For ages, flowers have been exchanged as a way of communicating love, gratitude, sympathy, or celebration. Yet, in many cultures, the number of flowers in a bouquet has significance. While some believe odd numbers will bring good luck and some positivity with them, others imply that even numbers would mean bad fortune, sadness, or even death.
This article discusses the preconceived notions, customs, and hidden meanings associated with gifting and receiving flowers, so you have nothing to worry about when it comes to sending an unwelcome message.
Odd and Even: The Mystery of Flower Numbers
Odd Numbers: Bringing Good Luck and Happiness
Multiple cultures view odd-numbered bouquets (1, 3, 5, and 7 flowers) as lucky, full of positive energy. The concept holds that odd numbers embrace movement and flow and generate abundance, while even numbers symbolize stillness.
Why Are Odd-Numbered Bouquets Preferred?
Romantic Meaning
One flower (especially a red rose) means profound love and commitment.
A Symbol of Prosperity
Odd number attracts abundance in Western and Asian cultures.
The Balance & Eye Appeal
Florists prefer to arrange blooms in odd numbers for an aesthetically pleasing and natural appeal.
Bouquets with an odd number of flowers are given in France and Russia in celebrations, love, and friendship to avoid even the slightest implication of funeral associations.
Even Numbers: Imbued with Bad Luck & Mourning
Contrarily, even-numbered bouquets (2, 4, 6, 8 flowers) are considered unfortunate and associated with death in various cultures.
Why Are Even Numbers Related to Bad Luck?
Used for Funerals
In many Eastern European countries, they say that during their funeral, they give flowers by their odd number while during their marriage always by an even number.
Superstitions
Four is considered a funeral number in many Asian cultures because the word for four sounds eerily similar to death in both Chinese and Japanese.
A Broken Love
Another superstition states that giving flowers in even numbers denotes the end or separation of a romantic relationship.
In Russia, Ukraine, and Poland, giving an even-numbered bouquet for any occasion, such as a birthday or wedding, would be taken as misfortune or foreshadowing of tragic events.
Check this post - Flowers That Bring Good Luck & Bad Luck
Cultural Superstitions About Flower Giving
Different cultures have all sorts of different codes and superstitions regarding giving flowers or receiving them:
China & Japan
Never give four flowers (or anything in sets of four), as the number sounds like “death.” Instead, choose 3, 5, or 7 flowers.
Russia & Eastern Europe
Odd numbers are for the living, while even numbers are strictly for funerals and mourning.
France
Bouquets of 13 flowers are considered unlucky; other odd numbers are fine.
Italy & Spain
Red flowers may symbolize love or betrayal, depending on the context! So always check the number and color before gifting flowers.
The Right Number for the Right Occasion
| Occasion | Best Choice | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Birthdays | 🎂 3, 5, 7 flowers | ❌ Even numbers (linked to mourning) |
| Weddings | 💍 Odd numbers (except 13) | ❌ 2 flowers (symbolize separation) |
| Funerals | ⚰️ Even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) | ❌ Odd numbers (reserved for the living) |
| Love & Romance | ❤️ 1, 3, 5, or 9 flowers | ❌ 6 flowers (some believe it signals dishonesty) |
FAQs: Myths and Superstitions About Flower Giving
1. Why Is It Said That Giving an Even Number of Flowers Brings Bad Luck?
The even-numbered flower bouquets are in many cultures reserved for funerals and mourning, thus making them unsuitable for partying occasions.
2. What Is The Ideal Amount of Flowers To Present as a Gesture of Love?
One flower stands for significant love, while 3, 5, or 9 flowers convey intense passion and commitment.
3. Can One Gift a Bouquet of 13 Flowers?
Some cultures consider 13 an unlucky number. Therefore, it’s best to avoid it. On the other hand, in some cultures, 13 roses mean eternal friendship.
4. What If a Card Is Included with the Gift or an Even Number of Flowers?
Some believe that a card helps counteract the superstition about giving an even number of flowers, but most cultures still cling to the custom of giving an odd number for luck and harmony.
Conclusion
For centuries, flowers have been associated with symbolism, traditions, and superstition. Whether you believe in them or not, it is always a smart thing to know what the culture means when it comes to floral gifts, especially with numbers!
Do you have traditions that go along with flower-giving? Have you ever received an arrangement decorated with an even number of flowers? Let us know your experiences in the comments below.
At Flower Narratives, we celebrate the timeless beliefs and symbolism behind every bloom, whether bringing luck, love, or remembrance.
