FLOWERS THATSYMBOLISE GOOD LUCK

We all love receiving flowers. They are perfect for celebrating any occasion - think birthdays, anniversaries, saying congratulations, or even sending thank you flowers. Let’s be honest, there isn’t an occasion where flowers don’t deliver a little bit of joy and happiness. But have you ever sent good luck flowers?

Whether it’s for starting a new job, sitting an exam or you know someone on an exciting adventure – flowers are the perfect gift. We look into why we send blooms as gifts and explore the significance and symbolism of some of our favourite flowers that mean good luck.

Where did sending good luck flowers originate?

Sending flowers as gifts is something the Ancient Egyptians, Greek and Roman empires were doing thousands of years ago. They often used flowers as decorations for religious ceremonies, as ways to tell stories and even give blooms to show affection. Which is exactly how Flying Flowers began, by swapping sending a postcard and instead sending carnations through the post!

Head forward to the 14th century Turkey and the trend didn’t stop and had developed into a way of using flowers to send a message. Travellers to Turkey during the 18th century discovered this new and useful way to use flowers and brought it back to Europe where the craze quickly spread. In fact, the Victorians were so obsessed with flower symbolism, they developed an intricate language called floriography. Floral dictionaries started to appear which explained the multiple meanings for each bloom with many of them derived from the appearance or behaviour of the plant and ancient stories. As you would expect, there was also a flower for luck and in Victorian times the bloom of choice was Myrtle.

You should always be careful when choosing a ‘lucky’ flower because the meaning of the bloom and how you use it can vary greatly depending on your culture. For example, during Chinese New Year it is popular to give red peonies to deliver honour, wealth and respect. But in some cultures, they are seen as bad luck especially if an odd number of flowers grows on your peony bush. Chrysanthemums are usually seen as a flower of optimism and luck across the globe apart from some European countries where they are only used at funerals, and it is thought to be bad luck to offer them to the living. Head over to Thailand and they have made lucky flowers into an art form by creating garlands called Phuang Malai, mainly using jasmine flowers, which are a symbol of luck!

What flowers bring good luck?

If flowers have so many meanings, which is the best one to pick when wishing someone good luck? Here are some of our favourite lucky flowers.

Daffodils

In Wales, it is believed that anyone who sees the first daffodil of the year will have wealth for the following 12 months. They are also a lucky flower in China (they bloom during their New Year) and symbolise luck and good fortune. Just remember to give a bunch of these flowers as a gift – a single bloom is considered bad luck!

Carnations

These beautiful flowers have a long history which dates back to Ancient Greek and Roman times. If you want a lucky carnation, you’ll need to pick the white version which symbolises pure love and good luck. Don’t believe us, ask the students at The University of Oxford. They traditionally wear a carnation to all their exams - white for the first one, then pink for every other one before swapping to red one for the last exam.

Clover

Ok, so this one is not actually a flower, but we can’t create this list without adding the lucky four-leaf clover. Did you know the shamrock, the symbol for Ireland, is actually a clover? It is believed the name was derived from the Gaelic word, Seamrog which means ‘little clover’. This plant has been part of Ireland’s history for centuries, from Irish Druids to Celts and even as a symbol of rebellion against the Crown in the 19th century. Typically found with three leaves find a rare four-leaflet one and it’s said to bring good luck.

Orchids

Who doesn’t love an orchid? These stunning flowers bring a splash of colour and gorgeous scent into your home. As well as being a flower that is a statement of purity, prosperity and good health, did you know that in many Asian countries this flower is also considered lucky. They are also said to bring good fortune to your home and loved ones – ideal as a gift if you know someone moving into a new home.

Heather

If you love seeing heather growing wild across the countryside, then why not get a bunch of white heather. Over the centuries there have been many different Scottish folklore tales passed down of battles and warriors which have been granted luck through white heather. Like the four-leaf clover, finding a patch of white heather is a rare occurrence in the wild and is said to bring good luck to anyone who discovers it. Today, it is still an important symbol of luck in Scotland with brides including it in their bouquets.

Lily of the Valley

Offering symbols of innocence, purity and new joy, lily of the valley is often associated with luck when it comes to matters of the heart. It’s thought this all started in the 16th century with King Charles IX of France who was given lily of the valley and told it would bring him luck. Being a superstitious person, he decided to uphold the luck by giving this flower to the ladies of his court every year. It’s no wonder this flower is commonly seen in bridal bouquets and even featured as one of the flowers of Catherine, Princess of Wales when she got married.

Simple good luck messages that works well with good luck flowers

Are you looking for something thoughtful that says good luck in a personal way? Look no further! We've got a few ideas to help get you started:

  • Sending you all the luck in the world. May success follow you in every direction!

  • Good luck, you’ve got this! I am so proud of you and all you have achieved.

  • Best of luck on your new adventure, I can't wait to hear all about it.

  • Wishing your family happiness and luck throughout every chapter of your new life together.

  • Hold your head up high and remember that you’ve got this. Good luck and we love you.

  • You are already amazing and don’t really need any help from us. But, just in case, we’re sending you lots of luck for your new adventure.

We’ve rounded up more good luck message ideas here. You can make them personal, humorous and as thoughtful as you’d like!