Before mobile phones and instant messaging, people communicated complex emotions through flowers. The Victorians perfected this, where entire dictionaries existed to decode floral arrangements. A yellow rose meant something completely different from a red one.
We've lost most of that intricate vocabulary now, but you can still pick up the flower meanings and symbolisms of today to add depth to your gifting. When you know what flowers symbolize, your gestures feel more thoughtful and intentional. Let’s dive into this.
The secret language of colour
Before you consider flower types, know that colour carries meaning, which leads to different flower meanings as a result:
-
Red: Passionate, romantic love
-
Pink: Gentle affection, admiration, gratitude
-
White: Purity, new beginnings, reverence
-
Yellow: Friendship, joy (avoid for romantic contexts)
-
Orange: Enthusiasm and fascination
-
Lavender: Enchantment, love at first sight
This colour logic applies across most flower types. So if you’re putting a flower gift box together, a pink lily means something different from a white lily, just as pink roses differ from red ones.
What do flowers symbolize for different occasions
With the significance they carry, flowers have many different meanings and symbols depending on the occasion.
Here are several scenarios where they bring a fitting message:
1. Romantic "I love you" flowers
-
Red roses: The classic. Deep, passionate love.
-
Tulips: Perfect love and romance.
-
Peonies: Happy marriage and good fortune—outrageously romantic.
-
Red carnations: Deep admiration and devotion.
2. Friendship and platonic appreciation
-
Yellow roses: Warmth and caring friendship.
-
Gerbera daisies: Cheerfulness and innocence.
-
Sunflowers: Adoration and loyalty without romantic undertones.
-
Pink carnations: Gratitude and appreciation.
3. Sympathy and condolences
-
White lilies: Peace, sympathy, and remembrance.
-
White roses: Reverence and honour.
-
White chrysanthemums: Truth and grief (in Asian cultures).
-
Orchids: Eternal love and sympathy.
Cultural note: In Malaysia and other Asian contexts, white flowers carry a deeper significance in funerals than in Western traditions, so be mindful of who you give such flowers to.
4. Congratulations and achievements
-
Orange lilies: Confidence and prosperity.
-
Gerberas: Joy and celebration.
-
Sunflowers: Success and positive energy.
-
Pink orchids: Pure affection and congratulations.
5. Apology flowers
-
White tulips: Forgiveness and fresh starts.
-
Pink roses: Gentle apology, "I'm thinking of you."
-
Hyacinths: Sincere regret.
-
Purple hyacinths: "Please forgive me."
6. Thank you and gratitude
-
Pink roses: Appreciation and admiration.
-
Hydrangeas: Heartfelt gratitude.
-
Sweet peas: Thank you for the lovely time.
-
Carnations (any colour): General appreciation.
7. Malaysian cultural flower meanings
In Malaysian and broader Asian contexts, different flower meanings take on cultural layers:
-
Bunga Raya (Hibiscus): Our national flower represents courage, life, and Malaysian pride. Red hibiscus specifically symbolises courage and passion.
-
Orchids: Particularly significant in Malaysian and Asian contexts, representing luxury, strength, and rare beauty. Common in formal celebrations and corporate gifting.
-
Yellow chrysanthemums: Use carefully—they're associated with death and funerals in Chinese Malaysian culture, though they mean joy in Western contexts.
-
Jasmine: Purity, simplicity, and attachment. Frequently used in religious ceremonies across Malaysian cultures.
Mixing meanings in one bouquet
You're not limited to single flower types. Combining blooms creates layered messages.
Examples:
-
Red and pink roses together = passionate yet tender love
-
Sunflowers with white daisies = loyal friendship and innocence
-
White lilies with pink carnations = sympathy with hope
A thoughtfully designed flower gift box often combines blooms to create more nuanced messages than any single flower type could convey.
Just be mindful that flower symbolism varies by culture, region, and era. For instance, white flowers mean celebration in Western contexts but mourning in many Asian cultures. When in doubt, focus on what the flowers look like and how they make people feel.
Sending a message that blooms
Understanding flower meanings and symbolism helps you choose more thoughtfully and gives your gesture greater depth and resonance. You're not just sending pretty blooms; you're speaking a language.
Next time you're selecting an arrangement, think about what you're hoping to express, then look for what flowers symbolize it better than words could.
Ready to send the perfect message? Send the perfect message with a thoughtfully curated flower gift box by Flower Frenzie! Designed for every emotion, you’re sure to convey a message that won’t be forgotten. Explore our collection and find flowers that say exactly what you mean.
