Valentine's Day: February 14. International Women's Day: March 8. If you're a cut flower grower, you probably know those dates by heart. But what about Mother's Day? There are almost two dozen different dates on which this occasion is celebrated around the world, and that's not even mentioning all the other flower-giving occasions you could target... let's take a look at some of those.
Valentine's Day
For many couples, February 14 is an occasion to show each other some extra love by going out to dinner together, or giving one's significant other a small gift, chocolates... or of course flowers! Besides Valentine's Day, which is recognized in many countries around the world, similar traditions exist elsewhere:
- January 25: Dydd Santes Dwynwen (Wales)
- February 24: Dragobete (Romania)
- June 12: Dia dos Namorados (Brazil)
- Tu B'Av (Israel)
- August 7 in 2019: Qixi Festival (China)
Women's Day
The first Women's Day was held by the Socialist Party of America in New York in 1909. When women gained suffrage in the Soviet Union in 1917, it became a national holiday there: March 8. While the day has been recognized around the world as International Women's Day since 1975, it's celebrated with particular zeal in Russia and other former Soviet countries. Every year in March, men flock to the markets and flower stalls to buy bouquets - not just for their wives and girlfriends, but for all the women in their life, including friends, family and even colleagues, making it one of the biggest flower holidays on the calendar.
Mother's Day
Another one of the biggest flower-giving occasions on the calendar is Mother's Day. Unlike Valentine's Day, there is no fixed day for this celebration, which makes it harder to focus marketing efforts on a specific day. On the other hand though, having Mother's Days throughout the year means there's always a mom receiving flowers somewhere. Click here for an overview.
Grandparents' Day
It's not just parents who are celebrated with their own special day of the year. Many countries also have a particular day dedicated to showing gratitude to grandparents, for instance by giving them flowers. Click here for an overview.
Teacher's Day
In many cultures, it is customary for children to present their teachers with a gift on the first day of the school year. In Russia, school children shower their teachers with gifts (usually flowers) on September 1, known as Knowledge Day. Many other countries also have their own celebrations of Teacher's Day, held on different days of the year. Click here for an overview.
Administrative Professionals' Day
Another group of professionals who get their place in the floral limelight every year, are those who work tirelessly every day to keep the office from collapsing. Previously known as Secretaries' Day, Administrative Professionals' Day is an occasion to shower those administrative professionals with gifts - and lots of flowers. The day is observed on different days of the year in various countries.
For more ideas on special days to market your flowers, check out the Flower Council of Holland's special days calendar.