Exploring Modern Russia: A Photo Journey Through Everyday Life

5. The Odd Flower

Advertisement

Within the rich fabric of Russian society, customs and superstitions are quite important and shape daily activities and social contacts in ways that might seem strange to outsiders. One such habit that sticks out is the custom of odd number flower gifts, which is strongly rooted in Russian society and followed remarkably consistently all over the nation. This custom first seems to be random or even meaningless. Still, it has great symbolic importance and historical relevance, much as many cultural activities. Russian custom holds that even numbers of flowers are set aside just for memorial rituals and funerals. Presenting someone with an even number of flowers in any other setting is regarded not only as a faux pas but also as a grievous insult and a possible harbinger of disaster since even numbers and death are so strongly connected. This custom has quite unclear beginnings, buried in the mists of time and mythology. Some historians speculate that it might have roots in old Slavic ideas on numerical power. While even numbers are connected with completion, endings, and, hence, death, odd numbers are related in many civilisations with life, development, and good energy. Odd and even numbers found their way into many facets of Russian life; one of the most obvious expressions is the flower-giving custom. From romantic gestures to birthdays, from house-warming to professional successes, the custom of presenting odd numbers of flowers permeates all aspect of Russian society. Typical bouquettes could feature 1, 3, 5, 7, or any other odd number of flowers. Fascinatingly, the precision of the odd-number rule gets less rigid as the floral count rises. For instance, whereas offering 10 or 12 flowers would be regarded as a major error, a bouquet of 101 or 151 flowers would be quite appropriate and even considered as especially giving. The floral business in Russia has major ramifications from this custom. Florists have to be well conscious of this cultural standard and make sure their pre-made bouquets always have an odd count of flowers. Knowing this custom is essential for visitors or expatriates visiting Russia to prevent inadvertently offending anyone. Unaware of the cultural relevance, many a well-meaning foreigner has unintentionally offended their Russian hosts or loved ones by offering an even-numbered bouquet. The odd-number flower custom also covers the kinds of flowers given. Usually connected with romantic love, red roses are given in one, three, or five quantities for declarations of love or engagements. Greater odd numbers of red roses could be presented as especially spectacular love gestures or for important relationship benchmarks. From the most traditional babushkas to young urban professionals, this custom is not only a deeply rooted cultural practice followed by Russians across all social levels; it is not only a superstition observed by few. Many who might not believe in the superstitious elements of the custom also follow it out of respect for cultural standards and to prevent upsetting others. One among the several complex traditions around gift-giving in Russian society is the odd-flower rule. For example, there are certain customs on when and how to deliver gifts, what kinds of gifts fit various events, and even how to politely accept gifts. Together, these conventions create a complex social code that Russians negotiate with ease but which would confuse foreigners. Particularly among younger generations in metropolitan regions, many customs have changed in recent years as Russia has grown increasingly linked with global culture. Still, the odd-number flower habit is extraordinarily strong, evidence of its rich cultural roots and the importance Russians have to preserving their own customs. Knowing and honouring this legacy goes beyond avoiding social faux pas to include understanding the complexity and depth of Russian culture. It reminds us that even apparently little actions have great cultural weight and that cultural competency and respect depend much on awareness of these traditions. Knowing this custom can help guests visiting Russia or those working with Russian friends or colleagues to show respect and cultural awareness. Often greatly valued by Russians, it shows an attempt to respect local customs. Ultimately, the Russian custom of presenting odd amounts of flowers is far more than a quirky superstition. It is a window into the rich fabric of Russian culture, a mirror of historical ideas and social conventions, and a habit still influencing social contacts in contemporary Russia. Understanding and appreciating this legacy helps us to grasp the subtleties of Russian society and the need of cultural traditions in forming daily life.