February 9, 2009

A Stronger Statement than Red Roses


These flowers are cineraria. Inexpensive and long-lasting, cineraria would make ideal gifts--were it not for the fact that "cine" sounds like "shine" (die) in Japanese. Japan is extremely careful about this "shi" sound, which is synonymous with death. Some hospitals pointedly do not use the number four for their rooms, preventing any situation where the syllable may be uttered.

Therefore, cineraria are usually labeled "saineria" in flower shops.

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