Why do we give flowers? The power behind the gesture
Psychology, history, and why flowers make both the giver and the recipient happy
A bouquet of flowers is the only gift that brings an instant smile — even before the wrapping is off. But why is that? The answer goes deeper than you might think.
Popular Flower Gifts
The Psychology of Giving Flowers
Studies from Rutgers University have shown that flowers have an immediate positive effect on mood. The response to flowers — a genuine, spontaneous smile — is consistent across cultures and age groups.
- Instant joy: Flowers trigger a “Duchenne smile” — the genuine smile that reaches the eyes. No other gift creates this effect so reliably.
- Lasting effect: People who have flowers in their living space report less anxiety, less stress, and greater satisfaction.
- Social connection: Giving flowers strengthens the bond between giver and recipient — because it is seen as thoughtful, personal, and not materialistic.
Why flowers?
There are thousands of gifts — but flowers have a unique combination of qualities:
- Not materialistic: Flowers fade. That makes them the most honest gift — they say: “I’m giving you beauty, not possession."
- Multisensory: Colors, fragrance, texture — flowers speak to several senses at once.
- Universal: Flowers suit every occasion: love, apology, sympathy, gratitude, celebration. No other gift is this versatile.
- Personal: The choice of flower, color, and arrangement shows real thought and care.
- Accessible to everyone: Flowers come in every price range — a single flower can mean just as much as a luxury bouquet.
A Brief History of Giving Flowers
- Ancient Egypt: Lotus flowers given as gifts to gods and pharaohs.
- Ancient Greece: Flower wreaths at weddings, celebrations, and as marks of honor.
- Victorian England: The language of flowers (floriography) reaches its peak — every flower carries a coded message.
- 20th century: Commercialization (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day) turned flowers into a mainstream gift.
- Today: “Flowers for no reason” are trending — self-care and spontaneous kindness instead of an obligatory gift.
The best reason to give flowers: No reason at all. Flowers “just because” — on a completely ordinary Tuesday — have the greatest emotional impact. Because they say: “I’m thinking of you, without needing a date on the calendar to remind me.”
Flowers in the home — their effect
- Stress reduction: Studies show that simply looking at flowers can lower cortisol levels.
- Creativity: Rooms with plants and flowers encourage creative thinking.
- Productivity: Offices with green plants report happier employees.
- Air quality: Many houseplants filter pollutants from the air.
- Color in the room: Yellow flowers lift the mood, blue flowers calm, red flowers energize.
The Joy of Flowers at MO BLUMEN Vienna
Bouquets for every occasion — and no occasion at all — hand-tied and delivered in Vienna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Studies show that men enjoy receiving flowers just as much as women — they’re simply given them far less often. Bold colors, sunflowers, green plants, or potted herbs tend to go down especially well with most men.
Quite the opposite: it’s their very fleeting nature that makes flowers so special. They remind us to enjoy the moment. A gift that lasts “forever” eventually loses its emotional value. Flowers stay in the memory — even after they’ve faded. If you want something more lasting: dry flowers or give a houseplant.
As often as possible — but not by the calendar. The best flower gifts come unexpectedly. A small bouquet on a Friday, a single flower after a hard day, wildflowers from a walk. The ritual of a weekly flower on the dining table can transform a home and lift the mood for the long term.
Discover more: Flowers for Every Occasion · Mother’s Day Flowers · Giving flower bouquets as gifts