Text:

If you smell flowers, but there are none around, it is a sign that death is near.

Context:

This is a superstition the informant was told often at various points in their life, and still moderately believes to this day.

Analysis:

This superstition is actually a variation of a similar superstition, in which smelling flowers when there are none means a departed loved one paid you a visit. It is likely they originate from similar points, as they both relate to the same action and to death in some way.