China Bouquets

It’s easy to assume that those Beijing athletes were just given pretty bouquets for their winning efforts, but a lot more thought has gone into the floral aspect of the awards ceremony than one would imagine. Evidently, the title assigned to the particular bouquet that is used is “Booming.”

In it, there are nine perfect China red roses, six leaves of fragrant hosta, six pieces of Ophiogon japonicus (a grass), Hypericum berries, and Physostegia (obedient plant). Each item is assigned a meaning: the roses stand for the hospitality of the Chinese people, the other “ingredients” represent friendship, unity and fairness, and the wish to bless the games with success. All of the supporting horticulture to the roses have gold rims, to compliment the gold medals.

Nine is the biggest and most honorable number in the Chinese tradition: thus the number of roses. And six represents smoothness, so everything else either has six leaves or is in batches or bunches of six. The bouquets are created no more than six-eight hours before being awarded, they are absolutely identical, and they are each assigned an identifying number in order that they may be tracked. The petals will not fall easily.

The Greeks awarded with Laurel crowns, but these Chinese pyramidal 40 cm. bouquets represent just as much thought and meaning. Honoring athletes can be just as meaningful – if not more – with a bouquet as it is with a cheer and a flag.

Thank you, China, for your thoughtful touch in the medal ceremonies.