts.

Additional Notes

  • If you know the recipient well and understand that they like lilies, the risk can be mitigated.

  • Otherwise, safer flower choices exist for expressing positive emotions.

3. White Flowers in General

Why Avoid?

Beyond chrysanthemums, white flowers broadly symbolize mourning and death in Chinese culture. White is traditionally the color of funerals, in contrast to Western culture where white can symbolize purity and innocence.

Social Pitfalls

  • Sending bouquets made primarily of white flowers can signal condolences or bad news.

  • Receiving such flowers at a wedding, birthday, or festive event may cause discomfort or offense.

Additional Notes

  • Bright, lively colors like red, pink, yellow, and purple are usually safer and more welcome for celebrations.

  • If you want to express sympathy, white flowers can be suitable, but otherwise avoid them.

4. Dead or Wilted Flowers

Why Avoid?

This might seem obvious, but in Hong Kong, like everywhere, sending dead or wilting flowers is a major faux pas. It indicates a lack of respect, thought, or care.

Social Pitfalls

  • Presenting someone with unhealthy flowers could be interpreted as an insult or a symbol of neglect.

  • It can inadvertently suggest the end of something or impending misfortune.

Additional Notes

  • Always ensure the flowers you send are fresh, vibrant, and well-arranged.

  • If ordering flowers through a florist, specify the importance of freshness.

5. Numbers in Flower Arrangements

Why Avoid Specific Numbers?

In Chinese culture, numbers have strong symbolic meanings, and certain numbers are considered unlucky.

  • Number 4: Pronounced sei2 in Cantonese, it sounds very similar to the word for “death” (死). This makes giving four flowers or a bouquet with a total of four flowers highly inauspicious.

  • Number 9: While often meaning “long-lasting” (久), in some contexts it can be associated with suffering or hardship.

Social Pitfalls

  • Sending four flowers can be interpreted as wishing death or bad luck.

  • Avoid bouquets with 4 flowers or multiples thereof (like 8, which contains a 4).

Additional Notes

  • Odd numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7, and so on are generally considered lucky.

  • Numbers like 8 (which sounds like “wealth”) are usually positive, but avoid 4 at all costs.

6. Red Carnations

Why Avoid?

Red is a lucky color in Chinese culture, but carnations, especially red ones, carry funeral connotations in Hong Kong.

Social Pitfalls

  • Carnations are commonly used in memorials or to honor the dead.

  • Giving red carnations for birthdays, weddings, or joyous occasions can be misread as inappropriate or unlucky.

Additional Notes

  • White or pink carnations may be acceptable for casual occasions like Mother’s Day, but red carnations should be avoided unless you know the context well.

7. Yellow Flowers (Especially Chrysanthemums)

Why Avoid?

Yellow can have complex meanings. While it may symbolize royalty or high status, yellow chrysanthemums specifically are also associated with funerals and mourning.

Social Pitfalls

  • Sending yellow chrysanthemums can evoke sadness or death.

  • Bright yellow flowers of other kinds are often safe but check the species and local context.

Additional Notes

  • When in doubt, avoid yellow chrysanthemums.

  • Use yellow roses or sunflowers cautiously, verifying the context.

8. Other Flowers to Watch

  • Peonies: Generally positive but avoid if used in inappropriate contexts since some associate them with fleeting beauty or vanity.

  • Hydrangeas: Sometimes seen as symbolizing frigidity or heartlessness, so be careful in romantic contexts.

  • Orchids: Typically a safe choice but avoid overly white or pale orchids in mourning contexts.

Summary of Flowers to Avoid (List Format)

  1. White Chrysanthemums

    • Funeral flower, associated with death and mourning.

    • Avoid in all celebratory or casual gifting occasions.

  2. Lilies

    • Phonetically linked to separation.

    • Avoid in romantic or celebratory contexts.

  3. White Flowers (general)

    • Symbolize mourning and funerals.

    • Avoid in weddings, birthdays, and celebrations.

  4. Dead or Wilted Flowers

    • Indicate disrespect and neglect.

    • Always send fresh flowers.

  5. Bouquets with 4 Flowers (or multiples)

    • Number 4 sounds like “death.”

    • Avoid giving exactly four flowers.

  6. Red Carnations

    • Associated with funerals in Hong Kong.

    • Avoid in joyful events.

  7. Yellow Chrysanthemums

    • Also linked to funerals and mourning.

    • Avoid in happy occasions.

  8. Other Flowers to Use Caution With

    • Some peonies, hydrangeas, and pale orchids depending on context.

Recommended Flowers for Most Positive Occasions

  • Red or pink roses: Love, happiness, good fortune.

  • Orchids (vibrant colors): Elegance, luxury, beauty.

  • Peonies: Prosperity, honor, wealth.

  • Mixed colorful bouquets: Cheerful, safe for most occasions.

  • Sunflowers: Happiness and positivity, but verify for personal tastes.

Additional Cultural Tips

  • Wrapping and Presentation: In Hong Kong, avoid wrapping flowers in white or black paper, which can be associated with mourning.

  • Gift Cards: Include a note with positive wishes, especially when gifting flowers to colleagues or less familiar acquaintances.

  • Flower Delivery Timing: Sending flowers early in the day is preferable, as receiving flowers late at night can be seen as unlucky.

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