We’re all familiar with Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day of the year. But, how much do you know about its most famous tradition of giving roses? Do you know the reason why we give them to our loved ones, what their colors mean and why they get more expensive in the middle of February? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and other fascinating information about the international day of love!
The first recorded feasts and celebrations of the 14th of February began around the 8th century in honor of Saint Valentine, a Roman Christian priest who was imprisoned and later executed for his beliefs. Legend has it that before the day of his execution, he wrote a farewell letter which he signed off with “Your Valentine.” Around 10 centuries later, English people began using the day to demonstrate their love for each other.
Red roses have become a universal symbol of romantic love across cultures worldwide. But why do you give roses on Valentine’s Day to your loved one? Like many of our modern-day traditions, giving roses as a romantic gesture began in ancient Greece and Rome. The rose was associated with the goddess of love, Aphrodite—or Venus, in Roman mythology. The millennia-old tale goes that when she found her lover Adonis, the male god of beauty, mortally wounded, her tears fell on his body and mixed with his blood, blooming into a red rose bush.
During the 19th century, Victorian-era Europeans began using flowers to send secret messages in the form of communication called floriography, also known as the language of flowers. While different flowers have been used to symbolize various emotions and customs for thousands of years, we’re most familiar with the meanings of floral arrangements used during this time period. Drawing on classical tradition, Victorians used roses to convey implications of love and desire.
While all roses are stunningly beautiful and impressive gifts, not all rose colors are the same! Have a look at the unique meaning of different rose colors:
Red: Red, of course, is representative of romantic love. The scarlet hue has long been associated with love and affection. Many people give their partners a bouquet of a dozen long-stemmed red roses, the floral arrangement most commonly symbolic of this kind of love. Our My True Love Bouquet will serve this purpose beautifully!
White: If your romantic relationship is still quite new, consider a white rose. These paler, creamy hues represent innocence and purity, and they’re a perfect alternative if red roses feel a little too intense during the early stages of a relationship. If this is your preferred option, check out Teleflora’s Recipe for Romance bouquet.
Yellow: By contrast, a yellow rose is given to platonic friends. Of course, the love in these friendships is no less valid or important than the romantic love we have for our partners, so be sure to show your companions that you love them on this day, too! We suggest the stunning Say Yellow Bouquet for your BFF.
Orange: If you’ve got someone in your life who you want to be more than friends with (and you have the feeling they share the sentiment), think about sending them an orange rose arrangement. This spicy, vibrant color is emblematic of fiery passion. The bright amber, tangerine and copper hues of the Sunrise Splendor Bouquet will leave no room for doubt!
Pink: Blush and fuschia roses are usually given to people as a token of appreciation, so they’re an ideal gift for any loved one, whether that be a significant other, parent, teacher or coworker who always brightens your day. The Say Something Sweet bouquet is a perfect way to show your thanks.
Why do the prices of roses go up on Valentine’s Day? Because, naturally, the demand for roses skyrockets during the first two weeks of February and especially the several days leading up to Valentine’s Day. Anything in high demand becomes increasingly expensive as getting your hands on it becomes more competitive. This is compounded by how difficult it is to grow roses during this time of the year (that is, toward the end of the dark, chilly and often snowy winter months).
Transporting roses — whether they’re homegrown in the United States or imported from South American countries like Ecuador and Colombia — can also be a costly endeavor that drives up the price. These blooms come at a premium, but they’re worth every penny!
Teleflora has an extensive range of rose bouquets that are perfect for Valentine’s Day. From classic crimson to wonderful white, we’ve got a rose bouquet in every color and style to make the perfect gift for your pal, partner or parent.
If you’re looking for something a little different, many of our floral arrangements include other flowers in addition to roses! The Be My Love Bouquet with Red Roses boasts stunning white asiatic lilies, making it the perfect gift for lovers of the more exotic things in life.
Maybe you want to show the intended recipient you care, but you know they’re not a fan of roses. In that case, we have a variety of tulips (symbolic of deep and perfect love) that are perfect for Valentine’s Day, including the magnificent Sweet Surrender Bouquet.
No matter which bouquet you choose, your loved one is sure to be delighted with their gorgeous Valentine’s Day gift from Teleflora!