Way to Russia Talk Lounge

cyndy22 · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 4:43 am Post subject: Flower Giving

I think it is a lovely Russian tradition to give fresh flowers to hosts at various occasions. Truly, I think this tradition is Quitessential Russian! Just curious what occassions Russians give flowers to and for. I imagine this is a rather long and abstract, amorphous list. So much the better!

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

This is the first time I hear about this. No one gave me flowers when I lived in Russia Smile

Usually, guys give flowers to girls on dates, just like they do in America. Also, in communist times the old/shaky leaders gave flowers to each other. But I have not noticed that there was much difference in that respect between USA and Russia.

cyndy22 · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:24 pm Post subject:

Mr. Spice,
I am surprised that this custom is surprising to you. Even among the large Russian population living in my area, it is very popular custom. And when I was in Russia, I also recall seeing many kiosks with flowers for sale. Asa far as I know Russians have a custom to give flowers for example when visiting others, birthdays and many other occassions. Are others familiar with this tradition?

cyndy22 · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:53 pm Post subject:

Right after I posted the last msg., my neighbor who is from Kazakstan came to my door with a beautiful bouquet of roses for my birthday. It was so odd because I had just written post ablout this custom. Life is a mystery some times!

Katyara · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:33 pm Post subject:

I am... Birthdays, dates, mother's day, valientine's day are days when you get flowers...
And just in case you don't know... we give an odd number of flowers. Even numbers are for funerals ONLY!

jumeh · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 4:36 pm Post subject:

it may seem to be a tradition but it's only people who like flowers so much)
there is a tradition concerning flowers : students give flowers to their teachers before the exams, as for me i can't really understand, why they give flowers before the exams but not after them

Katyara · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 8:39 pm Post subject:

i know why! it's to make them happy, so that they can give a good grade! sometimes, doesn't work though!

Vic · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 9:29 pm Post subject:

Katyara · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 10:42 pm Post subject:

yeaaaah... sucks!
well, nowadays most kids give flowers to their teachers before the exams... i usually give flowers to my english teacher only and most of the time it's not like i am trying to podkupit' her, it's just the sign of respect. she is the kind of a teacher who is not gonna give you an A just cuz you gave her flowers or a present...