The Language of Sending Flowers

When you think of romance and feel-good gifts, you think of Flowers.  Flowers have been an all-time gift idea for hundreds of years now, be it for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day or ‘just because’.  Flowers are even brought to cheer up sick or recuperating people.  Interestingly, flowers are often given to woo someone as well as to say sorry to them.  This just goes to show that flowers have many languages.

Interestingly, it’s not just the idea of giving flowers or the flower itself that speak to the recipient.  There is also the flower type, flower color, flower arrangement and even the number of flowers in a bundle or bouquet to consider.  This may also be the reason why anyone thinking of giving a flower can be flustered sometimes, they fear sending the wrong message or intention.

Another thing about giving flowers is it is best to give the flowers fresh and with the right combination of buds just about to bloom together with flowers that are in full bloom already.  This is done for aesthetic and practical reasons. Aesthetic because it looks nice to see flowers in full bloom when you receive them, and at the same time, budding flowers so that you can appreciate the process of seeing them bloom.  It is also practical because the flowers you receive can last longer, especially since you can rearrange them for when the time comes when you have to remove wilted ones.

Even with the abundance of gift options, flowers remain to be a popular gift.  An example would be in the Philippines where there are a lot of Overseas Foreign Workers (OFW) stationed in almost all parts of the world. Because Filipino families are usually close and they really exert time, effort and money in keeping in touch with their loved ones, offline and online communication and even non-verbally sending their sentiments across the miles is important. Most do this by sending gifts such as flowers. Often, there are other gift items to complement the flowers such as the ever-popular bear, chocolates, wine and fruits.  Other gift items also show the sense of humour and quirkiness of Filipinos such as when flowers are sent with favoured (local or imported) brand of canned goods, books, clothing and even prepaid mobile cards.

Some may say that giving flowers is passé already. However, the excitement, thrill and sometimes gushy feeling that come from receiving flowers never dampen.  It is always a feel-good thing.  So, when words are not enough, say it with flowers. When you want to get you message across, say it with the right type of flowers. And when you want to bring cheer or just put a smile on someone else’s face, send your greetings and well-wishes even across the miles by sending flowers.