Selecting Auspicious Flower Varieties in Asian Countries
Flowers carry deep symbolic meanings across Asia, often tied to prosperity, longevity, love, and spiritual well-being. Choosing the right variety is considered important for weddings, New Year celebrations, festivals, business openings, and ancestral rites.
China
Peony (牡丹, Mǔdān) – “King of Flowers”; represents wealth, honor, and feminine beauty. Common in weddings and Spring Festival.
Lotus (莲花, Liánhuā) – Purity, enlightenment, resilience. Often used in religious offerings.
Chrysanthemum (菊花, Júhuā) – Longevity, nobility; associated with autumn and the Double Ninth Festival.
Plum Blossom (梅花, Méihuā) – Endurance, renewal; blooms in winter and symbolizes perseverance.
Orchid (兰花, Lánhuā) – Elegance, refinement, scholarly virtue.
Avoid: White flowers (especially white chrysanthemums) at festive events, as they are linked to mourning.
Japan
Cherry Blossom (Sakura, 桜) – Ephemeral beauty, renewal, and the fleeting nature of life. Popular for spring celebrations.
Chrysanthemum (Kiku, 菊) – Imperial flower; symbolizes longevity and rejuvenation. Used for respect and formal occasions.
Camellia (Tsubaki, 椿) – Love and admiration; red camellias are auspicious in romance.
Plum Blossom (Ume, 梅) – Hope, resilience, and the start of spring.
Avoid: White camellias (associated with death, as petals fall whole).
India
Marigold (Tagetes) – Sacred to deities, especially Vishnu and Lakshmi; represents auspiciousness, purity, and positivity. Common in weddings and festivals like Diwali.
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) – Sacred flower of gods; symbolizes purity, spiritual growth, and divine beauty.
Jasmine (Mogra/Mallige) – Love, sensuality, and devotion. Used in bridal adornment and temple offerings.
Hibiscus – Offered to goddess Kali and Ganesha; represents power and energy.
Avoid: Flowers with thorns (like roses) in temple offerings, as they are sometimes considered inauspicious.
Thailand
Lotus (Bua, บัว) – Supreme symbol of purity and Buddhist devotion. Offered at temples.
Marigold (Dok Bua Tong) – Prosperity, good fortune, and new beginnings. Often used at business openings.
Jasmine (Mali, มะลิ) – Maternal love and respect; central to Mother’s Day celebrations.
Orchid – Abundance, fertility, refinement; popular in weddings and housewarming ceremonies.
Avoid: Flowers in odd numbers when gifting (even numbers are more auspicious).
Vietnam
Peach Blossom (Hoa Đào) – Popular in northern Vietnam during Lunar New Year (Tết); symbolizes renewal and vitality.
Apricot Blossom (Hoa Mai) – Favored in the south during Tết; represents wealth and prosperity.
Lotus (Hoa Sen) – National flower; purity, resilience, enlightenment.
Chrysanthemum – Longevity and good health.
Avoid: Presenting flowers in black or dark tones during festive times.
Korea
Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon, 무궁화) – National flower; symbolizes immortality, perseverance, and prosperity.
Peony (모란, Moran) – Wealth, honor, and love. Often chosen for weddings.
Lotus (연꽃, Yeonkkot) – Spiritual enlightenment and purity.
Chrysanthemum (국화, Gukhwa) – Longevity and dignity.
Avoid: Yellow chrysanthemums at joyous occasions, as they can be linked to mourning.
Indonesia & Malaysia
Jasmine (Melati / Bunga Melur) – Purity, sincerity, sacredness. National flower of Indonesia; widely used in weddings.
Orchid – Strength, refinement, and harmony.
Hibiscus (Bunga Raya) – National flower of Malaysia; symbolizes courage and unity.
Frangipani (Kemboja) – Used in Balinese offerings; symbolizes immortality, though sometimes linked with cemeteries.
Avoid: Frangipani in celebratory bouquets in Malaysia, as it is often associated with graves.
Singapore
Vanda Miss Joaquim Orchid – National flower; symbolizes resilience and prosperity.
Lotus – Purity and spiritual growth.
Marigold & Chrysanthemum – Used in Hindu and Taoist rituals for blessings and longevity.
Avoid: Presenting white flowers for celebrations, as they are reserved for funerals.
Practical Tips for Choosing Auspicious Flowers
Consider Color Symbolism:
Red and gold are universally auspicious (prosperity, joy).
White often symbolizes mourning in East and Southeast Asia.
Yellow is linked with royalty in Thailand, luck in China, but mourning in Korea.
Match Occasion:
Weddings → Peonies, orchids, jasmine, marigold.
New Year festivals → Plum blossom, peach/apricot blossom, marigold, chrysanthemum.
Religious offerings → Lotus, jasmine, hibiscus, marigold.
Mind Local Taboos:
Avoid thorny flowers in Indian rituals.
Avoid odd symbolism (falling petals, dark hues) in Japanese customs.
Avoid white-only bouquets for festive gifting across most of Asia.
