International women’s day : Story, flowers and celebration
International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8th, honors the achievements and contributions of women in various spheres while promoting gender equality and fighting against discrimination. A great way to celebrate the women in your life is to simply gift them flowers, as this shows appreciation and admiration for women’s strength and contributions to society. Whether you give one flower or a whole bouquet, flowers express deep emotions on this special day.
The Origin and History of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th each year, with its first observance on March 19, 1911, in Europe. The day highlights women’s contributions to society and the push for gender equality. Its global significance grew in 1917 when Russian women protested against World War I, leading to voting rights for Russian women. The colors purple (justice and dignity), white (purity), and green (hope) originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1908 and are now commonly associated with the celebration. Wearing purple and giving purple tulip flowers are popular ways to honor this day. Lets dive deep into the milestones
Early Beginnings (1900s)
· 1908: Women’s Day began as part of the labor movement in the U.S. The first National Woman’s Day was celebrated on February 28 in New York to honor the 1908 garment workers’ strike, where workers fought for better pay and working conditions.
· 1910: Clara Zetkin proposed establishing an International Women’s Day during the International Socialist Women’s Conference held in Copenhagen. This proposal received unanimous support from more than 100 women representing 17 different countries.
First Celebrations (1911-1914)
· 1911: The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with over a million attendees advocating for women’s rights.
· 1913-1914: The date of March 8 began to take hold, as Russian women celebrated on the last Sunday in February, coinciding with March 8, and European women rallied on this date against World War I.
Russian Revolution and Global Recognition (1917-1975)
· 1917: On March 8, women in Petrograd protested for “Bread and Peace,” sparking the Russian Revolution and making March 8 a national holiday in Russia.
· 1975: The United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day, promoting global acknowledgment of women’s rights and gender equality.
Modern Celebrations (1975-Present)
· Since the 1970s, IWD has evolved into a worldwide celebration of women’s achievements and advocacy for gender equality, addressing ongoing challenges.
· Themes and Campaigns: Each year, a specific theme is chosen, like “Choose to Challenge” (2021) and “Digital: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” (2023). IWD 2025 campaign theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ Collectively, which implies accelerating action for gender equality.
Why Flowers for International Women’s Day?
Flowers symbolize femininity, beauty, and strength, making them a meaningful way to show gratitude and admiration for women. The tradition of giving flowers on International Women’s Day started after World War II. In Italy, people chose the mimosa flower as a symbol of Women’s Day because it is strong and can grow in tough conditions, reflecting women’s strength and sensitivity. In Russia, flowers like tulips and roses also became popular for Women’s Day. When we gift flowers, we express our appreciation for the women who impact our lives. The colors connected to this day are purple (justice), green (hope), and white (purity). At Black Tulip Flowers Oman, we help you celebrate with heartfelt flowers.
Best 5 International Women’s Day Flowers
Tulips-
Tulips come in lovely colors, each with interesting meanings. Yellow and pink tulips are a delightful choice for Women’s Day, which signals the arrival of spring and renewal.Giving a bouquet of tulips to someone you admire celebrates their achievements and shows your gratitude for their inspiration. The different types of tulips allow for creative combinations, making them ideal for honoring a variety of women and their allies.
Mimosa- The Iconic Women’s Day Flower
The bright yellow and playful Mimosa flowers make them an ideal choice for International Women’s Day in Italy and parts of Europe. They symbolize tenderness, sensibility, and sensitivity. You can send a bouquet of mimosa to your girlfriends in Dubai. They would be delighted to receive a bunch or two!
Roses – Expression of Admiration
A bouquet of roses is an ideal gift for Women’s Day. Each color has special significance: red roses symbolize love, pink roses express appreciation, and a vibrant mix of pink, yellow, white, and orange roses celebrate the wonderful diversity of womanhood.
Lilies – Purity and Commitment
How can we forget Lilies when thinking of Women’s Day flowers? If you need to make them feel that you respect them, send a bouquet of lilies, as they represent respect and deep devotion. A bouquet of white or pink lilies shows your admiration and gratitude for the important role women play in our lives.
Gerberas – Vibrant and Cheerful Blooms
Bright Gerbera daisies symbolize happiness, strength, and compassion. Their large blooms convey optimism, making them ideal for celebrating women’s achievements.
How to Celebrate International Women’s Day?
1. Send Women’s Day flowers and Gifts
Giving flowers for Women’s Day is an easy and meaningful way to show you care. Include a heartfelt note to make it even more special.
Bright Flowers for Teachers
Thank your teachers and care professionals with bright flowers in oranges, pinks, and lime greens. These colors show energy and excitement.
Beautiful Bouquets for Wives & Moms
When sending flowers to your wife or mom, choose a bouquet made of their favorite flower or a mix of blooms in a single color they love.
Flowers for Clients & Employees
Giving flowers to clients and employees is a classy way to recognize their hard work. Use corporate colors or a mix of energizing reds, oranges, and fuchsias.
2. Support Women-Owned Businesses
Support gender equality by buying products and services from women entrepreneurs on International Women’s Day. Your purchases help empower female-owned businesses and promote equal economic opportunities.
3. Organize or Attend an Event
Explore books or documentaries on women’s rights that highlight their struggles and achievements across various fields. Share the inspirational stories of women’s accomplishments and personal anecdotes with historical and contemporary role models in social media to promote awareness of these contributions. Hosting a discussion group focused on women authors or gender equality issues would be a nice idea.
4. Volunteer for Women’s Causes
You can support women by joining groups that help them with their rights, education, healthcare, and safety. Get involved to empower women and create a future where everyone feels safe and successful. Your participation really makes a difference.! Support organizations that work for women’s rights, education, healthcare, and safety.
Bottom Line
International Women’s Day is a movement that recognizes the past, honors the present, and envisions a more equal future. Whether through giving flowers, supporting women-led initiatives, or simply expressing gratitude, your efforts help celebrate every woman. This Women’s Day let’s celebrate women’s strength and achievements. It’s a time to reflect and commit to a more equitable world for women and girls—every effort counts!
Flowers for International Women’s Day FAQ
1. What is the official flower for International Women's Day?
While there is no universally official flower for International Women’s Day, mimosas are widely recognized as a symbol of the occasion, especially in Italy and Russia. The bright yellow blooms represent the strength, sensitivity, and resilience of women. Many people also choose flowers like roses, tulips, or lilies to celebrate the women in their lives.
2. Which flowers are best to gift on Women's Day?
The best flowers to gift on International Women’s Day depend on the recipient’s preferences and the message you want to convey. Here are some popular choices:
• Mimosa: Symbolizes empowerment and solidarity.
• Roses: Represent love and appreciation (red for love, yellow for friendship, pink for gratitude).
• Tulips: Signify elegance and grace.
• Lilies: Symbolize purity and strength.
• Orchids: Represent beauty and luxury.
3. Why are mimosa flowers associated with Women's Day?
Mimosa flowers became a symbol of International Women’s Day in Italy after World War II. The bright yellow color and delicate blooms represent the strength, resilience, and sensitivity of women. Gifting mimosa flowers on March 8th is a tradition that has spread to other parts of the world as a way to honor and celebrate women.
4. Can I send flowers for International Women's Day online?
Yes, many florists and online flower delivery services offer special arrangements for International Women’s Day. Choose from a variety of bouquets featuring mimosa, roses, tulips, or mixed flowers. Florists like Black Tulip flowers Oman, even allow you to add personalized messages or gifts like chocolates or cards to make the gesture more meaningful.