Types of Flowers to Give for Mother’s Day: What Are the Classic Choices? What Are Their Meanings?
Mother’s Day is the day to express gratitude to your mom. Many people choose to give flowers for this occasion, so in this article, we’ll introduce a variety of flowers, from classic favorites to some surprising options, along with their flower meanings.
Why not send your thanks through a beautiful bouquet, especially for the things you might not always say?
The Classic Mother’s Day Flower: Carnation
When you think of Mother’s Day flowers, many people immediately picture red carnations. The tradition of giving carnations on Mother’s Day began over a century ago in the United States, thanks to Anna Jarvis, the founder of the holiday.
Anna Jarvis’s mother, who cared for soldiers wounded in the American Civil War, was known for her deep love. She cared not only for soldiers on her side but also for the enemy’s wounded soldiers.
When Anna’s mother passed away on May 9, 1905, Anna held a memorial service at a church and distributed her mother’s favorite flowers, white carnations. Moved by this act, people in the community began celebrating Mother’s Day at the same church in May 1908, and soon the holiday spread across the United States, starting in West Virginia.
Initially, it was customary to use a red carnation for mothers who were still alive and a white carnation for those who had passed. However, since this could hurt the feelings of some people, the tradition evolved to giving only red carnations.
Today, as flower varieties have expanded, it’s common to give carnations in various colors, with no need to follow the original color conventions.
Carnation Flower Meanings
The general meanings of carnations are “a mother’s love” and “pure affection,” and these meanings can differ depending on the color:
- Red = Love for mother / Mother’s love / Pure love
- Dark Red = My heart is filled with sorrow
- Pink = Gratitude / Elegance / Warm heart
- Orange = Pure love / Passionate love
- Purple = Elegance / Pride
Although white carnations are still available, it’s best to avoid giving them to mothers who are still alive, given the flower’s history.
The Message Behind the Bellflower (Kikyō)
The bellflower, with its star-like petals, is often associated with purity and simplicity rather than being extravagant. In Japan, this flower has been admired for centuries and is often considered a symbol of femininity.
Bellflower Flower Meanings
The general meanings of bellflowers include “eternal love,” “sincerity,” and “elegance.” The meanings vary by color:
- White = Purity / Obedience
- Purple = Elegance
Additionally, Turkish bellflower (also known as eustoma) carries the meanings of “thoughtfulness” and “thinking of you.”
Roses: A Flower with Endless Variety
Roses are widely loved for their stunning appearance and sweet fragrance, making them a popular choice for celebrations and gifts. With so many varieties of roses, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your mom.
In addition to traditional bouquets and potted roses, flower arrangements and preserved roses are also popular gifts for Mother’s Day.
Rose Flower Meanings
The meaning of roses varies greatly depending on their color, so you may want to choose a color based on the message you want to convey:
- Red = Affection / Passion / Beauty
- White = Purity / Deep respect
- Pink = Elegance / Grace / Deep admiration
However, be cautious with yellow roses, as they symbolize fading affection, jealousy, or separation, so they may not be the best choice for a Mother’s Day gift.
Hydrangeas: Perfect for Potted Gifts
Surprisingly, hydrangeas are also a popular choice for Mother’s Day. Their voluminous blooms and soft, pastel colors create a charming, homely feel, making them ideal for the occasion.
Hydrangea Flower Meanings
The meanings of hydrangeas include:
- Blue = Patient love
- Pink = Energetic woman
- White = Tolerance
You can choose one color or combine different colors to convey a deeper message.
Parterre: A Wonderful Selection of Mother’s Day Flowers
Parterre offers a wide range of flowers perfect for Mother’s Day gifts. Whether you prefer a bouquet, potted plant, flower arrangement, or preserved flowers, we have various styles to suit your needs. You can also customize the design and combination to match your personal preferences.
In addition to our stores in Kitakami, Oshu, and Morioka, we also offer online orders and delivery services. So, if you’re too busy to visit in person, you can still make a thoughtful gift for your mom.
Parterre Locations in Iwate for the Perfect Mother’s Day Flowers (Flower Arrangements):
- Kitakami Main Store Parterre: 1-1-5 Tsutsumioka, Kitakami, Iwate
- Morioka Honmachi Store Parterre: 1-2-3 Honmachi, Morioka, Iwate
- Oshu Esashi Store Fleur Marche: 7-2 Esashi Nishidori, Oshu, Iwate (Inside Super San-A)
- この記事をシェアする