To Russians, sunflowers historically symbolized wealth (oil), good fortune, and protection from evil, but since the 2022 invasion, they've become a powerful global emblem for Ukrainian resistance, peace, and defiance, especially after a viral video of a woman offering seeds to Russian soldiers to grow flowers where they fall. The meaning is complex, representing both life/beauty and sorrow/pain due to battles in sunflower fields.
During the 18th century, the use of sunflower oil became very popular in Russia, particularly with members of the Russian Orthodox Church, because only plant-based fats were allowed during Lent, according to fasting traditions.
Russia's national flower, the chamomile, is an adorable little bloom with highly recognizable snow-white petals and a bright yellow center. Russia made its official declaration about the flower in 1998. Its name comes from Greek and means “earth apple.” However, it was first cultivated in Russia and some parts of Asia.
Sunflowers are prominent in Ukrainian folklore and folk art as protection from evil spirits. They represent energy, life and well-being, fertility and unity. (For more on this.)
In Russia, it's customary to gift an odd number of flowers in a bouquet, unless you're at a funeral. The rule only applies up to a dozen flowers but many people observe the rule above that.
In Russian culture, gifting an odd number of flowers in a bouquet is a deeply rooted tradition symbolizing life and celebration, while an even number is reserved for mourning. This practice reflects the cultural significance of numbers in conveying meaning and emotions.
Introducing the 10 Most Beautiful and Rarest Russian Flowers
🌻 Sunflower emoji
Representing adoration and loyalty, the 🌻 emoji is perfect to send to a friend to brighten up their day or if you want to send some happy and positive vibes.
Sunflowers as a Symbol of Loyalty and Devotion
The symbolism of loyalty and devotion is often tied to romantic relationships. Sunflowers are commonly given as gifts to express deep love and admiration for someone. They represent a steadfast commitment and a promise to always be there for the person we care about.
The Russian Orthodox Church had a list of foods that you weren't supposed to eat during Lent. That included butter and lard. "But it just happened that sunflower was such a new crop that it was not on the prohibited list," he says. "And when they discovered that they could use sunflower, it just blossomed."
Love and Relationship Superstitions
An even number of flowers is for funerals and sympathy. Yellow Flowers – Don't give your lover yellow flowers. Doing so is a sign of bad luck and signifies the end of a relationship. Step on Foot – If you accidently step on your partner's foot, let them gently step on yours.
Just like national flower of the USA is Rose, national flower of Russia is chamomile. There is deep meaning and significance to the choice of the national flower by every nation. Russian people has a very deep connection with this flower, anchored in their culture, literature, songs, and even folk medicine.
This variety is the result of Russian breeding efforts and returned to the US in 1880 then as now under the name "Russian Mammoth." This giant sunflower has bright gold flowers that can grow easily to 10" across. Produces a single flower, filled with grey and white striped edible seeds. Asteraceae Helianthus annuus.
Companion Plants To Avoid With Sunflowers
"Sunflowers release allelopathic chemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, such as potatoes and beans," explains Janney.
The flower also helps fuel the national economy today; Ukraine and Russia supply up to 70–80% of the world's sunflower oil exports. “The ubiquitous presence of the sunflower in the villages and countryside of Ukraine has made it an unofficial national symbol,” the encyclopedia says.
Bright and cheery, warm and inviting like the summer sun — Sunflowers (Helianthus) represent adoration, loyalty and longevity. Known as “happy” flowers, sunflowers are the perfect gift to bring joy to someone's day or as a treat for yourself.
If you research the meaning of sunflowers, you'll find that they are a symbol of positivity and luck. They also represent peace and hope. Sunflowers happen to be the national flower of Ukraine, a country that in recent years has embraced these ideals in building an independent and democratic society.
In many folkloric traditions, sunflowers are seen as symbols of good luck. Planting them around your home and garden will bring fortune your way. It is also said that if you pick a sunflower at sunset, then wear it on your person, it will bring you good luck the following day.
The sunflower spiritual meaning is deeply intertwined with themes of personal growth and enlightenment. Its constant movement toward the sun embodies the human quest for self-improvement and higher understanding. These beautiful flowers are often seen as emblems of spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Generally depicted as a limp, faded red rose drooping over the to the right on a dried-out, green stem, shedding a petal. May be used to express sad sentiments such as heartbreak, though sometimes with a sense of irony. Ironic use of this emoji spiked in early 2025, especially on TikTok.
Sunflower
If you are looking to give flowers to a girl, 3 flowers is used to show your interest in her. 5 flowers will let her know that you are attracted to her romantically and 7 flowers is a sign of your declaration of love or if you plan on proposing.
"Paka paka" (пока пока) in Russian is an informal, casual way to say "bye-bye," used with close friends and family, similar to English expressions like "see ya" or "ta-ta," derived from the single word "paka" (пока) meaning "bye". While "paka" (пока) literally means "while" or "until," it functions as a simple "bye," and doubling it adds emphasis and cuteness, making it very informal.
Gifts