Flowers are a beautiful expression of emotions to say what words sometimes cannot communicate. Presenting a bouquet of flowers is a beautiful and appreciated gesture in almost all cultures around the world.
When giving a gift of flowers in Macedonia, it is important to pay attention to at least one small cultural idiosyncrasy: always give odd numbered bouquets. No matter what the size, from 1 to 101, always make an odd numbered bunch. It is sometimes hard for westerners who are used to sending, say, a dozen roses to a lover, to think that another number might fit better, but sending 12 of any flower would not just be unromantic, in Macedonia it would be downright insulting. That’s no way to woo the one you love!
The problem with even numbers stems from their use honoring the dead. Even number bouquets are always given at funerals or laid upon graves, as a sign of sympathy or remorse.
We tried to find the origin of this custom, but without any success. Does anyone know when this tradition started, or why?
No comments yet.