Why give flowers in odd numbers?
Why give flowers in odd numbers? It is a tradition that continues: flowers are given in odd numbers. If you look closely, even Wikipedia is talking about it! But let the non-conformists be reassured, the rule is not immutable. Especially when it comes to knowing why, it's hard to decide categorically.
By harmony
The most common cause would be aesthetic, without any real symbolism. A bouquet with an even number of flowers would be too symmetrical, while a bouquet with three, five or seven flowers would fill a vase more elegantly. It is a question of harmony, as a florist rarely uses a central point in a composition. Generally, this tradition continues below ten flowers, when the roses can be counted at a glance. Beyond that, the importance is less because the vase will be filled anyway.
For love
The superstition would like it that one offers roses by odd number to prove that the bouquet is intended only for one person: impossible to divide it in an equal number of flowers to make two bouquets.
More romantic but not more proven, the man would keep one of the flowers from the bouquet, usually to hang on his buttonhole, as a way of sharing the feeling evoked. When it fades, it's time to send a new bouquet.
By class
Going back further in history, it seems that this tradition is purely French. In those days, giving an odd number of roses was a way to prove that the flowers were not bought on the market but came from a florist. Indeed, it seems that the markets only sold roses in even numbers and that flower stores used this trick to distinguish themselves from the market.
Never an even number?
For some superstitious people, flowers are only offered in even numbers for funerals. This would be a sign of bad luck. The meaning of a bouquet of eleven flowers can be different again since the twelfth rose would be the person to whom the bouquet is offered. Finally, offering twelve roses would be a sign of thanks, twenty four roses would be gallant and thirty six roses would be needed to confess one's love.
If you wish to see it for yourself, it is always possible to have a bouquet delivered!
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