Why we celebrate Valentine's Day and the Floriography behind it

The season of love is just around the corner and Valentine's Day is the perfect time to express your feelings for the the special people in your life.

How and why Valentine's Day started

It is commonly accepted that the tradition of Valentine's Day started over 2000 years ago in Ancient Rome where they held the festival of Lupercalia every year to celebrate the impending arrival of Spring and fertility. In a pagan ritual young men women were randomly coupled up as a Valentine pair and spent the day together. The ceremony was eventually accepted by the Christian church and became known as St Valentine's Day in honour of the Christian martyr, Saint Valentine.

Who was St Valentine?

Saint Valentine's identity is shrouded in legend but the most widely accepted version claims he was a minister of the Church in Rome during the third century.

Popular belief dictates that Valentine lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II who banned the marriage of young men believing single men made better warriors. Valentine disobeyed this decree and continued to perform marriages for young couples in secret. When his actions were uncovered he was arrested and imprisoned. Whilst in prison Valentine is said to have restored the sight of the jailors young daughter and they developed a friendship. Prior to his execution it is believed that Valentine sent her a note signed 'from your Valentine' which is considered to be the first Valentine's Day card.

When did flowers become associated with Valentine's Day?

The floral connection to Valentine's Day dates back to Victorian times in the 19th century when flower bouquets were used to send a message to love interests. The language of flowers, or floriography, resulted in the popular use of red roses as a symbol of romatic love.

Each rose colour has a different meaning

Roses are an expression of love all on their own but did you know that it's colour can convey different meanings?

Red Roses

Red roses represent romance and passion

Pink Roses

Pink roses stand for appreciation and grace

Yellow Roses

Yellow roses symbolise friendship and happiness

Orange Roses

Orange roses, a blend between friendly yellow and romantic red are perfect if your romantic relationship started out as a friendship.

White Roses

White roses represent loyalty, purity and innocence making them the perfect choice for wedding flowers

Blue Roses

Blue roses symbolise mystery and unrequited love

Green Roses

Green roses are symbols of new beginnings, fertility and good fortune.

Evolving Valentine's Day customs

Despite red roses being the traditional choice to express love many now consider them to be a bit cliché. With this in mind and the ever increasing trend for sending Galentine gifts to fellow female friends, Decoflora's range of Valentine's flowers has been extended to include other colours and flower types. Who wouldn't appreciate a posy of red, pink and white tulips at this time of year?