Decline in floral purchases, rise in practical gifts preferred: Parents' Day sees decrease in carnation sales as South Koreans opt for useful presents
Unraveling the Unspoken Language of Carnations on May 8th
Amidst the bustling Yangjae Flower Market Center in southern Seoul, a florist named Sung, 75, finds unsold carnations gathering dust. But, elsewhere, these vibrant blooms are far from neglected - preschoolers in Gwangju are busy crafting carnations as heartfelt gifts for their parents, while a meal service center in Daegu prepares a thousand carnations as a special token for the elderly [NEWS1].
Why the fascination with carnations on May 8th?
This intriguing celebration happens to be Korea's Parents' Day, an important day to honor mothers and fathers. Established in 1973, this tradition continues strong to this day [JoongAng Ilbo]. On this day, carnations, particularly red and pink ones, carry a profound significance, symbolizing love, respect, and deep affection, making them an ideal medium for expressing gratitude and admiration towards parents.
Historically, Koreans have expressed filial piety and love by giving red or pink carnations or pinning carnation corsages to their parents. This custom is deeply ingrained in Korean culture as a means of showing appreciation for the undying love and support of parents [3][4]. However, as the times change, preferences incline towards more practical gifts [2] - yet, carnations retain their symbolic importance in these celebrations.
So, whether you find yourself exchanging carnations with parents, fashioning them into crafty projects, or utilizing them to shower affection upon the elderly, remember that each carnation blooms with love on this special day in Korea.
Enrichment Insights:- In Korea, carnations have been traditionally used on May 8th (Parents' Day) as tokens of love, respect, and deep affection towards parents.- Koreans have historically expressed filial piety by giving red or pink carnations or pinning carnation corsages to their parents on Parents' Day.- Today, while some lean towards more practical gifts, carnations continue to symbolize the love and admiration expressed on Parents' Day.
- On May 8th, the carnations' symbolic value rises significantly as they are used to express love, respect, and deep affection during Korea's Parents' Day.
- In cultural expressions of filial piety, Koreans have historically given red or pink carnations to their parents or pinned carnation corsages on them on Parents' Day.
- Despite a shift towards more practical gifts, carnations continue to hold symbolic importance during Parents' Day celebrations in Korea.
- The government, recognizing the cultural significance of carnations on Parents' Day, should consider supporting the flower industry to ensure their availability.
- A frequent visitor to the bustling Yangjae Flower Market Center would notice a marked decrease in carnations on May 8th, given their significance in Korean lifestyle and home-and-garden culture.
- In Ulsan, a city known for its advanced industry and bustling urban lifestyle, one can find many unique carnation crafts during Parents' Day, turning these blooms into artistic expressions of their cultural heritage.