Knowing what flowers to offer and what not to send for different occasions might help you prevent embarrassment or misunderstandings. A single flower (or, in some situations, a bouquet) can convey a thousand words. Depending on the occasion and cultural setting, these delicate blossoms of various shapes and colours have distinct meanings and connotations. In today’s world, however, flowers are mainly viewed from a Western perspective — red roses denote romantic love, carnations care, and so on.
However, some little features, particularly when it comes to certain varieties of local Thai flowers, are frequently missed. Do you want to say the correct things and send the appropriate message? Choose the appropriate flowers! When it comes to flower offering, there are a few common rules in Thai society to express thanks and congratulation.
When it comes to colour, Thais and Chinese are similar, so go for a bright, cheerful motif with your bouquet or basket. Choose flowers with “auspicious connotations” for a grand opening, corporate anniversary, housewarming celebration, or anything else festive, such as:
Marigold
(Dao rueng), which means “glows like a star,” is appropriate for a variety of events.
Gardenia
(Pood), which in Thai resembles the term Buddha and characterizes a happy beginning and onward motion, it is an appropriate flower to be sent to new parents.
Orchid
It is frequently associated with friendship and support.
If you want to say “Get well quickly” sending or giving flowers to a bedridden person is a Western concept, however in Thailand as well sending a bouquet for a sick person is totally acceptable. However, there is one flower that should never be presented or placed near a sick person’s bed. It’s the tuberose agave, or agave amica. This is because it is the flower that Thais place near the coffin at funerals. As a result, it is often known as the “funeral flower”. While tuberose extracts are frequently used in fragrance, it was also employed during funerals to mask odours before the bodies were embalmed. The ritual is no longer practiced, but the flower remains related with funerals. Tuberose is a flower that is usually found in flower markets. They’re also inexpensive.
If you want to say “I love You”, this is again, a distinctly Western concept. According to Thai culture, there are a few types of flowers that do not work well in a romantic setting. Jasmine is a flower that is mainly associated with mothers. Because of its milky white color and its delicate aroma, this sweet-scented flower represents motherly affection. Save it for your mother which is usually celebrated on August 12th.
Lotus is reserved for Buddha and religious sanctuaries. It’s alright to send lotuses, but Thais will not think receiving a bouquet of lotuses is charming, especially if the lotus is pink. The lotus is a significant religious emblem that can be seen in ponds, rivers, lakes, and big, water-filled urns across the country. It’s extremely common in temples, and it’s regarded as Buddhism’s flower. It’s also significant in Brahmanism. At shrines, lotus buds are frequently left as offerings. Flowers on the aquatic plant might be pink, purple, or white. During the chilly season, Talay Bua Daeng (the Red Lotus Sea) in Udon Thani is a particularly spectacular spot to observe the beauty of the lotus. But it’s more than just a gorgeous flower and a holy symbol. The seeds are edible, and the root can be used to make soup, and the leaves can be used to wrap food. The plant is also claimed to have therapeutic effects.
If you want to say “I’m sorry for your loss” Thais frequently seek for expert assistance. Flower businesses frequently create wreaths (puang reed in Thai) with messages hand delivered to the funerals. There are no restrictions on the kind of flowers that can be used in the wreath. Wreaths are burnt with the body in Thai funerals. So, if you want to send a wreath to the temple to convey your sorrow, send it there.
Never send a wreath to someone’s house unless they are hosting a funeral there. If you’re sending a celebratory bouquet to someone in a higher position, a garland is an option. Giving a garland to a respected person is a show of respect, gratitude, and appreciation. You don’t have to worry about the meanings of garlands because they’re usually constructed from specific types of flowers. As a result, choose a style and colour scheme that you enjoy. One exception, though: the garland must be presented in person. Never send a garland by courier!
The fifth month of the calendar is known for the Chrysanthemum (Benjamas).
The concept was borrowed from the Chinese, who believe it represents longevity. Sunflower (Tan tawan), which meaning sun-resistant, denotes power and progress in the correct direction. Sunflowers send a message of goodwill and well-wishes to the recipient.
Krachiao
At the commencement of the rainy season, the gorgeous purple krachiao flower, also known as the Siamese tulip, bursts into bloom. Chaiyaphum, a province in northeast Thailand, is one of the best sites to observe flower-filled fields spanning as far as the eye can see.
Rafflesia colossal
The enormous Rafflesia is a rare flower that only blooms in a few countries throughout the world, one of which is Thailand. One of the greatest spots in Thailand to see a gigantic Rafflesia in full bloom is Khao Sok National Park in the southern province of Surat Thani.
Sightings aren’t assured, as the massive flower only blooms for a few days. The bud takes nine months to mature into a flower, and the blooming season varies year to year! If you do happen to come upon a huge Rafflesia, you’re in for a treat. With an average diameter of one meter and a weight of up to seven kilos, it is the largest flower on the planet.
To see some of these flowers do not forget to consider our night Tour of Bangkok’s Flower Market
