Holidays & Entertaining The Story Behind the Traditional International Women's Day Flowers International Women’s Day is March 8—learn the history behind this feminist tradition and the flowers that go with it. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 6, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Every year on March 8, people around the world celebrate the women in their lives by observing International Women's Day. In addition to shopping at women-owned businesses and using the day to give money or resources to organizations that help women throughout the year, many people also follow the tradition of gifting International Women's Day flowers on March 8. Read on to learn more about the history behind International Women's Day, this year's themes and intentions, as well as why flowers are an important symbol to all who celebrate. What Is International Women's Day? International Women's Day is a United Nations–a sanctioned global holiday that aims to celebrate women's contributions to society. It also hopes to raise awareness of the areas of society that need to improve to reach gender equality. Each year has an official theme. Unofficially, many people use it as a day to remember all the women that have made an impact in their lives. They do so by sharing International Women's Day quotes, thoughtful messages, and more. C.Aranega/Getty Images What Is the 2023 Theme? The official International Women's Day website announced that the theme for 2023 is #EmbraceEquity, which will focus on creating a more fair and equal world by embracing equality in all forms. This means challenging gender stereotypes, calling out discrimination, drawing attention to bias, and seeking inclusion for all. Organizers encourage participants to show the world how they embrace equality by sharing pictures on social media with the hashtag #EmbraceEquity. Official Women's Day Flower Symbolism The history of International Women's Day stretches back more than 100 years when the day was first observed across Europe and America. But according to NPR, it wasn't until March 8, 1946, that feminists in Italy chose the mimosa flower as a symbol of strength, sensibility, and sensitivity for Women's Day. Getty Images Over the years, women and men alike have continued to give the gift of flowers to show their appreciation for the strong women in their lives. And although the mimosa flower has a special significance, it's not the only flower given. According to The New York Times, flower shops across Russia sell upwards of 150,000 roses on March 8. You, too, can participate in the flower-giving tradition this year; order flower delivery for the remarkable women in your life ahead of time, or pick up a bouquet from your local flower shop and gift individual blooms to the women you pass throughout the day. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit