Worldwide, eight out of ten customers buy red roses for their sweethearts on Valentine’s Day, as these flowers are widely known as a symbol of love. In recent years, however, flowers grown from bulbs (daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses) are becoming increasingly fashionable for several good reasons: they are mostly grown domestically, arrive on the shelves of flower shops fresh and in vibrant colors, and are available at a lower price.
In addition to these, many people also buy roses of other colors: burgundy, purple and pink. Buying blue, black or other rare colors of roses is not typical at this time, and neither are potted plants and carnations. Various decorations are also often chosen to accompany the flowers; according to the experience of florists, wooden hearts with letters, pretty bows and pins ending in hearts are the most popular.
Messages sent by flowers
The origin of the Christian celebration of Valentine’s Day is that Saint Valentine, bishop of Terni (then called Interamna), became the patron saint of engaged couples and newlyweds in England and France in the 14th century because of a popular story about the saint.
According to this story, before being executed for his Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, Valentine used the power of his faith to restore the eyesight of the prison guard’s blind daughter. Before he was executed on February 14, according to tradition, he sent her a farewell message, signed “Your Valentine.” This is the most common explanation for the origin of Valentine’s Day messages.
According to legend, the bishop made the lovers swear an oath to each other according to Christian customs, including soldiers who, according to imperial edicts at the time, were not allowed to marry. He presented the newlyweds with flowers from his garden.
The Greeks believed that red roses were created by Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and they are likely to always remain the most popular Valentine’s Day flower. The custom of giving flowers (and especially red roses) as an annual gesture of love dates back to the late 17th century, when King Charles II of Sweden discovered that flowers had symbolic meaning. Giving red roses on Valentine’s Day became fashionable in the Victorian era and have kept their central role as the symbol of love.
The rose is clearly still the flower of love, but it can have different meanings depending on its color: red rose is the flower of passionate love, white rose is for more restrained, gentle emotions, but it can also be the flower of parental love. Be careful when choosing yellow rose, however, as its meaning is negative, generally symbolizing infidelity or jealousy. No matter what kind of rose you choose to give, make sure it has a long stem.
We can communicate special feelings and desires to our beloved with the special meaning of flowers: send gardenias to your secret love, or purple Cape violets to your first, true love.
Carnations are the flower of serious love.
Tulip is the flower of flaming emotions and a symbol of femininity. A red tulip can even accompany a declaration of love.
Orchid is the flower of culture and sophistication.
Any colored lily is the flower of a flirtatious woman.
Magnolia is the flower of naturalness.
Calla lily is the flower of beauty.
Iris is the flower of hope.
Ambrosia is a symbol of reciprocated love.
Ivy is a symbol of conjugal love, loyalty, and friendship.
White lily is a symbol of virginity, purity, and dignity.
It is important to consider these meanings before giving flowers as a gift, and it is also recommended to ask the experts at the flower shop about current color trends and popular flowers for a truly joyful and romantic celebration of love.