Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. Known also as Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year celebrates traditions and customs. Some traditions include buying presents, clothing, decorating, feasting and cleaning. Families clean their homes in hopes to make way for good incoming luck. Red is prevalent. Wealth, prosperity, health and happiness are thematic. Parents often give their children money in a red envelope on New Years Day to help begin the year with luck.
Floral decorations, all available at Exotic Flowers in Boston, for the holiday could include orchid plants, bonsai trees, floral arrangements and lucky bamboo. According to Feng Shui principles, Lucky Bamboo is an excellent way to attract positive 'chi' energy. For centuries, Asian culture has considered it symbolic of luck and good fortune. Different stem collections are said to symbolize different elements of positive chi. Three stems attract happiness; five bring wealth; seven promote good health for all; and the tower of twenty one represents a very powerful blessing for all.
February 3rd, 2011 marks the year of the Rabbit. A rabbit year is often a quiet respite in response to the previous wild year of the tiger. Be sure to visit Chau Chow City in Boston or Golden Temple in Brookline. These venues offer a great porthole into Chinese culture and offer great food as well.
Boston has a reputation for having some flower snobs. These snobs do not care for the most tradtional of all flowers, the carnation. People often ask if we use carnations at Exotic Flowers in Boston ? Yes, Exotic Flowers sells carnations. However, we only use carnations upon request. You might be surprised, but people do ask for carnations. Clients may not ask often, but the carnation has seen a resurgence in popularity in the past few years.
This arrangement, 'Roman Holiday' is one of our features for Valentines Day and the arrangement highlights the colors of the holiday and showcases the trendy purple carnation.
The carnation remains the flower of the month for January. Its scientific name, Dianthus Caryophyllus, is derived from the Greek-“dios” and “anthos”, translation being “The Flowers of God”. Carnations have been around for about two thousand years. 
2010 has been a year of many honors and accomplishments at Exotic Flowers. Sonny Canale celebrated his 52nd year at the helm of Exotic Flowers and Lombardi Florist. We delivered over 10,000 gifts to our clients and provided jobs for more than twenty local residents.
Below is my letter of response to these invites.
New Years Resolution #3 - invest a higher precentage of our marketing budget in packaging. In 2011, we have chosen not to renew our Yellow pages ad. We are using these funds to reinvest in monogramed bags, cellophane and interior and exterior signage.
New Years Resolution #1. Find more ways to send Yes to our customers. We will no longer be afraid to price for our services. If you have a special request, we will do our best to say yes and offer your fair price for your request.
With the recent run of bad weather and snow, Exotic Flowers dispatch would like to remind our customers that we are like the US Postal. Neither sleet, nor snow, nor blizzard... using our front wheel drive mini vans and the Exotic Flowers H2 Hummer, Exotic Flowers was making floral deliveries during both days of the blizzard of 2010.
The Christmas Tree is arguably the most traditional symbol of Christmas. Christmas trees are often displayed indoors, but also can be placed outdoors as well. Decorations range from lights to popcorn.. pine cones to glass ornaments. An angel or star is often placed on top of the tree. The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree dates back to 16th century Germany.
For centuries, Christmas has been celebrated with many symbols, especially the presence of evergreens. Evergreen boughs and garland were present in many cultures and celebrations. Jewish history shows the use of evergreen boughs in during their Feast of Tabernacles. While the Germans used evergreen boughs in their homes during winter to bring life indoors. The Romans celebrated their winter solstice with boughs, garlands and flowers. These celebrants were the beginnings of the floral industry. Our florist ancestors showed the importance of floral decor as a part of winter celebrations.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of the Jews over Greek persecution. When the Maccabees, the leaders of the war against the Syrians, reclaimed the Temple, they only had one flask of oil to light their candle lit Menorah. Miraculously the Menorah stayed lit for eight days - thus the eight days of Hanukkah, which begin on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. In 2010, Hanukkah begins on December 1st.
At Exotic Flowers in Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, Dennis Callahan has been a premier salesman for over four years. His infectious enthusiasm has created a loyal following. Dennis will be out of commission for the next few weeks.
As we head into the intensity of the holiday rush, Exotic Flowers will also be without our most experienced driver Michael Schaaf. Mike has been an employee of Exotic Flowers for over ten years and also provides sales support as needed.
