Why people give flowers

For my reportage , because of limited resources and materials available , I have decided to focus instead on the meaning of flowers and they are used in various occasions and represent various meanings by different people as well as how they are grown. During my research, I have come to realise that The Language of Flowers have somehow been forgotten and therefore I decided to ask the people around me and different florists around Norwich , why they buy flowers for someone.

• We take flowers to family graves

• Bought them for my grandma when she came out the hospital

• I once bought them for my boss as a thank you

• For my mum cos I know she would appreciate it and they make the house cute

• I buy flowers for myself because they smell good and I buy flowers for my mum because certain flowers and smells remind me of her

• Normally the flowersI buy for myself and my mum are the same

• I guess is a familiar homely thing

• I think they have sentimental value to me because my nana always had them around the house. I got some recently for my bday off my Stepmum and Dad and my boyfriend but I think that's because I'm away from home. I think flowers are usually apologetic or to express sympathy these days

• Saying that I have 2 massive flowers tattooed on me so I guess I just think they're pretty

• I buy them for my mum to show that I'm grateful for something or in general, it's just something visual rather than being thankful verbally all of the time. Plus they're pretty and it's a constant reminder when I'm not around . flowers symbolises love I think, I also buy them when someone's upset and so when they see them they will be reminded that I'm there for them as well as having something pretty in the room for a while. I don't buy them for myself because I think they lose their effect, there's no emotion when I look at them

• Cheer up!,Brighten up!,Be fresh!,Be pretty!,Be happy!

• I think in general flowers are pretty to look at and we were taught that flowers can be a gift to someone.

• I personally like flower gifts if i know what colour the person likes, what type of flower and if they actually like flowers

• I used flowers to say " Thank you "

• Other than as symbolism of a happy love maybe to say 'sorry for your loss' or 'I miss you'

As you can see, flowers even though may not be brought because of their initial definition, are still used in the same way. To show sympathy, to remember and to create atmosphere.