Flowers. In many cultures, they're often considered the perfect gift. But here in Taiwan, we believe food is the ultimate present. For instance, if you're visiting someone in the hospital, bring food—ideally, desserts. Even if the patient can't eat them, the family members caring for them will. Sweets are incredibly comforting. Today, though, our main topic is flowers, or more precisely, the language of flowers.
花語 (Language of Flowers)
The language of flowers is influenced by local religion, mythology, and historical culture. Depending on the country, the same flower can have completely different meanings.
Unlike in English-speaking countries, where meanings are influenced by myths and traditions, Taiwan's definitions of flowers are based on homophones (words that sound alike), how a flower grows or blooms, and festival customs.
Here are five flowers with surprisingly different meanings here in Taiwan. You can use this as a reference if you ever want to give flowers to someone in Taiwan. Of course, you can always tell the florist who the flowers are for or where they are going, and let them put an arrangement together for you.
1. 白百合 (White Lily)
Let's start with the 白百合(white lily). While generally seen as a symbol of purity, it often appears at funerals to express sympathy and symbolize the deceased's soul returning to innocence.
But in Taiwan, the word for lily, "百合," sounds like it's short for "百年好合," which is a blessing for a harmonious union for a hundred years. Because of this blessing, they are extremely popular at weddings and are often used in bridal bouquets.
2. 菊花 (Chrysanthemum)
Next up is the 菊花 (chrysanthemum, or "mum" for short). It's often considered the quintessential fall flower. They symbolize happiness, positivity, and friendship.
In Taiwan, however, they are almost exclusively associated with funerals and tomb sweeping, carrying a heavy sense of mourning. Even though traditional literature portrays the 菊花 as a noble and virtuous flower, very few people would ever buy them as gifts.
3. 水仙 (Daffodil)
Then we have the 水仙 (daffodil, or narcissus). Its meaning actually comes from Greek mythology. Narcissus was a beautiful young man who fell in love with his own reflection in the water. Because of this story, the flower often carries negative connotations, such as narcissism, unrequited love, or vanity.
But in Taiwan, 水仙 are considered essential "New Year flowers" because they bloom right around the Lunar New Year. They symbolize auspiciousness, good luck, and attract wealth.
Here is a popular Taiwanese slang term related to daffodils: "水仙不開花，裝蒜" (A daffodil not blooming, pretending to be garlic).
This is a daffodil!
This is a garlic!
And this is a daffodil before it blooms—it looks exactly like garlic!
So, "裝蒜" (pretending to be garlic) is used to describe someone who actually knows the truth but feigns ignorance or plays dumb. This phrase is most often used when you are blaming or calling someone out. For example:
- 別裝蒜了！你吃了我的蛋糕，對吧。
Don't play dumb! I know you ate my cake.
4. 劍蘭 (Gladiolus)
As for the gladiolus, its name seems linked to Roman gladiators. It symbolizes high moral integrity, power, and strength of character.
But in Taiwan, because the 劍蘭 blooms sequentially from the bottom up, one flower at a time, it represents the concept of 步步高陞(升) "rising step by step" and "continuous good fortune." That's why it is a highly popular flower for Lunar New Year temple offerings or celebrating the grand opening of a new business.
🌀步步高陞(升) means "rising step by step." It is an auspicious greeting that wishes someone a smooth career path with continuous promotions.
- 恭喜你轉職成功！希望你接下來能倍受賞識、步步高升。
Congratulations on landing the full-time role! I hope your talents are fully recognized, and you enjoy a steady climb up the corporate ladder.
5. 牡丹 (Peony)
Finally, the 牡丹花 (peony). Its traditional meaning actually stems from an ancient myth. Legend has it that mischievous fairies loved to play tricks, but when they were caught, they hid inside the petals of peonies out of pure bashfulness and shame. Therefore, giving peonies can sometimes imply, "I am sorry and ashamed for doing something wrong.
It's unbelievable how different it is here! Traditional Chinese culture reveres the 牡丹 as the "King of Flowers." It is the ultimate symbol of extreme wealth and high social status, representing glory, splendor, and prosperity. Countless paintings feature peonies, often titled "花開富貴," which means "Flowers blooming for wealth and honor."
牡丹 are also iconic in Taiwanese Hakka floral fabrics. I remember seeing a beautiful duvet cover adorned with large, bright red peonies when I was a child. My grandmother had chosen it specifically for my mother as a must-have item for her wedding.
🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃
Now, even though Taiwanese people love food, we do still use flowers. Let’s take a look at the occasions where you’ll see them and how they’re actually presented.
The Taiwanese Guide to Using Flowers
1. Simply Wrapped & Bulk Bouquets
In traditional markets or flower markets, you’ll often see people buying large bundles of various flowers that are simply wrapped in clear plastic. That's because these flowers will soon be unwrapped and placed in vases for temple offerings or ancestor worship. Here, flowers carry the meanings of asking for blessings and thanking the gods for answered prayers.
2.Standing Baskets & Potted Plants
You will see massive standing flower baskets and potted flowers lining the streets for grand openings, political campaigns, weddings, and even funerals. They come with long ribbons, usually bright red with gold lettering for celebrations or black and white for funerals. The main purpose of this impressive display is to showcase the recipient's popularity and social connections.
3.Fancy Bouquets with Paper & Ribbons
Finally, we have beautifully wrapped bouquets adorned with fancy paper and ribbons. These are given at graduations, on Valentine’s Day, and on Mother’s Day. Personally, though, I still hope a big feast follows the flowers!🚨You also bring bouquets when visiting the sick, but be careful, because there is a strong cultural taboo here.
Aside from avoiding white and yellow 菊花 (chrysanthemums,) you must never give a potted plant to a patient. In traditional Chinese culture, potted plants symbolize "taking root," which can make people feel as if the illness itself will take root in the body and drag on. 
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