Valentine’s Day is undoubtedly one of the most culturally significant holidays in modern tradition. There was a time in my life that I would have given just about anything to have a Valentine's Day for Dummies book that would take the mystery out of flowers, and gift giving. So, read on, as I’ve assembled a brief summary of everything you need to know about Valentine’s Day from its history to customs to flower shopping tips, and even some funny outtakes from our flower shop so you won’t be caught off guard and can enjoy Valentine’s Day to the fullest extent in whatever way is appropriate for your situation. Take a moment to watch, before diving in.
A Brief History of Valentine's
Like many holidays, Valentines Day has undergone changes and evolutions over the ages. Its roots can be traced back thousands of years, to a pagan holiday, Lupercalia, celebrating Pan and Juno, the gods of Love and Fertility in Ancient Rome and Greece. And later a religious holiday celebrating St. Valentine, a Christian martyr in the third century. By the eighth century, February 14th was the recognized Saint Valentine Feast Day. The first modern element attributing Valentine’s Day to romance, or romantic love is likely the poem The Parliament of Fowls written for the engagement of King Richard II by the medieval poet Chaucer in which he envisions birds gathering on St. Valentine’s Day to choose their mates.
In more recent centuries new traditions emerged such as sending friendship cards, elaborate handmade valentines, even love poems and letters, and gifts of chocolate and flowers. While the origins of valentine's day have faded into obscurity, the romantic traditions and giving of symbolic gifts has lingered. Present day, it's common to send valentines to platonic friends, for children to give them to classmates and for parents to give valentines to their children, and vice versa. There is even a new holiday known as “Galentine's Day”, February 13th, which has become a day to honor and celebrate the love of friendship by giving those same gifts of flowers and chocolate.
Fun Facts
The State of Oregon's official "birthday" is February 14th, 1859.
YouTube launched on Valentine’s Day in 2005.
In Italy Valentine’s Keys are given as an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart.
Valentine’s Day is referenced by Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet; "Tomorrow is Saint Valentine’s Day, all in the morning betime, and I a maid at your window, to be your Valentine."
The heart shaped box of chocolate originated with British Chocolatier Cadbury in 1868.
Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in at least 30 countries around the world.
In 1929 the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre took place in Chicago where seven members of the North Side Gang were executed by rival gang members likely led by gangster Al Capone.
It is estimated that 190 million valentines are sent each year.
Around 30% of Americans buy valentine’s flowers each year. Roses are the most popular flower given on Valentine’s Day with as many as 250 million stems produced. Over half the roses bought on Valentine’s Day are red. But other flowers and colors such as tulips and lilies are popular as well.
Statistics and Tips
Know your partner’s flower preference. It never hurts to ask, rather than guess, or be wrong.
Shop with a local florist. A florist will have higher quality selections that look nicer and last longer compared to a grocery store or dried out mail order flowers.
Order early. Don’t wait until the last minute. Your options and selection will be limited, or you even risk missing order cutoff times entirely.
Check your local florist’s website ahead of time and decide what style of flowers you want. An arrangement? A bouquet? Modern or traditional, simple, or showy?
While different colored flowers can simply reflect a preference or mood, traditionally, roses of different colors have special meanings. Red symbolizes love and passion. Yellow, joy and friendship. Pink, femininity and peach, thanks.
Pair flowers with another gift such as chocolates, jewelry, a handwritten card, love note or poem, or have flowers delivered to your dinner reservation.
Have flowers delivered to the workplace, or home as a surprise. Consider what day of the week to order your valentine’s delivery for your partner’s maximum enjoyment.
Bottom Line
Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and commitment to all the people in your life. I hope understanding a little more about Valentine’s Day can make it more fun and enjoyable. Florists like us, and many others want to make this a stress-free day filled with positive energy, joy and passion. And we are here for you. Leave us a note in the comments about your favorite valentine flower, story, or tradition. And don't forget to order your Valentine flowers pronto.
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