The Best Flowers to Send to Recipients in Different Countries in Asia
Flowers have deep cultural significance across Asia and are often used to express emotions, celebrate milestones, or convey good wishes. When sending flowers to recipients in various Asian countries, it’s important to choose blooms that align with local customs, symbolism, and preferences. Here’s a Hong Kong florist guide to the best flowers to send across different countries in Asia.
1. China
Flower Significance:
In China, flowers symbolize various virtues, such as good fortune, happiness, and respect. Red flowers are particularly popular as they represent luck and prosperity.
Best Flowers to Send:
Roses: Red roses are associated with love and affection, while yellow roses represent friendship.
Chrysanthemums: Symbolize longevity, vitality, and respect. These are often sent to elders or used for commemorations.
Lotus: Represents purity and enlightenment in Chinese culture, often seen as a symbol of spiritual awakening.
Peonies: Known as the "king of flowers," they symbolize wealth, prosperity, and good luck.
Occasions to Send Flowers:
Weddings (red and pink roses, peonies)
Chinese New Year (chrysanthemums, peach blossoms)
Birthdays (roses, lilies)
Funerals (white lilies or chrysanthemums)
2. Japan
Flower Significance:
Flowers are deeply embedded in Japanese culture, with each flower having specific meanings. The beauty of simplicity and nature is celebrated, particularly in the practice of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.
Best Flowers to Send:
Chrysanthemums: A symbol of the imperial family, longevity, and rejuvenation.
Cherry Blossoms (Sakura): A symbol of renewal, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. Ideal for celebrating spring or special occasions.
Lotus: Represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, often seen in Buddhist traditions.
Camellia: A symbol of admiration and love, often associated with elegance.
Orchids: Elegant and delicate, orchids are highly valued and make luxurious gifts.
Occasions to Send Flowers:
Weddings: White chrysanthemums, camellias, or roses.
Spring Festival (Hanami): Cherry blossoms or peonies.
Funerals: White chrysanthemums or lilies are commonly used for remembrance.
Valentine's Day: Camellias or orchids for romance.
3. India
Flower Significance:
Flowers hold spiritual and cultural significance in India, often associated with religious ceremonies, celebrations, and festivals. Marigolds are among the most popular flowers for religious rituals, while jasmine is seen as a symbol of purity.
Best Flowers to Send:
Lotus: A sacred flower in Hinduism and Buddhism, symbolizing purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening.
Marigolds: Widely used in Hindu ceremonies to symbolize prosperity, good luck, and positivity. Ideal for festivals like Diwali.
Jasmine: Symbolizes purity and divine beauty, commonly used for garlands and in religious rituals.
Roses: Generally associated with love and affection, red roses are popular for romantic gestures.
Tuberose (Rajnigandha): Known for its sweet fragrance, often sent to loved ones to convey admiration and respect.
Occasions to Send Flowers:
Diwali: Marigolds or jasmine.
Weddings: Lotus, marigolds, and roses.
Religious Celebrations (e.g., Ganesh Chaturthi): Marigolds, jasmine, and hibiscus.
Birthdays/Anniversaries: Jasmine or roses.
4. South Korea
Flower Significance:
Flowers in South Korea are associated with various ceremonies, festivals, and milestones. The symbolic meanings often represent peace, longevity, and respect, with certain flowers used for specific holidays.
Best Flowers to Send:
Chrysanthemums: Symbolize longevity, respect, and nobility. They are often used in funerals or to honor elders.
Roses: Express love and affection, commonly sent on anniversaries or Valentine’s Day.
Orchids: Symbolize beauty, strength, and elegance. Ideal for expressing admiration.
Lilies: Known for their association with purity and innocence, making them suitable for weddings or formal occasions.
Occasions to Send Flowers:
Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival): Chrysanthemums or lilies.
Valentine's Day: Roses or orchids.
Funerals: Chrysanthemums.
Weddings: White lilies, orchids, or peonies.
5. Thailand
Flower Significance:
Flowers are an integral part of Thai culture, with certain flowers used in religious offerings, festivals, and ceremonies. Lotus flowers are particularly important in Buddhism, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
Best Flowers to Send:
Lotus: A sacred flower in Thailand, symbolizing spiritual purity and enlightenment. Perfect for Buddhist ceremonies or to send wishes for peace.
Orchids: Widely appreciated for their beauty and elegance, orchids are a symbol of strength, fertility, and love.
Jasmine: Represents purity and elegance, often used in traditional garlands and offered at temples.
Bougainvillea: Known for its vibrant colors, representing passion, energy, and warmth.
Occasions to Send Flowers:
Songkran (Thai New Year): Lotus flowers or jasmine garlands.
Weddings: Orchids, lotus, or roses.
Funerals: White chrysanthemums or lotus flowers.
Religious Ceremonies: Jasmine or lotus.
6. Vietnam
Flower Significance:
Flowers in Vietnam are often associated with festivals, love, and respect. Lotus flowers, in particular, have deep cultural and religious significance, representing purity and enlightenment.
Best Flowers to Send:
Lotus: Highly revered in Vietnamese culture, representing purity, beauty, and spiritual enlightenment. A traditional gift for important ceremonies or religious events.
Chrysanthemums: Symbolize respect and honor, often used for ancestral worship or memorials.
Roses: Convey love, romance, and affection, suitable for all romantic occasions.
Orchids: Elegant and luxurious, orchids symbolize beauty, strength, and love.
Occasions to Send Flowers:
Tet (Lunar New Year): Lotus flowers or chrysanthemums.
Weddings: Lotus, orchids, or roses.
Funerals: Chrysanthemums or lotus flowers.
Valentine's Day: Roses or orchids.
7. Malaysia
Flower Significance:
In Malaysia, flowers are associated with festivals, weddings, and various cultural ceremonies. The hibiscus, as the national flower, holds special significance, while other blooms like orchids and roses are also popular for their beauty and symbolism.
Best Flowers to Send:
Hibiscus: Malaysia's national flower, symbolizing beauty, strength, and passion.
Orchids: Representing love, beauty, and elegance, orchids are a favorite for romantic occasions.
Roses: A symbol of love and affection, perfect for anniversaries or Valentine’s Day.
Chrysanthemums: Represent respect and are often used in commemorative settings.
Occasions to Send Flowers:
Hari Raya: Hibiscus, orchids, or roses.
Chinese New Year: Orchids, lilies, or chrysanthemums.
Weddings: Orchids or roses.
Funerals: Chrysanthemums or white lilies.
8. Philippines
Flower Significance:
Flowers in the Philippines play a central role in religious and cultural celebrations. The sampaguita (jasmine) is the national flower and symbolizes simplicity and purity.
Best Flowers to Send:
Sampaguita (Jasmine): The national flower, symbolizing purity and simplicity, ideal for religious or cultural ceremonies.
Orchids: Represent love, beauty, and elegance, making them perfect for special occasions.
Roses: Widely used for romantic gestures or special celebrations.
Sunflowers: A symbol of happiness, positivity, and longevity.
Occasions to Send Flowers:
Fiesta Celebrations: Sampaguita or sunflowers.
Valentine’s Day: Roses or orchids.
Funerals: White lilies, chrysanthemums, or sampaguita.
Weddings: Orchids, roses, or sampaguita.
By understanding the cultural and symbolic meanings of flowers in different Asian countries, you can ensure that your floral gifts resonate deeply with the recipient and are appreciated for their thoughtfulness and significance.
