International Women’s Day falls on March 8th each year, and across much of the world — particularly in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and beyond — it is celebrated much like a combination of Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, with flowers playing a central role. The tradition of gifting flowers on this day is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of many countries, though the specific customs and flowers of choice vary fascinatingly from region to region.
The Origins of the Flower Tradition
The association of flowers with International Women’s Day has roots in the Soviet era. After the Bolshevik Revolution, March 8th was declared an official public holiday in the USSR in 1917, and the tradition of men gifting flowers to women — mothers, wives, sisters, colleagues, and friends — became firmly established. This cultural habit spread across the Eastern Bloc and persists vigorously today, long after the political systems that promoted it have changed.
Russia and the Former Soviet States
In Russia, International Women’s Day is arguably the biggest flower-buying event of the year, surpassing even Valentine’s Day in scale. Florists report that they sell more flowers in the days surrounding March 8th than at any other time. Men typically gift flowers to virtually every woman in their lives — partners, mothers, grandmothers, female coworkers, and teachers. The most popular choice is the mimosa (silver wattle), whose bright yellow blossoms have become almost synonymous with the holiday, along with tulips — especially yellow and red ones — and snowdrops, which symbolize the arrival of spring. In the days leading up to March 8th, streets fill with flower vendors, and it is common to see men on public transport clutching large bouquets.
Similar traditions play out in Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, where the day remains a major public holiday and flowers are an expected and cherished gift.
Italy
Italy has its own strong flower tradition tied to March 8th, known there as La Festa della Donna. The flower of choice is universally the mimosa — a spray of tiny yellow blossoms that fills Italian markets and street stalls every year at this time. The mimosa became the symbol of the Italian celebration in 1946, chosen partly because it blooms naturally in early March and partly because it was an affordable, widely available wildflower accessible to women of all classes. In Italy, it is not only men who give women mimosa — women also gift the branches to other women, making it a broader celebration of female solidarity. Restaurants host special women’s evenings, and a sprig of mimosa is often left on tables or given to women dining out.
Eastern and Central Europe
Across Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic, March 8th celebrations with flowers are common, though the day has undergone something of a cultural re-evaluation in some of these countries since the fall of communism, with some viewing the holiday’s Soviet associations critically. Nevertheless, the tradition of giving flowers — particularly tulips, carnations, and daffodils — persists in many households, especially among older generations.
In Poland, it is still very common for employers to give female employees flowers or small gifts on the day, and schoolchildren bring flowers to female teachers.
China
In China, March 8th (Sānbā Fùnǚ Jié) is an official public holiday for women, who often receive a half-day off work. Gifting flowers has grown significantly in popularity, particularly in urban areas, driven partly by e-commerce. Roses, lilies, and tulips are the most popular choices. Flower delivery services in China report enormous spikes in orders in the days surrounding March 8th, and many companies, schools, and organizations present female staff with bouquets.
Central Asia
In countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, the Soviet-era holiday tradition remains very much alive. March 8th is a public holiday, and flowers — particularly tulips (which grow natively across the region) and roses — are gifted widely. Markets overflow with blooms, and the atmosphere is festive and warm.
Western Europe and North America
In Western Europe, North America, Australia, and much of the Global South, International Women’s Day is observed quite differently — more as a day of political action, advocacy, and awareness than as a floral celebration. Marches, rallies, panel discussions, and corporate events dominate. That said, the mimosa tradition has been gaining ground in France and Spain in recent years, and some workplaces across the English-speaking world have begun marking the day with flowers or small gifts for female employees.
The Flowers Themselves: Symbolism and Significance
Mimosa (Silver Wattle): The undisputed queen of International Women’s Day flowers in Italy, Russia, and beyond. Its sunny yellow color symbolizes warmth, joy, and the coming of spring after winter.
郁金香: Enormously popular in Russia, Eastern Europe, and China. Red tulips carry romantic connotations, while yellow tulips suggest cheerfulness and friendship.
Snowdrops: In Russia and parts of Eastern Europe, snowdrops hold special meaning as the first flower to push through the snow, symbolizing resilience and hope — qualities closely tied to the spirit of the day.
康乃馨: Traditionally associated with the labor movement and early socialist feminism, carnations — particularly red ones — have a long history with March 8th and are still given in parts of Eastern Europe and Latin America.
玫瑰： Popular globally, especially in China and the Middle East, where they are the default flower of celebration and affection.
Tips for Celebrating with Flowers
If you want to honor the day with a floral gesture, context matters. In Russia or Ukraine, a bunch of tulips or a spray of mimosa is entirely expected and warmly received from men and women alike. In Italy, a branch of mimosa is the culturally specific and heartfelt choice. In more Western contexts, flowers can be a lovely personal touch, though it’s worth pairing them with genuine acknowledgment of the day’s meaning. And wherever you are, supporting local or ethical florists — particularly women-owned flower businesses — is a fitting way to let the gesture mean a little more.