Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid When Sending Flowers in Hong Kong

When it comes to gifting flowers in Hong Kong, understanding local customs and traditions is essential to avoid cultural faux pas. While flowers are a thoughtful gesture, certain practices may be considered inappropriate or inauspicious in Hong Kong's rich cultural landscape. To help you navigate the nuances of flower gifting in this vibrant city, Petal & Poem have compiled the following guide:

1. Avoid White Flowers

In Hong Kong, white flowers are typically associated with funerals and evoke a sense of mourning. Therefore, it is best to avoid white blooms such as lilies or chrysanthemums when sending flowers as a gift. Opt for colorful flowers that symbolize joy, happiness, and good fortune instead.

2. Embrace Symbolism

Flowers hold significant symbolism in Hong Kong's culture, so it's important to consider the meaning behind the blooms you choose. For example, peonies symbolize prosperity and honor, orchids represent refinement and fertility, while plum blossoms signify strength and resilience. Taking these symbolic meanings into account demonstrates your thoughtfulness and enhances the gesture of your gift.

3. Respect Traditional Beliefs

In Chinese culture, certain numbers are considered unlucky due to their pronunciation resemblance to negative words. Avoid gifting flowers in sets of four, as the number four sounds like the word for "death" in Cantonese. Additionally, bouquets consisting of six or eight flowers are appreciated, as they represent good luck and prosperity respectively.

4. Maintain Etiquette

When presenting flowers, it is customary to offer them with both hands as a sign of respect. Be sure to keep the gesture gentle and avoid overly boisterous presentations. Similarly, when receiving flowers, graciously accept them with both hands and express your gratitude.

5. Consider Timing

Timing plays an essential role in flower gifting etiquette. While it is generally acceptable to send flowers for various occasions, it is crucial to avoid sending them during inauspicious times such as Chinese New Year, Ching Ming Festival, or for someone who is recovering from illness. Such gestures are considered inappropriate as they might be seen as bringing bad luck or associated with unfortunate events.

6. Choose Appropriate Wrapping

Presenting flowers in well-designed and luxurious wrapping shows your attention to detail and enhances the overall presentation. Avoid using wrapping paper with predominantly white or black colors, as they are associated with sorrow and mourning. Opt for bright colors, especially red, which symbolizes good luck and fortune in Chinese culture.