How to choose flowers for Obon that are NOT for mourning
Jul 01, 2025
How to choose "non-condolence" flowers for the Obon season
As the Obon season approaches, many people may think of offering flowers to honor their ancestors. But in fact, there are many other wonderful opportunities to give flowers to your loved ones during this season!
Some of you may be wondering, "It's Obon, but I want to give flowers that aren't for condolences," or "I want to bring flowers as a souvenir when I visit my hometown, but what kind should I choose?"
This article will focus on choosing "non-condolence" flowers to give during the Obon season, and explain the key points and etiquette in detail.
It's full of tips to help you find the perfect gift that will delight the recipient and be appropriate.
If you read this article, you're sure to find the perfect summer gift that conveys your gratitude and celebratory feelings!
Click here for our special feature on Obon flowers (not for condolences) ▶︎
When to give "non-condolence" flowers during Obon?
Obon is a period to honor ancestors, but it's also an occasion for family and close friends to gather.
Therefore, flowers can be used in various situations other than for condolences.
As a souvenir when visiting home
When visiting your parents' home or relatives' homes, giving flowers as a souvenir to express your daily gratitude is greatly appreciated.
Sweets and drinks are good, but flower gifts such as bouquets and arrangements that brightly color a space can also be a conversation starter.
As a summer greeting
The Obon season is a good time to give summer greetings to those you are indebted to or to friends' homes.
Giving refreshing flowers in the hot summer will surely be appreciated.
As a get-well gift
Visiting those who are recuperating in hospitals, facilities, or at home is sometimes done during the Obon season when families gather.
Bright flowers are sure to brighten spirits and provide comfort!
For wedding anniversaries and birthday celebrations
You may have opportunities to give flowers for celebrations such as birthdays or wedding anniversaries that coincide with the Obon period.
Festive flowers with a sense of the season will add color to the memories of your special day.
As a gift for pets
In recent years, more people are expressing their condolences and gratitude for their pets, who are members of their family.
During the Obon season, you can choose flowers as a gift to express coolness and enjoyment, imagining bright memories with your beloved pet, separate from Obon memorial services for deceased pets.
Click here for more information on Obon pet memorial services ▶︎
What's the difference between "condolence" and "celebration" flowers?
When giving flowers during the Obon season, the most important thing to be aware of is the distinction between "condolence" and "celebration/gift" flowers.
Make sure you understand the key points for choosing each to avoid being disrespectful to the recipient.
Difference in color schemes
Condolence flowers
To express mourning for the deceased, it is common to use white as the base color, with touches of pale purple, pale pink, or pale blue.
The overall color scheme is subdued and understated.
Non-condolence flowers (celebration/gift)
The key is to actively use bright and cheerful colors.
Red, orange, yellow, vibrant pink, and other vitamin colors that uplift the spirit, as well as refreshing blues and greens, create a celebratory atmosphere.
During the Obon season, incorporating cool color schemes that evoke the summer season is also recommended.
Differences in impression based on flower type
Chrysanthemums and white lilies, which are classic offerings
These flowers have a strong image of being used for Buddhist altars, so caution is needed when choosing them as gifts for purposes other than condolences.
In particular, white chrysanthemums and large white lilies have strong connotations of mourning, so it is best to avoid them.
Flowers suitable for celebrations
During the summer, bright flowers like sunflowers, exotic and refreshing anthuriums, luxurious ruffled lisianthus, and classic roses are suitable for celebrations and gifts.
Choose according to the recipient's preferences and the occasion.
Difference in format
Condolence flowers
Mainly given as arrangements or bouquets. Arrangements that can be displayed as is are particularly popular because they reduce the burden on the bereaved family.
Non-condolence flowers (celebration/gift)
In addition to arrangements and bouquets, potted plants are also an option.
In particular, potted plants such as foliage plants and phalaenopsis orchids are appreciated as gifts for celebrations and get-well presents, as the word "rooting" ("nezuku") can be associated with auspicious meanings such as "settling" or "growing" for celebratory occasions.
Wrapping and Decoration
Condolence flowers
Simple and understated wrapping is standard. Ribbons should also be chosen in subtle colors.
Non-condolence flowers (celebration/gift)
Bright and festive wrapping is recommended to convey celebratory feelings.
