By Caitlin Shapiro

Avoid red carnations --they're Communist flowers! By Caitlin Shapiro

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and although some of us left our other halves back in the States, others may have picked up a sexy Czech since landing in Prague. Even though this holiday only gained popularity in the Czech Republic in the last 15 years or so, don’t forget to brush up on their cultural traditions before you celebrate Valentine’s Day in Prague.

A Dozen (+ 1) Roses

Although it might be a well-known American tradition to order a dozen roses on Valentine’s Day for our sweethearts, Prague romances have their own customs, so take heed! Flowers given in an even number are offensive to Czech people because tradition dictates that an even number of flowers are is for funerals. So, for your Prague romance, flowers should always be given in odd numbers; so add an extra one to that dozen.

And if roses aren’t your thing…

Cliché might be safer here — there are more pitfalls to fear when you’re trying to be original. Although they’re pretty, don’t buy chrysanthemums in any color because chrysanthemums are only to be placed on gravestones. Also, you can give any color carnation to a lover, except red. Red carnations tend to be viewed as a Communist flower, making it inappropriate for any kind of gift, including Valentine’s Day. Finally, always remove any paper from the single rose, or overstuffed bouquet before you hand them over.

Caitlin Shapiro is a senior at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she studies journalism.