Posted by Mackenzie Fraser on Jan 2, 2023
Why do we give red roses on Valentine’s Day? For centuries, flowers have symbolized fertility, love, marriage, and romance. During the Victorian era, it became popular to use flowers to send secretive messages. Known as floriography, sending flowers became a commonly used way for lovers and admirers to express secret messages that Victorian etiquette deemed unacceptable to share openly. The meaning behind each flower was often pulled from various myths, fables, or legends. When the need is, the meaning was made up to suit the occasion.
Red roses, for instance, typically represent love and romance and have been a powerful symbol of passion for many cultures through the ages. The rose was sacred to a number of goddesses including Isis of Egypt, and the ancient Greeks and Romans identified the rose with their goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus.
Now giving a bouquet of flowers is considered a classic Valentine’s Day gift. Luth Research shows that 91% of men who give flowers to their significant other on Valentine’s Day do so simply to show their love. What’s more, more than 75% of men have given flowers for Valentine’s Day in the past two years.
Can you send other less “classic” flowers and still get the same level of love and romance across to your sweetheart?
Tulips
If you think red roses are to cliché, a red tulip means “perfect love,” although it springs from a tragic love story. A Turkish legend (tulips originally came from Persia and Turkey) tells of a prince named Farhad who was madly in love with a woman named Shirin. When Farhad learned that Shirin had been killed, he was so overcome with grief that he killed himself by riding his horse over the edge of a cliff. Supposedly a scarlet tulip sprang up from each droplet of his blood, giving the red tulip its meaning. Pink and yellow tulips represent the feelings of caring and being hopelessly in love. Tulips also last longer in a vase with water than most other flowers, so if you want a bouquet that will make it past February 15 then tulips are your best bet.
Orchids
A symbol of love, wisdom, beauty, seduction, and refinement, there are many types of orchids all over the world. But even with many types of orchards, they are still rather rare and hard to find. Giving an orchard is a way to show that you appreciate your love’s rare and delicate beauty. As well as their quiet and understated strength. Orchids need a little more love and care in order to survive though, so be sure you treat them well.
Dahlias
The dahlia flower signifies sentiments of dignity and elegance. It is also the symbol of a commitment and bond that lasts forever. So if you are thinking of proposing this Valentine’s Day say it with a dahlia! Cultivated by the Aztecs, dahlias bloom in white and a variety of showy hues, including pink, crimson, orange, and yellow.
Bird Of Paradise
The Bird of Paradise is a 9th wedding anniversary flower, symbolizing faithfulness, and celebrating distinctive and unique beauty. This flower is also meant to express freedom and joy. It’s an incredibly exceptional flower and a great alternative if your lover thinks red roses are boring!
So this is why we give red roses on Valentine’s Day.
© Photo byAdonyi GáborfromPexels
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the symbolic language of flowers, also known as floriography. The historical context and cultural significance of flowers have been fascinating subjects for me.
In Mackenzie Fraser's article on why red roses are given on Valentine's Day, she touches upon the Victorian tradition of floriography, where flowers were used to convey hidden messages. Red roses, a classic symbol of love and romance, trace their significance back to ancient cultures like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The rose's association with goddesses like Isis, Aphrodite, and Venus adds layers to its symbolism.
The article suggests that giving flowers, particularly red roses, has become a traditional Valentine's Day gesture. According to Luth Research, a significant percentage of men opt for flowers as a way to express love on Valentine's Day.
For those seeking alternatives to red roses, the article recommends several flowers with unique meanings:
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Tulips: A red tulip symbolizes "perfect love" with a backstory rooted in a tragic love tale. Pink and yellow tulips convey feelings of caring and being hopelessly in love.
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Orchids: Orchids symbolize love, wisdom, beauty, seduction, and refinement. They are considered rare and delicate, reflecting the appreciation for the recipient's unique beauty and quiet strength.
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Dahlias: Dahlias signify sentiments of dignity and elegance. They are also a symbol of commitment and a lasting bond.
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Bird of Paradise: This flower, associated with the 9th wedding anniversary, symbolizes faithfulness and celebrates distinctive and unique beauty. It expresses freedom and joy, offering an alternative for those who find red roses predictable.
Understanding the historical context and meanings behind these flowers adds depth to the act of giving them on Valentine's Day. If you have any specific questions or if there's anything else you'd like to explore within this topic, feel free to ask!
