The History of Giving Flowers on Valentine's Day10 February 2025Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year, with millions of people expressing their love through gifts, heartfelt messages, and, most commonly, flowers. But why do we give flowers on Valentine’s Day? And where did this tradition originate? The history of flower-giving dates back centuries, influenced by mythology, culture, and the evolution of romantic customs. From ancient Rome to the Victorian era and modern celebrations, flowers have played a crucial role in expressing love. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of Valentine’s Day flowers, how different cultures embraced the tradition, and why certain flowers, especially roses, became symbols of romance. What Does Valentine’s Day Mean? The Origins of Valentine’s Day The Tradition of Giving Flowers on Valentine’s Day Why Flowers Became the Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift Key Takeaways: The History of Valentine’s Day Flowers Valentine’s Day Flowers FAQs What Does Valentine’s Day Mean? Valentine’s Day, celebrated on 14th February, is a day dedicated to love and affection. It is named after Saint Valentine, a figure associated with romance and devotion. The holiday is marked by exchanging cards, chocolates, and flowers as symbols of love and appreciation. But the true meaning of Valentine’s Day goes beyond modern celebrations. Its roots trace back to ancient traditions, where love and fertility festivals played a key role in societies. The Origins of Valentine’s Day The history of Valentine’s Day is a mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval traditions. Ancient Roman Festival – Lupercalia Before Valentine’s Day became an official holiday, the Romans celebrated Lupercalia, a fertility festival held on 15th February. During this event, men and women were paired together, often leading to marriage and courtship. Flowers were commonly exchanged as a sign of fertility and devotion. Saint Valentine’s Story The most widely accepted legend states that Saint Valentine was a priest in 3rd-century Rome. He defied Emperor Claudius II’s order prohibiting young men from marrying and secretly conducted weddings. He was later executed, and his martyrdom was commemorated on 14th February. The Middle Ages – Courtly Love By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day became associated with romantic love. Poets like Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about lovers sending messages and exchanging tokens of affection, including flowers. The Tradition of Giving Flowers on Valentine’s Day Flowers have been symbols of love, beauty, and devotion for centuries. The tradition of gifting flowers on Valentine’s Day developed over time, with different cultures contributing to its significance. Flowers in Ancient Rome Romans often associated flowers with goddesses of love and beauty, such as Venus. They offered red roses, thought to be Venus’s favourite flower, during festivals celebrating romance and fertility. Flowers in the Middle Ages By the medieval period, knights and poets used flowers as a way to express unspoken emotions. During courtly love traditions, noblemen would present flowers to the women they admired, strengthening the association between flowers and romance. The Victorian Language of Flowers The Victorian era played a crucial role in solidifying flowers as a key Valentine’s Day gift. During this period, people used "floriography", the language of flowers, to convey messages through bouquets. Red roses symbolised deep love and passion. White lilies represented purity and devotion. Violets conveyed faithfulness. Orchids were associated with luxury and admiration. Victorians often exchanged intricately arranged flower bouquets to communicate their feelings subtly, a tradition that still exists today. Why Flowers Became the Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift There are several reasons why flowers, especially roses, became the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift: 1. Emotional Symbolism Flowers represent different emotions, making them a beautiful and meaningful gift. The colour, type, and arrangement of flowers can express love, admiration, or friendship. 2. The Power of Red Roses Red roses became the ultimate symbol of love due to their deep red colour, which represents passion, romance, and desire. Their connection to Greek and Roman mythology strengthened their role as the perfect romantic flower. 3. Accessibility and Beauty Flowers are universally appreciated for their fragrance, beauty, and ability to brighten any space. Their delicate petals and vibrant colours make them an ideal expression of love. Key Takeaways: The History of Valentine’s Day Flowers Flowers have been exchanged on Valentine’s Day for centuries, with roots in Roman, medieval, and Victorian traditions. Red roses became the ultimate romantic flower due to their historical connection to love goddesses and their symbolism in literature and art. The Victorian language of flowers strengthened the tradition, allowing people to communicate emotions through floral arrangements. Flowers remain one of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts today, symbolising love, admiration, and beauty. Valentine’s Day Flowers FAQs Why do we give flowers on Valentine’s Day? Flowers are given on Valentine’s Day as a symbol of love, passion, and admiration. The tradition dates back to ancient Rome and was reinforced by medieval courtship practices and Victorian floriography. What is the most popular flower for Valentine’s Day? The red rose is the most popular Valentine’s Day flower, representing love, romance, and passion. Other popular choices include tulips, lilies, orchids, and carnations. What do different flower colours mean on Valentine’s Day? Red flowers – Love and passion Pink flowers – Admiration and gratitude White flowers – Purity and new beginnings Yellow flowers – Friendship and joy Purple flowers – Enchantment and love at first sight When should I order Valentine’s Day flowers? It’s best to order your Valentine’s Day flowers early, as demand is high in February. We offer a same-day delivery service across Newcastle-Upon-Tyne for all orders placed before 2pm, but we are extremely busy around Valentine’s Day so it is advisable to place your order at least a week in advance! Continue The Valentine’s Day Tradition with Julie’s Flowers! The tradition of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day is a timeless expression of love, romance, and admiration. From its origins in ancient Rome to its significance in Victorian England, flowers remain a meaningful gift for celebrating love. If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day flower gift, explore our exquisite collection at Julie’s Flowers. Whether it’s a classic red rose bouquet or a unique floral arrangement, we have the perfect flowers to make your loved one’s day special! Related Articles Why Do We Give Red Roses on Valentine’s Day? The Most Romantic Flowers for Valentine’s Day