Over generations, flowers have consistently embodied the stereotypical image of deep love, as portrayed in old movies and cinemas. This image worked to connect the value of flowers with romantic scenes and significant celebrations such as weddings and official ceremonies.
However, within a short period of time, that stereotypical image has changed, allowing more space for the availability of flowers at many other events and ceremonies. This shift has broadened its symbolism, making it more polysemous.
It has transformed from a unique symbol of deep love exclusively to becoming a tool for translating good impressions among people and a marketing method to create a fabulously highlighted reputation for individuals and institutions. This change has led to shifts in economic and psychological value flows, increasing consumption.
Zakiya al Habsi, the owner of a flower shop, expressed her experience, saying, “In the past, flowers did not hold great specific value in the eyes of people; they were only used by specific individuals and were limited to certain occasions. Now, consumption has changed based on new shapes and meanings created by people. In addition to reflecting good impressions and the beauty of the heart, flowers are considered one of the beautiful things that contribute to providing many benefits for mental and physical health.”
Therefore, the flower shop is considered one of the competitive shops that everyone seeks to establish due to the large demand for it, especially on special occasions such as weddings, holidays, annual celebrations, and birthdays. This competition fosters more creativity and excellence in generating ideas and coordination for each shop. The feeling of fair competition is a beautiful emotion that takes us to the pinnacle of creativity in the world.
In an interview with Sahar Salmanian, a counseling psychologist, she said, “Flowers have been associated with different psychological effects on human beings for a long time in different cultures, religions, and rituals. The act of giving flowers used to be perceived as a sign of respect, worship, and celebration in ancient times but later turned into a romantic action for showing love and passion in intimate relationships.”
Salmanian added that the growing significance of gifting flowers in contemporary times is evident, attributed to the following: international days, global festivals, and celebrations. She further mentioned that, on a basic level, the presence of flowers can evoke a sense of freshness and happiness; studies have shown that people who are exposed to floral scents experience elevated mood, reduced stress, and improved mental health. On a deeper level, receiving flowers reminds us of the importance of nurturing relationships and taking care of the delicate nature of the interpersonal bonds we have with people in our lives, just as flowers need to be taken care of, she noted.
Flowers can be psychologically viewed in different ways. From a color psychology perspective, each color can represent different emotions; for example, red flowers often represent passion and love, said Salmanian. She noted that the old tradition of gifting flowers, deeply rooted in various cultures, has had a profound impact on flower consumption.
Furthermore, noting the universal influence of social media, she highlighted that it has placed even greater emphasis on the act of giving flowers as a gesture of love and kindness. She further mentioned that this shift has given rise to a flourishing and more creative flower market. Lastly, she noted that offering flowers as a gift can have a positive impact as long as it is not seen as the sole superficial expression of love.
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