No matter the occasion, season or
intention, flowers are perhaps the most effective and evocative goodwill
gesture and gift. And the fact that is has become all too common does not take
away from its value and effectiveness. Whether by itself or as an accompanying
component of any gift, flowers simply provides an additional meaning to any
gesture especially when the expression is directed at a woman or girl.
But of course, flowers are not meant only
for women and girls. Although popular culture has always historically
emphasized the romantic notion of giving flowers during stages of courtship or
romantic intent, they have also been common everyday expressions of love
between lovers and family members. This is the case when flowers are given to
someone who is sick, when a person visits someone else’s home, when people
welcome a newcomer in the neighbour or office, or when congratulating someone
for an accomplishment or feat. And of course, there are those sad moments when
flowers are hoped to express empathy and grief of a departed.
Flowers and Gift-giving
Gift-giving is a natural human
preoccupation. Although it is not clear how or when it actually started, there
are various evidences that the practice has been observed since time immemorial
as when early cave dwellers gave tokens of food and artefacts to chieftains and
other tribes. It has also been common in times of war when nations offer gifts
to establish camaraderie or celebrate conquest. In modern times though,
gift-giving is more popularly associated with the gift-giving gesture of the 3
kings during Christmas.
As for the flower, the most common species
of flower used as gift is a rose. Since before 17th century, the
rose has been universally used as a symbol of love in the same way that red is
an enduring symbol of affection. In timeless classics in literature, the rose
has been used as a symbol of deep emotions and stories of passion, intense
attraction, deep infatuations have always one way or the other involved the use
of the red rose as a symbol. Meanwhile, the white tulip has also become a
common symbol of folklore and literature representing unity, peace and general
goodwill rather than romantic affections. In some stories, the white tulip is
used in religious rituals and practices often as way of expressing innocence
and purity; order and serenity.
Flowers. Florists and Flower Shops
Due to the universal and multi-faceted
appeal of the flower as a gift, there is also a long history of economic and
industrial development associated with the flower. The flower industry has
persisted as a billion dollar industry across the time and space despite the
emergence of newer forms of practical and creative gift items and gift-giving
norms.
In Singapore today, there are more than a
hundred flower shops that provide excellent flower arrangements and provide
exceptional custom packages. Singapore florists are also renowned as among the best florists in the world. Singapore flower shops have also evolved into more
comprehensive gift stores and gift-giving providers and not just the average
traditional flower stalls. Some of the flower delivery shop in Singapore provide custom arrangements complete with
customized card designs and special combination packages like fruit and wine
hampers. These flower shops are also popular among many loyal customers since
they provide flower delivery in
nearby areas including deliver of flower wreaths. And of course, as some of the
best flower shops and modern businesses today, Singapore flower shops have
active on-line presence and provide their patrons the convenience and comfort
of transacting on-line.