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Floral protocol
Red roses signify love in many countries, but different flowers mean different things in different places. Here are some particularly interesting flower-related customs.
Japan
In Japan, flowers are typically given as a gift only to a loved one or to a sick person. If you are giving flowers as a get-well gift, bring cut flowers, but not chrysanthemums, which are used at funerals. Don't bring a potted plant because it is believed that the sickness will take root and the person may not get better. You should also never give flowers in the unlucky numbers of four or nine.
France
If you are invited to dinner, you should always bring flowers for the hostess. A bouquet should have an odd number of flowers, but never seven or 13. Never bring carnations, which are considered bad luck, or chrysanthemums, because they are used for funerals.
Russia
In Russia, if you are going on a first date with someone, you should bring them carnations or roses. They must be given in odd numbers, because flowers are only given in even numbers at funerals. Avoid giving yellow flowers, as these are associated with grieving or separation.
North America
In North America, flowers are given as gifts for many occasions, especially Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and birthdays. They are often brought to cheer up people who are in the hospital, and they are given to the host or hostess of a dinner party by the guests. Gladioli and lilies are associated with funerals and don't make good gifts.
If you are unsure about the meanings of flowers in a particular country, ask a friend or a florist for advice. They will be happy to tell you about the associations that flowers have in their culture and the local flower-related customs.
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Say if these sentences are true or false.
· In North America, flowers shouldn't be given to someone who is sick.
· In many cultures, the number of flowers in a bouquet is important.
· The specific flowers that are used at funerals are also given as gifts.
· If you are invited to dinner in France, you should bring a bouquet for the hostess.
· In Russia, it is a good idea to bring yellow flowers with you on a first date.
· In Japan, it is believed that a potted plant will help a sick person feel better.
