Rainwish Gifting Guides
Master the art of long-distance gifting. From Chinese flower etiquette to navigating time zones, we've got you covered.
?? Chinese Flower Etiquette
Sending flowers to China is a beautiful gesture, but colors and numbers carry deep cultural meanings:
- Red Roses: The ultimate symbol of passionate love and romance. Perfect for anniversaries and Valentine's Day.
- Pink & Peach: Sweetness, gentle love, and admiration. Great for younger recipients or early dating.
- Carnations: The official flower of respect and gratitude, exclusively given to mothers and female elders.
Cultural Taboo: Never send entirely white or yellow chrysanthemums, as they are strictly reserved for funerals and mourning in Chinese culture.
?? The Magic of Numbers
In Chinese gifting, the number of roses you send is just as important as the flowers themselves. Here are the most popular bouquet sizes:
- 11 Roses: "You are my one and only." (A very popular and elegant choice).
- 19 Roses: "Enduring and forever love." (A classic, highly popular choice for long-term partners).
- 33 Roses: "I will love you for three lifetimes." (Perfect for serious relationships and proposals).
- 99 Roses: "Forever and always." (The ultimate showstopper bouquet for major anniversaries).
Pro Tip: Even numbers are generally preferred in China as they represent harmony, but the specific odd numbers above (11, 19, 33, 99) are the romantic exceptions!
??? Important Gifting Holidays
Don't miss the biggest days of the year to show you care. Book these dates 3-5 days in advance:
- Women's Day (March 8): A huge holiday in China to celebrate female friends, mothers, and colleagues.
- 520 Day (May 20): "5-2-0" sounds like "I love you" in Mandarin. It is China's massive internet Valentine's Day.
- Qixi Festival: The traditional Chinese Valentine's Day (usually falls in August).
?? Mastering the Time Zone
The most common mistake expats make is forgetting the time difference! China Standard Time (CST) is 12 to 15 hours ahead of the US.
If it is Friday night in New York, it is already Saturday morning in Beijing.
- Same-Day Delivery: Available if you order before 5:00 PM Beijing Time.
- Evening Surprises: We deliver up to 10:00 PM CST. Just leave a note in the Recipient Information form!