Why is it bad luck to give a woman an even number of flowers? (2024)

FAQs

Why is it bad luck to give a woman an even number of flowers? ›

Even numbers of flowers are reserved for grieving and funerals. This tradition also holds true with some Europeans, but also steer clear of the number 13, as it's considered an unlucky number. Also, avoid giving a woman yellow flowers. Yellow is said to signify the end of a relationship.

Some who follow flower superstitions have some serious numerology beliefs. According to many cultures, a bouquet with an even number of flowers symbolizes death — so while a dozen flowers would not be so great for a wedding, they're a perfect choice for commemorating those who've crossed over to other side.

Photo by AARN GIRI on Unsplash. In Austria, giving flowers isn't just a casual gesture; it's steeped in tradition and superstition. The rule is simple: when you gift flowers, make sure there's an odd number of them. Odd numbers symbolize good luck, while even numbers (except 12) are thought to bring bad luck.

Usually, the florist will say something if an even number of flowers is accidentally chosen but it's up to you to avoid this faux pas. Giving flowers in even numbers is very rude because they are only used at funerals. Additionally, some see yellow flowers as funeral flowers so to be safe, don't give these either.

There is strict practice of avoiding getting flowers in multiples of an even number and as an expectation number 13 too as it is believed to bring bad luck.

Even numbers are considered to be lucky as they are orderly, evenly divisible and are a common occurence. Odd numbers are considered to be unlucky and chaotic, particularly if they are not evenly divisible. Twins are very lucky, each type of dice has an even number of sides, and so does a coin.

Even numbers of flowers are reserved for grieving and funerals. This tradition also holds true with some Europeans, but also steer clear of the number 13, as it's considered an unlucky number. Also, avoid giving a woman yellow flowers. Yellow is said to signify the end of a relationship.

While it's unclear exactly what the rationale is behind this tale, it could be that even numbers are unlucky simply because they are divisible, which lessens or reduces their power. Odd numbers can't be reduced in this manner, so they're stronger and more powerful than even figures [source: Webster].

Superstitiously, even numbers are seen as a sign of bad luck, and so traditionally an even number of flowers is given at funerals and at other times odd numbers are given.

In the olden days, it was thought that if you received a plant as a gift, don't thank the gifter for it because that was bad luck! You were supposed to them for the pot or complement the color instead or the plant may die. Even certain colors were revered or shunned in the garden and home!

How many roses should you give a woman? ›

A red rose is often given on romantic occasions. 3 roses: three roses are often given on business occasions such as an anniversary. 10 roses: You give a bouquet of 10 roses when you think someone is perfect! 12 roses: this number of roses is often used when making a marriage proposal.

For example, a bouquet of roses (representing innocent love) says "you're forever young and beautiful," while a thornless rose says "love at first sight," and the tea rose says 'I'll remember you always.” Refer to the list below to find out how different numbers of stems can represent different messages of love.

Hugs, backslapping, kisses on the cheeks and other expansive gestures are common among friends or acquaintances and between members of the same sex. Russians stand close when talking. Putting your thumb through your index and middle fingers or making the "OK" sign are considered very rude gestures in Russia.

In some cultures, the poppy is associated with bad luck, disgrace and misfortune because it tends to wither quickly. In addition, it has historically been used—and often abused—as a sedative. This has given the flower a bad reputation and it is recommended that it be kept out of your home.

Orange lilies

Lilies are considered a beautiful, popular flower but the orange variations actually symbolize hatred, pride, and disdain.

“All stories about the naupaka flower show a symbol of forbidden love that would never be,” said Panee, who has worked for more than 35 years at the Polynesian Cultural Center and has been the manager of the Island of Hawai'i Village for eight years.

It is almost always preferable to use odd numbers of plants when designing a landscape. The reason is because it appears more naturalistic. Even numbers are easier for our minds to divide into equal halves, which gives the impression of a man-made setting.

Besides the types of flowers and their colors, which convey a special meaning, even the number of flowers in a bouquet can be significant! 1 flower: A single flower can symbolize unity, the concept of “one heart.” 3 flowers: “I love you.” 4 flowers: Not a good number for a bouquet in many cultures.

Groups of threes, fives, or sevens can be more aesthetically pleasing than a single plant grouping arrangement. There is no hard or fast rule. However, planting in odd numbers, also known as the “rule of odds,” has some logic behind it and can be very effective at helping to draw the eye through your garden.