Meaning of Qixi Flowers: A Guide to the Perfect Chinese Valentine’s Gift

The Qixi Festival, or Chinese Valentine’s Day, celebrates the romantic legend of the cowherd and the weaver girl. When you give flowers to your special someone on this day, you are expressing the deep affection and heartfelt emotions associated with this enchanting tale.

Now, you may be wondering what flowers to present your loved one with. Let us guide you through the meaning of flowers for Qixi so you can pick the perfect bouquet to express your feelings.

The Legend Behind Qixi: The Cowherd and Weaver Girl

It all started when the celestial weaver, Zhinü (symbolised by the star Vega), fell in love with the mortal cowherd, Niulang (the star Altair). Their forbidden love angered the Goddess of Heaven, who separated them with the Heavenly River (the Milky Way). Their unwavering devotion, however, moved a flock of magpies to form a bridge on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month every year, allowing them to meet.

This reunion symbolises the enduring power of love, giving us hope that true love can conquer even the most formidable obstacles.

Why Flowers Make the Perfect Qixi Gift Today

Modern Qixi gifting blends tradition with contemporary flair. Jewellery, a timeless symbol of commitment, and personalised gifts are now common ways to express affection. Additionally, experiential gifts like romantic dinners or weekend getaways are increasingly popular, allowing couples to create new, cherished memories together.

Stuck for ideas? Flowers remain a beloved classic and when we get into the meaning behind some of the most popular choices, you can easily see why you should give flowers for Qixi!

Symbolic Meaning of Flowers for Qixi

Red Roses

Red roses are the quintessential symbol of passionate and deep love across many cultures, including Chinese culture. Their vibrant red hue represents luck and prosperity, while the flower itself conveys powerful emotions of romance and desire. Gifting red roses on Qixi is a classic, bold declaration of unwavering affection, making it the most popular choice for couples celebrating their love.

Peonies

Revered as the King of Flowers in Chinese culture, peonies symbolise prosperity, honour, and a happy marriage. Their lush, full blossoms convey wishes for a flourishing and opulent relationship. Gifting peonies expresses a desire for a love that is not only beautiful but also enduring and fortunate.

Tulips

Tulips are an ideal Qixi gift as they are associated with being blessed and bringing good fortune in Chinese culture. Gifting a tulip bouquet conveys a message of sincere, unconditional love and optimism for a shared future, making them a beautiful choice for couples celebrating their bond.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers also make a wonderful Qixi gift as they symbolise adoration, loyalty, and a sunny disposition. Their habit of turning towards the sun reflects an unwavering devotion, making them a perfect representation of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl’s enduring love. Gifting sunflowers expresses a wish for a bright, cheerful, and loyal future together.

Orchids

Orchids symbolise elegance, luxury, and grace in Chinese culture. Their enduring beauty represents a refined and long-lasting love, while their delicate appearance speaks of admiration and respect for your partner’s beauty and strength.

Number Symbolism in Chinese: Flower Gifting

In Chinese gifting, the number of stems in a bouquet carries significant meaning, adding a layer of symbolism to your gift. While there is no strict rule, certain numbers are considered auspicious, and choosing them shows thoughtfulness. 

For Qixi, a bouquet with 9 stalks signifies ‘forever’, 11 stalks means ‘I love you’, and 99 stalks represent ‘forever and always’, adding a layer of romance and thoughtfulness to your gesture. Thinking of gifting roses? Find out the meaning behind the number of flowers in a rose bouquet.

How to Choose the Right Qixi Flower for Your Loved One

Choosing the perfect Qixi bouquet involves considering both the recipient’s personality and the flower’s symbolism. Red roses are the classic choice for passionate love, while pink roses are ideal for new romances. For a flourishing relationship, consider peonies, which symbolise prosperity and honour. If you want to convey a sense of elegance and refined beauty, a bouquet of orchids is a sophisticated choice. 

Finally, remember to consider the number of stems, as odd numbers and specific counts like 9 or 99 carry special, romantic meanings in Chinese culture.

Our Top Qixi Bouquet Picks

Blue Star

Nothing says, ‘I love you,’ quite like red roses – they are the most popular flower gift for a reason. Their vibrant red hue – a colour of luck, passion, and prosperity in Chinese culture – perfectly mirrors the intensity of romantic love.

Venice

While red roses scream intense love and desire, the tiny white blossoms of baby’s breath, known as ‘a sky full of stars’ (滿天星) in Chinese, offer a beautiful contrast. This pairing communicates a love that is both fiery and pure, built on a foundation of sincerity and everlasting devotion.

Sherry

Champagne roses, symbolising charm and grace, perfectly complement the gentle affection of pink tulips. This elegant combination conveys a love that is both sophisticated and tender, making it a perfect gift for a refined partner. It’s a subtle yet beautiful expression of appreciation and sweet affection.

Raspberry

Combine the grace and elegance of orchids with the intensity of roses, and you get this beautiful bouquet. This combination speaks of a love that is both deeply passionate and beautifully enduring, making it a perfect choice for Qixi.

Celebrate Qixi with Meaningful Blooms

Ultimately, giving flowers remains a timeless way to express love. This Qixi, let your bouquet tell your story. Explore F&K’s curated collection of Qixi flowers to find the perfect arrangement and make this year’s celebration an unforgettable one.

If you are looking for same-day flower delivery in Singapore, you can shop without worries, knowing that your sentiment will reach your recipient on time.