| Why
We Do Not Sell a Dozen Flowers Here?
Meaning of Some Flowers
Ukrainian Customs and Tradition
Holidays for 2009
Ukrainian
Holidays
US Holidays
Canadian
Holidays
UK Holidays
Why We Do Not Sell a Dozen Flowers
Here?
In Ukraine, it is a custom that an odd number of flowers
is given for any occasion including a romantic one. It is quite
traditional to send eleven roses vs. the dozen. Actually, any odd
number of flowers works; of course the more the better. Even number
of flowers is a sign of bad luck or sorrow and is taken to viewings,
funerals and cemeteries.
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Meaning of Flowers
It is true that through flower symbolism we can express
what we want to say (and may not be able to speak out loud). We
would like to provide you with more information on the most popular
flowers, including the one you can order and have delivered via
our online store.
Roses symbolize love, passion, perfection. The rose was
named for the Latin word rosa which means red. It has been a symbol
of love since the ancient times. Used for hundreds of years to convey
messages without words, roses also represent confidentiality. Color
meanings of roses are vary: Red means love and passion. Pink –
happiness. White - purity, innocence. Yellow – friendship.
Tulips are the true symbol of the spring and the summer.
A tulip bouquet represents elegance and grace. The sweeping bow
of the tulip may be one of its most alluring charms and it is sure
to brighten anyone’s day! Tulips stand for a perfect lover,
luck and fame.The word "tulip" is a Latinized version
of the Persian word “dulband” (turban), so called because
of the flower’s resemblance to a turban.
Carnations mean innocence, faithfulness, pure love and good
luck. These lovely flowers have a lasting quality and are often
handed out on Mother's Day to symbolize the purity and strength
of motherhood. White carnations suggest pure love and good luck,
light red symbolizes admiration, dark red represent deep love and
affection. Pink carnations are the symbol of a mother’s endless
love.
Lilies represent majesty, wealth, pride, innocence and purity.
Lilies are the right flowers if you want to say “you’ve
made my life complete” . These flowers will help you create
the impressive statement of pure elegance as well as show and share
your happiness. The regal white lily symbolizes the elements of
chastity and virtue. Tiger lilies represent wealth and pride. Make
sure to send a floral bouquet of tiger lilies if you wish someone
happiness and prosperity in all shades of life.
Irises are different from all other flowers as they appear
spring and can remain fresh for several days. Traditionally, this
graceful flower has been chosen to convey the essence of “my
compliments”. Compliment someone today by sending them a bouquet
of irises.
Gerbera Daisies are great when you want to send the gift
of cheer. Distinguished by large flower heads that closely resemble
those of sunflowers, gerbera daisies come in a vibrant rainbow of
colors. Bright pink, snow white, sunny yellow, and ruby red are
just a few of the gorgeous colors that these happy flowers boast.
Orchids are long-lasting and particularly elegant flowers,
making them the perfect gift for many occasions. Their graceful
appearance draws immediate attention, and their reputation as an
exotic and unusual flower evokes a sense of refinement and innocence.
With many orchid varieties to choose from and the meanings of orchids
being so special, you are sure to find one that can express the
right message, whether it be Thank You, Happy Anniversary, Congrats
on Your Promotion, or anything in between.
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Ukrainian Traditions and Customs
There are quite a few different traditions, customs and
certain particularities of social behavior in every country. We
would like to provide you with an overview of the most important
ones so they will help you overcome the cross-cultural barriers
and socialize with ease.
Ukraine is a European country (though not the member of European
Union yet), which makes the social etiquette more or less predictable.
Nevertheless, the "old world" traditions and beliefs are
very strong in Ukraine, having a unique impact on the mentality
of people and the etiquette. You will find that some Ukraine customs
are compatible with those of European and North American counties.
However some of them you would consider irrational or incomprehensible.
They are neither "good" nor "bad". They just
a part of another culture.
- You know the first rule already – odd number of flowers
only.
- Never shake hands, give keys or anything else in the doorway.
It may bring misfortune to your host or guest.
- When you are invited to visit somebody’s house, usually,
you are expected to bring a small gift with you. It is very common
in Ukraine to bring gifts when visiting. It can be sweets, a bottle
of wine or a flower bouquet. If there is a small child in the
household, you may want to bring a small gift for him/her.
- Never leave an empty bottle on the table, but if a bottle is
open - drink up.
- Try to sit between two people with the same name and make a
wish. It is supposed to come true.
