Russian Culture Monday: The Art of Giving Flowers

Monday June 8, 2009

In Russia, giving flowers as gifts to acknowledge special days or as a gift to hosts is a common practice. Russian culture dictates how flowers should be given according to tradition. An odd number of flowers is given for celebratory occasions, while an even number is given only for unhappy occasions, like funerals. Yellow flowers should generally be avoided because of their association with bad fortune.

When should you give flowers in Russia? Flowers are usually given on Russian holidays, especially March 8, which is International Women's Day. Birthdays are usually marked with flowers as well as gifts. If you are going to be a guest in a Russian house, it is also appropriate to bring flowers for the hostess. Just as hosts will observe tenets of Eastern European hospitality, so should guests be prepared to follow convention in this respect.

Red flowers may be most appropriate in romantic situations. Russian men, however, give flowers to women as a respectful gesture in many situations, not only for dates, anniversaries, or to ask forgiveness. Men giving flowers to women with whom they are not romantically involved can easily find flowers in another color or can give mixed bouquets. Flowers are not traditionally given to men, though strictness about this aspect of flower giving in Russia is relaxing.