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Meaning of the number of flowers sent
According to the history books, the Victorians were the first group of Europeans to espouse deeper meanings behind each variety of flower and it didn’t take too long before the number of blooms in each posy had a definitive connotation too.
Fortunately for the legions of young men who are quite incapable of making romantic gestures of any magnitude purely because they are terrified of rejection, the number of blooms in each flower bouquet will subtly do all the hard work for them.
The importance in the number
Although there are schools of floral thought that clearly differ, the vast majority of ‘bud-wisers’ believe it is the numbers behind the flower arrangements made up of roses that tell the tale of love or lust.
Traditionally the rose has been earmarked as the one enduring bloom that effectively means affection, and quite rightly so. A fitting anagram of the word rose is ‘Eros’ – the Greek term for passionate love mixed with desire and longing.
By carefully selecting both the colour and the number of roses included in the floral creation, it is possible to spell out exactly how you feel in the hopes of receiving your desired response in return.
In China, a single bloom means love at first sight, whereas in India it reflects consideration. However, all nations, including South Africa, tend to agree that a single rose in full bloom means exceptional and undying love!
Meaningful numbers - a guide for the shy and tongue-tied
Here is a brief list of certain meaningful numbers when it comes to flower arrangements in South Africa:
2 roses - indicate a deep commitment, an engagement or impending marriage.
3 roses - symbolizes respect in India, but everywhere else it simply means ‘I Love You’.
5 roses - take love to a whole new level, meaning ‘I love you very much’.
7 roses - total infatuation.
9 flowers – In China, a floral bouquet of nine flowers means long-lasting love.
10 tulips – or other blooms reflect the Perfect Love.
11 flowers – indicate that you are the treasured one.
12 roses – Traditionally the ultimate declaration of love – “Be Mine Tonight”.
13 roses – This one is for the girls and guys who aren’t quite ready to commit yet or from girlfriend to girlfriend, as it means ‘Friends Forever’. The colour yellow is also considered a symbol of friendship in the East, so be sure to send 13 yellow roses (not red) just to make doubly sure she understands your intended meaning.
15 roses – This means ‘I’m truly sorry’ – for when he forgets a birthday, anniversary or arrives late for an important function.
36 roses – Possibly the first of many flower arrangements you can send to your beloved, as this many indicates a feeling of romantic attachment.
The coup de grace is undoubtedly 108 long-stemmed roses, which will confirm your intentions to pop the question “Will you marry me?”
So if you’re the shy or tongue-tied type, call The Cape Town Florist or send flowers online and let the numbers say it all for you.
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