Flower Etiquette in Hong Kong: What NOT to Send and Why

In Hong Kong, where Chinese cultural values, Confucian traditions, and Western influences intertwine, the act of giving flowers is more than a simple gesture. It is a symbolic act loaded with meaning, and the wrong type of flower can unintentionally convey bad luck, mourning, or disrespect. Understanding the nuanced symbolism behind different flowers is essential for personal, professional, and ceremonial occasions.

Below is a comprehensive guide on flower types and floral symbolism to avoid when gifting flowers in Hong Kong, with explanations rooted in local beliefs, linguistic associations, and etiquette norms.

1. White Chrysanthemums – A Symbol of Mourning and Final Farewell

Overview:
White chrysanthemums are perhaps the most strongly associated flower with death and funerals in Chinese culture, including in Hong Kong. They are traditionally used during mourning ceremonies, memorial altars, and ancestral offerings.

Cultural Meaning:
The white chrysanthemum symbolizes sorrow, grief, and respect for the deceased. In Taoist and Buddhist funerals, they are often arranged with incense and joss paper for spiritual tribute. Offering them outside of this context is considered deeply inappropriate.

Occasions to Avoid:

• Birthday celebrations (implies wishing an early death)

• Anniversaries or romantic milestones

• Weddings or engagement events

• Baby showers or "full moon" parties

Exceptions:

• Sympathy or condolence bouquets

• Floral tributes at funerals or memorial halls

Better Alternatives:

• For sympathy: white lilies or pale orchids

• For joy: pink carnations, red roses, or sunflowers

2. Yellow or White Lilies – Associated with Farewell and Loss

Overview:
Although lilies are generally graceful and fragrant, white and yellow varieties carry strong associations with partings and death. White lilies are frequently used in memorial services across both Eastern and Western cultures.

Cultural Meaning:
In Hong Kong, white lilies are symbolic of purity and spiritual renewal, which makes them fitting for funerals but awkward for celebratory events. Yellow lilies can represent falsehood or declining relationships.

Occasions to Avoid:

• Romantic occasions like Valentine's Day or anniversaries

• Birthday gifts to family or colleagues

• Ceremonial occasions like weddings or openings

Exceptions:

• Buddhist condolences or religious services

• As part of a balanced bouquet with celebratory flowers (if muted in prominence)

Better Alternatives:

• Oriental lilies (pink or red varieties)

• Peonies, which symbolize prosperity and love

3. Clock-Associated Flowers (e.g., Spider Lily, Four o'Clock Flower)

Overview:
In Chinese language and culture, timepieces—especially clocks—are linked with the end of life. The phrase “to give a clock” sounds similar to “attend someone’s funeral” in Cantonese (送鐘 sung zung).

Cultural Meaning:
Flowers with names or shapes reminiscent of clocks or time (like Four o’Clock Flowers or bell-shaped blooms) are considered ominous, symbolizing the passing of time and mortality.

Occasions to Avoid:

• Elder birthdays (considered disrespectful)

• Gifts to superiors or business partners

• Marriage celebrations (implies limited time together)

Better Alternatives:

• Hydrangeas for grace

• Orchids for longevity and honor

• Dahlias for commitment

4. Camellias – Symbolic of Fragility and Separation

Overview:
Camellias are admired in Chinese art and literature but have a negative symbolic meaning in a wedding context. When camellia flowers wilt, the petals and calyx fall away at the same time, a metaphor for sudden separation or misfortune.

Cultural Meaning:
In some interpretations, camellias symbolize a relationship doomed to fall apart, making them inappropriate for nuptials or romantic milestones.

Occasions to Avoid:

• Wedding bouquets or corsages

• Engagement gifts

• Love confessions or first dates

Exceptions:

• As potted plants for home decoration (outside of romantic context)

• In artistic or ikebana arrangements

Better Alternatives:

• Peonies for passion and wealth

• Tulips for lasting love

5. Artificial Flowers – Seen as Inauthentic or Spiritually Hollow

Overview:
Though practical, artificial flowers lack the living essence and energy that fresh flowers provide. In Hong Kong culture, giving fake flowers can be seen as impersonal or even disrespectful, especially during meaningful life events.

Cultural Meaning:
Artificial flowers are commonly used in ancestral halls and grave offerings. As gifts, they may be interpreted as insincere, lazy, or unlucky—particularly on occasions wishing for growth and vitality.

Occasions to Avoid:

• Lunar New Year

• Grand openings

• Weddings and births

• Romantic gestures

Exceptions:

• For home decor when specified

• For allergy-sensitive recipients (with clear explanation)

Better Alternatives:

• Low-maintenance real flowers like anthuriums or succulents

• Bonsai trees or potted orchids

6. Yellow Roses – A Risky Choice in Romance

Overview:
Though roses are widely popular, yellow roses have complex meanings that vary by culture. In Hong Kong, some interpret them as a symbol of betrayal, jealousy, or an impending breakup.

Cultural Meaning:
Yellow is also the color of mourning in imperial China, adding further nuance to its interpretation. Giving yellow roses in romantic settings can be viewed as cold or distancing.

Occasions to Avoid:

• Confessions of love or courtship

• Apologies or reconciliations

• Romantic anniversaries

Exceptions:

• Friendship bouquets (if the recipient is aware of the positive Western interpretation)

• Mixed with vibrant florals for non-romantic occasions

Better Alternatives:

• Red roses for passion

• Pink roses for admiration and youth

• Lavender roses for enchantment

7. Red Flowers – Inappropriate for Mourning

Overview:
Red flowers—especially red roses and gerberas—are commonly associated with happiness, luck, and passion in Chinese culture. However, in a mourning context, they are considered highly inappropriate.

Cultural Meaning:
Using red flowers in funeral arrangements can be seen as disrespectful or celebratory, which contradicts the somber tone of mourning ceremonies. White, blue, or purple tones are typically preferred.

Occasions to Avoid:

• Funerals or memorial services

• Sympathy bouquets

• Condolence visits

Exceptions:

• Lunar New Year, wedding decor, business openings

• Celebrations where vibrancy is appropriate

Better Alternatives for Mourning:

• White lilies

• Blue hydrangeas

• Cream chrysanthemums

Safe Floral Alternatives by Occasion

Weddings & Romance

• Pink peonies – Romance, honor, fertility

• Orchids – Elegance, rare beauty, harmony

• Tulips – Perfect love, grace

• Lisianthus – Appreciation, gratitude

Business & Openings

• Anthuriums – Hospitality, success

• Orchids – Wealth and integrity

• Sunflowers – Ambition, positivity

• Bamboo arrangements – Strength and resilience

Birthdays & Anniversaries

• Gerberas – Cheerfulness

• Roses (red, pink) – Love, joy

• Carnations – Devotion

• Lilacs – First love, youthful joy

Funerals & Condolences

• White chrysanthemums – Respect

• White lilies – Peace and purity

• Calla lilies – Rebirth and dignity

• Simple greens – Serenity and stillness

Final Notes

In Hong Kong’s multicultural, Cantonese-speaking environment, flower gifting is more than just visual—it’s symbolic communication. Always consider:

• The recipient’s age, beliefs, and occasion

• Linguistic associations (sound-alike words)

• Cultural superstitions or taboos

When in doubt, consult a trusted local florist such as Bloom & Song or opt for neutral, auspicious blooms. It's the meaning behind the gesture that carries the most weight.