The meaning of flowers around the world

Flower meanings vary dramatically worldwide: red roses mean love globally, but red/white flowers symbolize death in China. Yellow flowers mean friendship in the West, jealousy in France, death in Mexico. White lilies mean purity in the West, death in Asia. Chrysanthemums mean death in Europe but celebration in Asia. Even numbers of flowers mean funerals in many cultures; odd numbers for celebrations. Always research local customs before gifting flowers abroad. Check our expat community resources for more cultural tips.

Why Flower Meanings Matter

What seems thoughtful in one country can cause offense in another. Understanding cultural flower symbolism helps avoid embarrassing faux pas when gifting flowers internationally.

Flowers Associated with Death and Funerals

Europe and North America

• Chrysanthemums: Funeral flowers only (never gift for celebrations)
• White lilies: Funerals and mourning
• White carnations: Death and sympathy

Asia

• White flowers (general): Death and mourning
• White roses: Funerals in China, Japan, Korea
• Lotus: While sacred, often used in funeral contexts

Latin America

• Yellow flowers: Death and mourning in Mexico
• Marigolds: Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
• Purple flowers: Mourning in Brazil and Mexico

Color Meanings Across Cultures

Red Flowers

• Global: Love, passion, romance
• China: Red + white combination = death (avoid mixed bouquets)
• India: Red roses acceptable, but traditionally not for romantic love

White Flowers

• Western cultures: Purity, weddings, innocence
• Eastern cultures: Death, funerals, mourning
• India: Peace and spirituality

Yellow Flowers

• USA/UK: Friendship, joy, new beginnings
• France: Jealousy, betrayal
• Mexico: Death
• Russia: Separation, infidelity

Purple Flowers

• Western cultures: Royalty, admiration, dignity
• Italy: Funerals (avoid gifting)
• Brazil/Thailand: Mourning

Pink Flowers

• Global: Generally safe, means grace, admiration, joy
• Japan: Good health and happiness

Specific Flower Meanings by Country

Roses

• Red: Love worldwide (safe choice)
• Yellow: Friendship (USA/UK), jealousy/infidelity (Germany/France)
• White: Purity (West), death (Asia)
• Pink: Gratitude, appreciation (universal)

Carnations

• France: Bad luck, associated with funerals
• Netherlands: Remembrance of WWII victims
• Spain/Italy: Mother Day flowers
• Korea: Respect for parents and teachers

Lilies

• White lilies (West): Funerals
• White lilies (China): Death and mourning
• Orange lilies: Hatred in some cultures
• Stargazer lilies: Prosperity and abundance (Asia)

Chrysanthemums

• Europe: Death, funerals only
• Asia (China, Japan): Celebration, joy, longevity
• USA: Cheerfulness, rest and recovery

Orchids

• Global: Luxury, beauty, strength
• China: Fertility and abundance
• Generally safe gift worldwide

Sunflowers

• Global: Happiness, loyalty, longevity
• China: Good luck
• Generally positive worldwide

Tulips

• Netherlands: National pride
• Turkey: Paradise and heaven
• Red tulips: Declaration of love
• Yellow tulips: Hopeless love (historically)

Number of Flowers: Cultural Rules

Odd Numbers (Celebrations)

• Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe: Always give odd numbers for happy occasions
• Even numbers: For funerals only
• Never give 13: Unlucky

Even Numbers (Avoid or Special Cases)

• Japan: Avoid 4 (sounds like "death"), avoid 9 (sounds like "suffering")
• China: Avoid 4; even numbers acceptable except 4
• Western cultures: Dozens (12) acceptable

Lucky Numbers

• China: 8 (prosperity), 6 (smooth), 9 (longevity)
• Western: 12 (dozen - traditional)

Flowers to Avoid by Region

Europe

• France: Carnations (funerals), chrysanthemums (graves)
• Germany: Red roses (only for romantic partners)
• Italy: Chrysanthemums (death), purple flowers (funerals)
• UK: White lilies (funerals)

Asia

• China/Japan/Korea: White flowers (death), clocks (symbolize death)
• India: Frangipani (temple offerings, funerals)
• Thailand: Marigolds (funerals)

Latin America

• Mexico: Yellow flowers (death), marigolds (Day of Dead)
• Brazil: Purple flowers (mourning)

Middle East

• General: Avoid mixed-gender gifting unless family/close friends
• Check local customs before gifting

Safe Flower Choices Worldwide

When in doubt, these are generally safe:

• Pink roses: Gratitude, appreciation
• Orchids: Elegance, luxury
• Sunflowers: Joy, happiness
• Peonies: Good fortune, prosperity
• Gerbera daisies: Cheerfulness (bright colors only)

Romantic vs. Platonic Gifting

Romantic (Safe Globally)

• Red roses (avoid in conservative cultures)
• Red tulips
• Pink/red peonies

Platonic/Professional

• Yellow flowers (except France, Mexico, Russia)
• Mixed pastel bouquets
• Orchids
• Sunflowers

Special Occasions and Flowers

Weddings

• Western: White/cream flowers (purity)
• Asian: Red/pink (avoid white = death)
• Indian: Marigolds, roses (auspicious)

Mother Day

• USA/UK: Carnations, roses
• Thailand: Jasmine
• Mexico: Pink/white flowers

Hospitals/Get Well

• Avoid: Strong-scented flowers (lilies), red flowers (China - blood)
• Safe: Cheerful colors, potted plants

Tips for Gifting Flowers Abroad

• Research local customs before buying
• Ask florist about local traditions
• When in doubt, choose colorful mixed bouquets (avoid white)
• Pay attention to number of stems
• Consider potted plants (longer-lasting, less symbolic)
• Observe what locals give for similar occasions
• In conservative cultures, send flowers to home, not workplace