In Italy, yellow mimosas were chosen partly because violets and lilies were too scarce and expensive.
The tradition began in 1946, when Italy celebrated International Women’s Day after the Second World War. Teresa Mattei, Rita Montagnana, and Teresa Noce helped promote mimosa as an accessible symbol for the occasion. Violets and lilies of the valley were associated with International Women’s Day in France, but postwar Italy faced poverty and limited flower supplies.
Mimosa was a practical alternative: it blooms around early March, grows readily in parts of Italy, and was inexpensive enough for working-class families. Its bright yellow flowers also made a striking seasonal symbol of renewal and solidarity.
A common mix-up is assuming mimosa is the universal flower of International Women’s Day. The custom is especially associated with Italy; other countries use different flowers or no particular flower at all. The holiday itself has international socialist and labor-movement origins, dating to mass demonstrations in Europe in 1911.