Flowers are beautiful. But what is more important – flowers are symbolic. Flowers follow us on all special occasions. Knowing “flower etiquette” is key, especially if you live in Russia. I am your guide, follow me!
red roses – symbol of love
What kind of flowers? That depends on the lady’s taste. Most women love long stem red roses, and only very few may think it is cheesy. To be on the safe side, you can start with white or off white roses in the beginning of relationship and progress in density of color as your love gets stronger.
wildflowers
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Violets at my place
Gladiolus – 1st of September
If your child goes to a Russian school – opt for gladiolus (3 flowers) or astra (5 flowers) on September 1st
lilies are beautiful, but can cause allergies
I have a feeling that I missed something. Please let me know, what. Have you had a funny situations with flowers in Russia? What is the flower etiquette in your country? How important are flowers, where you live? Please share your stories!
© 2016 Tatiana Golubeva. All rights reserved.
illusionary - 4 years ago
“If you are a girl – you do not have to give a Russian man flowers unless he has died …”
still laughing :D
illusionary - 4 years ago
Thanks for the article! Very helpful to know that. I should have known it earlier, once I brought my girlfriend yellow flowers…
Richard Gray - 4 years ago
Я отметил несколько грамматических ошибок в статье, я студент русского языка и мой народный язык английский. Если хотите, то послайте мне имайл и мы можем друг с другом отработать, но если вы хотите!
Tanya Golubeva - 4 years ago
Hi Richard,
Yes, unfortunately I do make grammar mistakes in my texts. I speak English quite well for a foreigner, but I am not a native speaker.
I am now planning to book the blog and I will get in touch with you regarding proofreading. Thank you!
I can also correct some things in your Russian if you need (although I admire people, who have learned Russian to the level that you have mastered)
Best,
Tanya
David Roddis - 3 years ago
There is very little left in the way of flower tradition here. But red roses are strongly associated with “true love” and would probably be considered over-the-top for a first date – yet perfect for St. Valentine’s Day, in February, because that IS a tradition. Potted plants are for your mother or grandmother (or for someone in hospital)! And some consider it a faux pas to bring flowers when invited for dinner – it is assumed the host/hostess will have their own flowers for the decor, and bringing flowers means an extra task for the hostess…
Regarding the comment on your English: Your English is quite close to perfect, and to be honest most English people find it charming when a non-native speaker is “almost” perfect. It is like hearing English with a little Russian accent. That’s just my opinion, of course.
Karen Flanagan - 3 years ago
What about a very high quality silk flower to give at a wedding? I’m an Australian attending a wedding next year in Moscow.
Tanya Golubeva - 3 years ago
Hi, Karen!
I have never seen silk flowers, but think that it would be a unique present for the wedding!
Is it like an orchid in a box? Just curious :-)
If in doubt – maybe ask relatives of the bride or groom (from the Russian side)
Best,
Tanya
Peter - 3 years ago
Can men work ås florists?
Tanya Golubeva - 3 years ago
Yes, sure! Not a great money though in this profession
Nikita - 2 years ago
Hello, I bought a special someone 101 roses, because I remember several months back that she told me that 101 was customary in Russia? Is this true? Not that it matters now, because I ordered them already. I am just curious. Also, I told the Florist that I wanted a mixture but only white and red roses. Is that okay? Or would that be sending mixed signals? I really am curious, because I definitely wouldn’t want to upset this very special someone…
Lewis MyHum - 2 years ago
Hi, may i ask do color of flowers matter apart from yellow.
I am curious to know about pink and black color, does russian women accept it?
Anonymous - 2 years ago
It seems like roses are most popular for dates in the midwestern US, with carnations being used early in dating or when the gentleman is low on cash. Colorful, inexpensive bouquets are often available at grocery and convenience stores as well. White roses are considered an apology flower, pink is for friendship or non-sexual romance, and red is most passionate.
Boyfriends can give flowers for special occasions, such as anniversaries of any relationship milestone, birthdays, or special holidays like Valentine’s day. Be careful if you’re giving flowers any other time. Any bouquet might be considered an apology flower. There’s an idea here that an unexpected bouquet means he feels guilty about something (like an affair).
The better bet is to learn what her favorite flower is, and give her that. As with anything in a relationship, talking with her about when she would enjoy flowers is also a good idea.
I have never seen someone bring flowers to a dinner, but it might happen by request. Also, if the bringer has a particularly beautiful and plentiful cut flower in their garden, they might bring a bunch to show off and/or share the bounty.
Both cut flowers and potted plants are common for funerals, but there is some extra sadness for the survivors when either dies.
Bringing flowers to the hospital is considered important for the patient’s health, unless the part of the hospital doesn’t allow them.
Potted plants are often given as housewarming gifts.
Cut flowers or potted plants are also given for Mother’s Day, usually using the mother’s favorite color, plant, or flower.
Astavisa - 2 years ago
Hi, there! I just found this blog and it’s cool! Never know there is a friendly person telling how to understand Russia in such a understandable way. I’m from Indonesia, and despite some experiences, I can tell that the flower etiquettes doesn’t really considered important too. People tend to choose with standard choices like: bright or calm color’s roses for neutral and happy occasion, synthetic-flowerwall for condolences.
R. Frank Bass - 2 years ago
Why is the even number of flowers for the living? Is there like a cultural story behind this?
Tanya Golubeva - 1 year ago
Hello Frank, that is a great question. I do not know, but will do some research