Tue Feb 06, 2024
Remember when Jay-Z sent Beyoncé a staggering 10,000 roses before her Super Bowl 50 halftime show? Or how about David Beckham, who never misses a beat surprising Victoria with extravagant, headline-grabbing bouquets for all sorts of occasions?
Inspiring, sure…but talk about setting the bar high for the rest of us (thanks a lot, guys).
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a rich celeb to make a heart-fluttering floral statement this Valentine’s Day. It’s not all about the grand gestures. What matters is finding that perfect bloom that says, “I get you.”
To give you a bit of inspiration, in this blog post, we’ll dive into the rich history of Valentine’s Day and uncover why, even after all these years, a romantic floral arrangement still holds the power to make hearts skip a beat. Plus, we’ve got some insider tips on gifting the perfect Valentine’s Day floral arrangement.
It’s time to make this V-Day unforgettable, with a personal touch that speaks louder than words!
It’s a day of love, red roses, and heart-shaped chocolates. But have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day became a symbol of romance?
Valentine’s Day started as a Christian feast day honouring martyrs named Valentine (there were several, but celebrations tended to focus on two of them: Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni). The most famous story tells of a Saint Valentine who defied a Roman ban on marriages for soldiers, believing in love so deeply that he performed secret weddings for these love-struck warriors. A classical rebel with a cause.
This Saint Valentine was said to wear a ring with a Cupid on it — yes, that chubby, arrow-wielding symbol of love from Roman mythology. This ring wasn’t just a fashion statement, but a sign to soldiers that Valentine was the go-to for secret nuptials.
As centuries passed, the essence of Valentine's Day shifted. By the time the 14th and 15th centuries rolled around, the day had become intertwined with the idea of courtly love.
Fast forward to 18th-century England, and we see Valentine’s Day evolving into an occasion for expressing love through flowers, sweets, and 'valentines' – those heartfelt (and at the time, handmade) cards.
Sure, Valentine's Day today might seem commercialized with its mass-produced cards and gifts. But let's not forget that it has a rich history of love, sacrifice, and a touch of rebellion.
And with today's hectic and unpredictable world, dedicating a day to pause and express our deepest feelings seems more important than ever.
Have you ever wondered why flowers reign supreme as the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift?
This, too, has a rich historical background. And the answer has a lot to do with the enchanting world of floriography, or the language of flowers.
Floriography, the art of communicating through flowers, dates back thousands of years, weaving through the tapestry of various cultures across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
But it truly blossomed (pun intended!) in the 19th century, especially in Victorian England and the United States. In circles where expressing emotions openly was frowned upon, some people turned to flowers to do the talking.
Imagine this: Every bloom, every colour, and every arrangement held a secret message. A bouquet wasn’t just a bouquet, but a love letter, an apology, or even a subtle jab.
Take the classic red rose, with its passionate hue and protective thorns (which are actually prickles, if you want to get technical.) It’s become the universal symbol of deep, intense romantic love.
But flower meanings aren’t just plucked from thin air. They’re often inspired by mythology, religion, legends, and, sometimes, the shape and behavior of the flower itself, and there’s no better example of this than the rose.[LINK: February blog 2]
Though floriography dipped in popularity, it's making a comeback. A touching example is King Charles's funeral wreath for his mother, the late Queen. He conveyed his feelings through carefully chosen flowers – myrtle for love, English oak for strength. To many, it was just a wreath, but to those in the know, it was a heartfelt message.
Today, we might not know all the intricate meanings behind each flower or colour, but the sentiment is the same. Flowers are more than just Valentine’s Day gifts, but messengers. They're timeless.
Shop our exquisite collection of the freshest romantic floral bouquets, all of which come with a beautiful glass vase.
And remember, when it comes to flowers, especially roses, colour is key. Curious about what each Valentine’s rose colour signifies? Check out our article on the language of roses.[LINK: February blog 2]
The art of expressing love through flowers is not just about picking the prettiest bouquet. It's also about how you present them!
Here are some handy tips to ensure your romantic floral arrangement is as stunning when you hand it over as it was in the shop:
With these tips, you’re all set to make sure your floral gift is as perfect as your love!
Want to make someone swoon this Valentine's Day? Our florists are ready to turn your heartfelt feelings into a romantic floral arrangement. Order fresh flowers online anytime or visit a Forest of Flowers near you to let your emotions bloom!