Special Flower Days in 2024
Quite frankly, we think that EVERY day should be a Flower Day!
Giving and receiving flowers for no other reason than someone thought about you - or you them - is a very good reason for 'a Flower Day'.
There are however some nationally and internationally recognized dates that have been given special status and are marked by the giving and receiving of flowers... what a wonderful thing.
Valentine's Day: 14th February
Valentines Day is a wonderful celebration of love and lovers. Typically, red roses framed with Baby's Breath are given. The red rose is the flower of love.
Easter: 29th - 1st April
An important Christian holy period that commemorates and celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many colourful varieties are used worldwide at this time. Easter day itself falls on Sunday the 10th of April. Traditionally at this time, houses and churches are filled with colourful flowers as a symbol of rebirth.
Mother's Day: 12th May
Mothers Day always falls on the second Sunday of May. Although pink flowers are traditionally given to moms on this day - no-one quite knows your mom as well as you do! So give her a bunch of something you know she would love in whatever shape, colour, size or form.
Father's Day: 168th June
Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Traditionallyred roses are given to a living father and white roses are given (or worn) for a father that has passed away. But you know your dad best!
A mixture of his favourite edibles with his favourite flowers may be just the thing.
National Women's Day in South Africa: 9th August
A day to celebrate and honour the strength and courage of women in South Africa. Gladioli and Orchids are indicative of strength and character although any bright and cheerful flowers would be appropriate.
Spring Day: 1st September
From a sprig of Jasmine behind your ear to an elaborate arrangement on your dinner table - nothing quite says 'Happy Spring' like fresh flowers!
Secretary's Day: 4th September
This is one day in the year that has been specifically set aside to recognize the input from secretaries, receptionists and administrative assistants. A posy basket for her desk would be appropriate.
Grandparents' Day: 8th September
We don't think that there is a Granny in the world who wouldn't want to receive fresh flowers on this Day with a special note attached telling her how much she is loved! A simple bunch of her favourite flowers would be perfect. And for Grandpa? A hamper of his favourite nibbles would not go by unnoticed!
Teachers' Day: 5th October
A day to show your love and appreciation to our wonderful teachers. A small mixed bunch of fresh flowers in a jug, or mug would be perfect for her desk.
Bosses Day: 16th October
A day to show your appreciation to your boss. Your lady boss may well love to receive a posy basket for her desk and your gentleman boss may prefer a hamper.
Deepavali / Deevali or Diwali: 31st October
A wonderful festival of lights to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. The celebration is marked by lighting candles, firecrackers, exchanging sweets and gifts of flowers. A posy with a candle or two in the center makes a perfect gift. Mixed hampers of flowers, fruit and chocolates would also go down a treat.
Christmas Day: 25th December
A pivotal day in the Christian calender. This is a day the celebrates the birth of Baby Jesus. Flowers are a lovely gift to send to a loved one. Traditionally red Poinsettias, Hydrangeas, Cacti and Ivy are given but quite frankly all flowers are given the go ahead on this celebratory day. Giving from the heart - something that you know the person will love - is really what Christmas is all about.
Hampers and baskets are also wonderful Christmas gifts.
The Language of Flowers
The Language of Flowers has always been a way of communicating without using words.
Specific meaning has been given to various flowers to convey a simple but cryptic message.
The most obvious one that still thrives today is giving red roses. Giving red roses is a declaration of one's love.
In the Victorian era particularly, gifts of blooms and hand-picked floral arrangements were used to send a coded message to the recipient, allowing the sender to express feelings which could not be spoken aloud.
Meanings which are still relevant today:
Red roses – I love you
Pink roses – Grace and I care about you
Yellow roses – Friendship and/or Infidelity!
White lilies – Purity and Majesty
Daffodil – Chivalry and New Beginnings
Daisy – Innocence
Orchid – Refined beauty
Sunflower – Loyalty and no False Riches
Tulip – Declaration of Love
Baby's Breath - Everlasting Love
Chrysanthemum: Truth
Some of the lesser known meanings:
Almond Blossom (Amygdalus communis): Indiscretion
Aloe (Aloe vera): Grief
Azalea (Rhododenron): Fragile and ephemeral passion
Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata): Everlasting love
Crane Flower (Strelitzia reginae): Magnificence
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis): Passion
Calla Lily/Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aetiopica): Modesty
Camellia: My destiny is in your hands
Carnation, Pink : I will never forget you
Carnation, Red : My heart breaks
Carnation, White: Sweet and lovely
Carnation, Yellow: Disdain
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum): Truth
Daffodil (Narcissus): New beginnings
Dahlia (Dahlia): Dignity
Daisy (Bellis): Innocence
Daisy, Gerber (Gerbera): Cheerfulness
Dandelion (Taraxacum): Rustic oracle
Eucalyptus: Protection
Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis): Forget me not
Freesia: Lasting friendship
Fuchsia: Humble love
Gardenia: Refinement
Geranium, Oak-Leaf (Pelargonium): True friendship
Gladiolus: You pierce my heart
Hibiscus: Delicate beauty
Honeysuckle (Lonicera): Devotion
Hyacinth, Blue (Hyacinthus orientalis): Constancy
Hyacinth, Purple (Hyacinthus orientalis): Please forgive me
Hyacinth, White (Hyacinthus orientalis): Beauty
Hydrangea: Dispassion
Impatiens: Impatience
Iris: Message
Jasmine, White (Jasminum officinale): Amiability
Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla): Desire
Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides): Pensive beauty
Laurel (Laurus nobilis): Glory and success
Lavender: Mistrust
Lemon: Zest
Lilac Syringa: First emotions of love
Lily (Lilum): Majesty
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): Return of happiness
Magnolia: Dignity
Marigold (Calendula): Grief
Mimosa: Sensitivity
Mistletoe (Viscum): I surmount all obstacles
Mock Orange (Pittosporum undulatum): Counterfeit
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): Patriotism
Oleander (Nerium oleander): Beware
Orchid (Orchidaceae): Refined beauty
Peony (Paeonia): Anger
Petunia (Petunia): Your presence soothes me
Poppy (Papaver): Fantastic extravagance
Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus): You are radiant with charms
Rhododendron: Beware
Rose, Burgundy : Unconscious beauty
Rose, Moss: Confession of love
Rose, Orange : Fascination
Rose, Pale Peach: Modesty
Rose, Pink: Grace
Rose, Purple: Enchantment
Rose, Red: Love
Rose, White: A heart unacquainted with love
Rose, Yellow: Infidelity (modern day: friendship)
Snowdrop (Galanthus): Consolation and hope
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Loyalty and no False riches
Tulip (Tulipa): Declaration of love
Violet (Viola): Modest worth
Wisteria : Welcome
Flowers From Howick: 10A Somme Street, Howick, KZNatal. Tel/Fax: 033 330 3809