Valentine’s Day is a holiday that is celebrated worldwide, filled with lots of love and heartfelt gestures. With some common gifts being chocolates, cards, and candlelit dinners, flowers actually hold a special place, but how did this happen? Let’s take a closer look at the rich roots of Valentine’s Day flower history and why it’s still such a big deal today.
The Origins of the Holiday
V-Day goes as far back as ancient Rome. Around the 3rd century AD, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriages, believing that men being single made them better soldiers. A priest named Valentine didn’t like this at all and rebelled against it by performing secret marriages. When he eventually got caught, he was imprisoned and then executed on February 14th. Over time, Valentine’s martyrdom became associated with love and romance, which leads to the celebration we know today.
By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day started becoming popular across Europe. It wasn’t just about romantic love, people exchanged tokens of appreciation and affection in various forms. At this time poets also pushed for the idea that Valentine’s Day was more about romance, further cementing its place in history.
Valentine’s Day Flower History
The connection between flowers and Valentine’s Day isn’t as ancient as the holiday itself, but it’s deeply rooted in tradition. In the 18th and 19th centuries, giving flowers to one another became a popular way to show each other's emotions, this being known as floriography. Each bloom was different with each having their own meanings, making flowers a powerful and romantic way for someone to express their feelings.
Red Roses as Valentine's Gifts
We can’t talk about Valentine’s Day flower history without mentioning the most iconic flower of all, the red rose. This association goes all the way back to Greek and Roman mythology, where roses were tied to the goddess of love, Aphrodite.
Roses weren’t always the top choice for Valentine’s Day. In fact, their rise to fame happened at the same time as the Victorian era, when people were in love with the symbolism of flowers. Red roses became popular because they were thought to have perfectly captured the idea of romantic love. As the idea of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day grew, roses naturally took center stage.
Other Favorites
However, roses aren’t the only flowers that played a role in Valentine’s Day flower history. Carnations, lilies, tulips, and even violets became popular choices for expressing different emotions. Even though they might not be as iconic as the rose, these options are still considered some of the best flowers for Valentine's Day.
The Role of Florists in Valentine’s Day Traditions
Florists always had an important role in Valentine’s Day flower history, as without them, the tradition might not be as popular as it is today. Even though this has been going on for many centuries, nowadays florists have gotten very creative with how to make the experience special. Here at Dragonetti Florist, our focus is to be able to create arrangements that not only look beautiful, but also have a deep meaning behind them too.
Every bouquet tells a story, roses might mean endless love, while a mix of tulips and daisies could mean joy or admiration. With these thoughts in mind, it makes the act of giving flowers more than just a gift but an expression of how we truly feel.
Why Flowers Are the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift
Flowers are more than just a gift, they’re a way to deeply express our feelings that words can’t describe. When you see the colorful petals, the soft fragrance, and the personal touch of which flowers to use, it all comes together to create a moment of pure joy. This is why flowers have remained as a core part of Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day flower history reminds us that this isn’t just about following a trend. Flowers are rooted in culture and tradition, representing love in many different ways. No matter what idea you have in mind, there’s always going to be a flower that will be a perfect fit for you.
Making Your Valentine’s Day Special
Choosing the right flowers comes down to knowing the person you’re buying for. Are they someone who appreciates tradition? A dozen red roses is always a safe choice. Do they love surprises? A custom bouquet with different flowers is a great way to add a personal touch.
At Dragonetti Florist, the focus is on creating arrangements that speak to you. Each bouquet is designed with care, making it more than just a gift, but instead it’s a way to show thoughtfulness and love, while having your own touch.
A Timeless Gesture
Valentine’s Day flower history teaches us that giving flowers is more than a habit. It’s a gesture that has been going on for generations, carrying with it centuries of tradition and emotions. In a world that moves quickly, flowers remind us to pause and appreciate the people we love.
At Dragonetti Florist, being part of that tradition is something special. Whether it’s roses, lilies, or something completely unexpected, the goal is to help create moments that matter. After all, love is worth celebrating, and flowers are the perfect way to do it.