- Don't be alarmed when somebody spits three times over his/her
left shoulder or sits on his luggage before going on a trip.
- Take off your gloves when shaking hands.
- Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a home. You will
be given a pair of slippers (tapki) to help keep the dwelling
clean.
- When entering or exiting a vehicle the man steps out first so
as to offer his hand to the woman whom he is accompanying.
- When using public transportation, give up your seat to mothers
with children, elderly or handicapped. People will admire you.
- Be prepared to toast at dinners, etc. Be careful, the vodka
can catch up with you.
- When visiting the Orthodox churches women should cover their
heads with scarves and men must take off their hats.
- Don't put your thumb between your first two fingers. It is a
very rude gesture.
- Don't forget your lady-friend's mother and daughter (if any)
on the important holidays. Sending a bouquet or a single rose
to your lady-friend's mother shows great class and is the act
of a true gentleman.
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Holidays for 2010
Ukrainian holidays in 2010:
January 1 - New Year. This is everybody's favorite holiday. Decorating
the Christmas tree, going to a New Year's Eve party, giving/receiving
gifts, - Ukrainians love all this holiday commotion and impatiently
wait for the New Year's Eve to come.
January 7 - Orthodox Christmas. A great deal of old Ukrainian customs
that go back to centuries ago are related to Christmas. These include
fortune telling, singing Christmas carols, cooking traditional Ukrainian
Christmas dishes and attending church service.
February 14 -Valentine's Day. All European and American traditions
apply
March 8 - The International Women's Day. This day is hugely popular
among women in Ukraine as they receive flowers and chocolates from
the men they know.
April 2 through 5 - Easter Day comes according to the lunar calendar.
It could fall on any Sunday in April or May and is full of lovely
traditions. Eggs are boiled and then painted in different colors.
Very special sweet Easter bread is baked, full of raisins and other
culinary wonders. Often people will take food like eggs and bread
to church to have it blessed by a priest.
May 1 - Labor Day. A traditional Soviet era holiday that is celebrated
even now. In old times it was celebrated by numerous parades. Nowadays
it's just a good occasion to have another day off and spend it with
family and friends outdoors. Some people attend public performances
and concerts; the others prefer to have a picnic in the woods.
May 9 - Victory Day. This is the day when people of Ukraine and
other former Soviet Union republics celebrate the victory over the
fascist Germany in 1945 and remember the 20 million of Soviet people
who put their lives on the altar of peace. The war took life of
nearly every 6th Ukrainian citizen. Celebrations includes military
parade and fireworks
May 24 - Orthodox Pentecost
June 28 - The Constitution Day. This holiday commemorates the adoption
of Ukrainian constitution in 1996.
June 30 - Youth Day. On this day all youth celebrates their holiday.
There are usually quite a few interesting events (concerts and performances)
organized locally.
August 24 - Independence Day. This holiday is dedicated to the
proclamation of Ukrainian independence from the USSR in 1991. Large
public performances, concerts and festivals and military parades
are held on this day.
US holidays in 2010:
January 1 - New Year’s Day
January 18 – Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day
February 14 - Valentine's Day
February 15 - President's Day
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
April 10 - Good Friday
April 4 - Easter Sunday
May 9 - Mother's Day
May 31 - Memorial Day
June 20 - Father's Day
July 4 - Independence Day
September 6 - Labor Day
October 11 - Columbus Day
October 30 - Halloween
Nov amber 11 - Veteran's Day
November 25 - Thanksgiving Day
December 25 - Christmas Day
Canadian holidays in 2010:
January 1 - New Year's Day
February 14 - Valentine's Day
March 9 - Commonwealth Day
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
April 9 - Vimy Ridge Day
April 2 - Good Friday (All)
April 4 - Easter Sunday
May 24 - Victoria Day (Many regions)
July 1 - Canada Day
September 6 - Labor Day
October 11 - Thanksgiving Day (Many regions)
October 30 - Halloween
November 11 - Remembrance Day (Many regions)
December 25 -Christmas
December 26 - Boxing Day
UK holidays in 2010:
January 1 - New Year's Day
January 2 - 2nd January (Scotland)
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland)
April 5 - Easter Monday (England, Northern Ireland, Wales)
May 3 - May Day Holiday
May 25 - Spring Bank Holiday
July 13 - Orangeman's Day (Northern Ireland)
August 30 - Summer Bank Holiday (England, Northern Ireland, Wales)
November 30 - St. Andrew's Day (Scotland)
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 28 - Boxing Day
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