Colorful ribbons, cute decorations, and an accompanying message card make for a more personal gift.
Recommended "non-condolence" flowers to give during Obon
Here are some recommended flowers to give for purposes other than condolences during the Obon season.
Choose a gift that incorporates seasonal elements and will be appreciated by the recipient.
Flowers that evoke summer
The quintessential summer flower: "Sunflowers"
With their bright and cheerful impression like the sun, they are perfect for summer gifts.
Just looking at them makes your heart sing and brings a bright feeling. They are ideal as souvenirs when visiting home or as casual gifts for friends.
If a birthday or wedding anniversary falls during the summer, a bouquet or flower arrangement using sunflowers would be a good choice.
Bouquets with sunflowers
Limited Time Only: Sunflower Bouquet - Ready to Display!
¥6,050-
Popular among young people! Stylish "Anthurium"
Anthurium is characterized by its glossy spathe and rod-shaped flower.
It has an exotic and refreshing atmosphere.
Anthurium, reminiscent of a tropical resort, is also popular as a foliage plant and will be a gift that can be enjoyed for a long time.
Recently, stylish varieties of cut flowers have become available, so it is also recommended to display them casually in a glass vase.
Stylish Anthurium Cut Flowers
Seasonal Flowers 40-50cm "Anthurium Maxima (Pink)" 5 stems
¥6,050-
"Curcuma" that truly evokes a tropical image
Curcuma, with its vibrant bracts characteristic of tropical plants, adds a summery touch of color.
Its unique appearance makes it perfect for those looking for a stylish summer gift.
When added to a bouquet, it creates a nice accent. It's the kind of flower that will make the recipient say, "You have great taste!"
Limited-time summer bouquet featuring Curcuma
Limited Edition Seasonal Bouquet "Tropical Violet"
¥14,300-
Flowers considering longevity
Especially during the hot summer months, it's important to choose flowers that last a long time.
Brightly colored Lisianthus
When given as a "non-condolence" gift, the wide variety of colors, other than white, is appealing.
While they are luxurious and voluminous with frilly petals, they tend to last relatively long.
With many colors available, you can choose according to the recipient's favorite color or interior.
A bouquet with plenty of Lisianthus
Seasonal Birthday Flowers for August: "Enkianthus and Lisianthus"
¥11,000-
Carnations are also recommended for their longevity
Although a classic for Mother's Day, they are actually very long-lasting and come in a wide range of colors.
While white and pale shades are used for funeral flowers, bright carnations in red, pink, orange, and yellow are versatile for celebrations and gifts.
They are easy to incorporate into arrangements and can be enjoyed for a long time.
If the stems become slimy, washing them thoroughly with water is a trick to make them last longer.
A bouquet featuring carnations
Refreshing Cool Natural Blue & Purple Stylish Bouquet L Size
¥7,150-
Tropical color combinations are also very popular
Limited Edition Seasonal Bouquet "Tropical Fruits" M
A summer-like, vitamin-colored bouquet, brimming with tropical flowers.
With an orange, purple, and pink color scheme, it was created to uplift the spirits just by looking at it.
Orange and purple mokara, with nuanced pink anthurium and curcuma.
Enjoy the beautiful summer gradation within the vivid colors.
Limited Edition Seasonal Bouquet "Tropical Fruits" M
¥7,480-
Limited Edition Seasonal Bouquet "Tropical Mauve" M
A limited edition bouquet brimming with tropical flowers that bloom in summer.
It features purple and blue as main colors, combined with fresh green for a sophisticated impression.
We selected summer-specific flowers such as eye-catching purple mokara, and summery anthurium and curcuma, to create a unified bouquet with a consistent color tone.
Limited Edition Seasonal Bouquet "Tropical Mauve"
¥9,350-
Summary
While the Obon period is strongly associated with mourning ancestors, it is also an important occasion for family and close friends to gather.
Giving flowers for purposes other than condolences during this time can be a wonderful way to express gratitude or celebratory feelings.
The key is to choose bright and cheerful colors to distinguish them from condolence flowers, and to avoid flowers with strong Buddhist associations, such as chrysanthemums and white lilies.
At &YOUKAEN, we are currently featuring summer gifts made with abundant seasonal flowers. You are sure to find your favorite bouquet or flower arrangement, so please take a look.
