Why Flowers Make Great Gifts and the Psychological Effects of Giving Flowers

Flowers have long served as messengers of sentiment, delicately conveying the unspoken language of emotions across generations. From the vibrant bouquets celebrating birthdays to the comforting blooms offered in times of solace, these delicate blossoms stand as a universal language of the heart. 

Their attractiveness, energizing aromas, and timeless appeal can induce happiness and lift your spirits. In this article, we will tell you why flowers make great gifts and the psychological effects of giving flowers.

The History of Gifting Flowers

The practice of exchanging flowers dates back to prehistoric times. While the exact historical origin remains unknown, we know that offering flowers has been a tradition since ancient civilizations like Greece, Egypt, Rome, and China. In Greek mythology, flowers took on special meanings, representing various deities, and made their way into social customs.

Fast forward to the Victorian era, a time when society kept emotions under wraps; people turned to flower bouquets as messengers of unspoken words. They were used to convey secret messages and subtle expressions of affection. Sending a red rose signalled admiration, while a yellow carnation meant the feelings weren't mutual. Even the way a bouquet of roses was presented (upside-down or right-side-up) could communicate feelings, with an upside-down arrangement symbolizing anger rather than love.

Why Flowers? The Psychology Behind Gifting Flowers

Why do we turn to flowers to convey our deepest emotions? There are several reasons why people gift flowers. Some of them Include:

  • Express Emotions: Flowers are more than just pretty petals; they're a sophisticated means of expressing our deepest emotions. Whether it's love, appreciation, pleasure, sympathy, romance, affection, or apologies, flowers serve as a timeless language that resonates beyond mere words or material gifts.
  • Immediate Happiness: The sheer joy that accompanies receiving flowers is instantaneous, bringing genuine delight and a radiant smile on special occasions. It's a simple yet impactful way to spread joy and create lasting memories.
  • Inspire Positivity: Flowers are nature's mood boosters. By adding them to spaces, be it at home or in the office, they can brighten the environment, promote positivity, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being. It's like inviting a bit of nature's magic into our daily lives.
  • Foster Intimate Connections: Flowers have an innate ability to speak the language of the heart, making them invaluable in forming and strengthening intimate relationships. A carefully chosen bouquet, tailored to someone's preferences, becomes a tangible expression of thoughtfulness and care.

The Impact of Flower Gifting

When you decide to send flowers, you're sending a message about yourself. People who choose flowers are seen as caring, successful, and emotionally tuned in. It's not just about the flowers, but showing you care and can create something meaningful. The satisfaction that comes from seeing the recipient's happy response is a boost for your self-worth.

But the impact doesn't stop with you. Sending flowers is a way to nurture relationships. When you take the time to pick out flowers that match the recipient's taste, it's a gesture that says you genuinely care. It creates memories and strengthens the bond between you and the person receiving the flowers.

Impact of Receiving Flowers

On the other side of the exchange, receiving flowers has its own set of perks:

  • Mood Enhancement: Flowers can remarkably uplift and cheer, influencing the recipient's mood in a way that surpasses the transient joy of other gifts. Research suggests that this effect can last for days, making the impact far more potent than a handful of sweets or other typical presents.
  • Stress Relief: Flowers emerge as natural stress-busters, alleviating anxiety, concern, and blues. The vibrant blossoms induce a more optimistic outlook, reducing feelings of depression and agitation. The simple act of receiving flowers contributes to an increased sense of vitality and joy.
  • Feelings of Happiness and Gratitude: Receiving flowers isn't just a visual treat; it's an emotional embrace. Genuine or ecstatic expressions of happiness and appreciation from the recipient are common, triggering an increase in oxytocin and an overall improvement in mood. The act of receiving flowers becomes a powerful reminder that someone is thinking of them, creating feelings of being valued and loved.

Flowers and Mental Well-Being

Flowers may seem like a simple addition to our surroundings, whether picked up at the local store or enjoyed in a flower-filled garden, but their impact on our well-being is far from insignificant.

The Role of Flowers in Therapeutic Environments

Beyond emotions, flowers play a vital role in mental well-being. Their vibrant colours, scents, and intricate arrangements stimulate our senses, triggering the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. In fact, this practice is being used in patient recovery programs. Studies have shown that patients surrounded by floral arrangements often experience reduced blood pressure and heart rates. This demonstrates that flowers serve as powerful catalysts, influencing emotional well-being and the physical health of individuals.

Influence on Creativity, Inspiration, and Cognitive Function

Engaging in the creative process of making floral arrangements offers a unique form of therapy. The act of pausing, settling down, and arranging flowers puts one in a state of flow. This improves your mental state, regulates breathing, and slows pulse rates, temporarily offering you a break from life's troubles and frustrations.

Mindful Integration: Flowers in Everyday Practices

The psychological benefits of flowers have found their way into various techniques and disciplines aimed at enhancing our mental well-being.

  • Flower Therapy and Aromatherapy: Like essential oils, flower therapy taps into the vibrational levels of the body, addressing mental conditions from within.
  • Floral Arrangement: Floral arrangements in hospitals contribute to mood improvement and offer a simple therapeutic activity accessible to everyone. Programs centred on floral arrangements also positively impact caregivers' mental health, which is crucial for maintaining their relationships with care recipients.
  • Art Therapy With Flowers: Art therapy refers to a therapeutic approach that incorporates the use of flowers to address mental and emotional disorders. In this form of therapy, colours are used, each eliciting unique emotions. This makes it an excellent way to learn more about yourself and improve your sense of well-being in a creative manner.
  • Horticulture as Therapy: Horticultural therapy traces its roots back to the 19th century when it was used as a form of rehabilitation for hospitalized war veterans. Through the simple act of tending to plants and gardens, individuals find solace and relief from tension and anxiety.

Bloomen: Your Trusted Companion in Floral Celebrations

Trust Bloomen to create memorable celebrations with our exquisite Toronto flower delivery services in the spirit of these timeless traditions. We understand the importance of timely expressions, which is why our same-day free delivery ensures that your heartfelt sentiments are conveyed with the freshness they deserve. Expect nothing less than the finest and freshest blooms.

So, why not brighten someone's day with the enchanting language of flowers? Order your online flower delivery through Bloomen today, and let the beauty of our blooms make your special moments even more extraordinary.


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