Withering fancy flowers

Here’s this week’s tip on Korean language and customs:

Q:
Every time I’m invited to attend formal functions ― weddings, funerals, concerts, anniversaries and opening events at various places, the entrances or hallways are lavishly decorated with rows of tall flower wreaths and live potted plants. I was informed that these were gifts, so each plant bore the name of the sender and a message on a ribbon attached to it.

A few companies inside a downtown building where I work have been bombarded with flowers and trees, but having received them, no one properly took care of the plants. When I saw those expensive flowers and shrubs die slowly on a number of occasions, I couldn’t help wondering why on earth such a wasteful custom should continue in a country so conscious of energy conservation.

A:
Koreans also find this practice wasteful as the plants are usually discarded after cluttering up the venue. But it is an indirect way of demonstrating whom you know. Recently, people have tried to discourage guests from sending flowers, and many invitation cards read: “No flowers please.” Nowadays, some florists “rent” bouquets for certain hours, and recycle them.