Undeniably, a gift of flowers makes us all feel special and loved. For thousands of years flowers have symbolized love, marriage and romance. This Valentine’s Day, if you’re thinking of giving your sweetheart St. Valentines flowers, give them a message meant just for them.
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Most of us know that red roses mean “I love you” and although that’s a good place to start, by using the language of flowers, you could have an entire discussion about that love using only flowers.
History of St. Valentines Flowers
The language of flowers, floriography, was most popular during the Victorian period, but the symbolic use of flowers dates back to antiquity.
Early Christians used white roses, myrtle, and lilies as symbols of virtues. In medieval and Renaissance culture, flowers were often given moral meanings.
The Victorians however, raised the language to flowers to new heights by their use of flowers as a means of communication.
Various flowers and floral arrangements were enlisted to send coded messages, thus allowing individuals to express feelings, which otherwise could not be spoken. The Victorians also used flowers to describe moral, spiritual, or emotional truths.
Picking out the Perfect Bouquet
Take time to compose your language of love bouquet. You don’t have to have an entire floral conversation, a single thought or emotion could be all that you need convey. Research on line, but if possible choose flowers at a florist.
You can then check the quality of the flowers, the fragrance, and compose the bouquet yourself. The benefit of having a florist’s help in composition will be evident with the final product. If you’re in Calgary, La Fleur is a great place for fabulous flowers.
Size doesn’t matter with St. Valentines flowers. A bigger bouquet won’t necessarily get a bigger smile or more kisses. Something, smaller with more meaning or sophistication, makes just as big a statement as a larger bouquet.
Language of Flowers Glossary
Take a look at the Language of Flowers Glossary we’ve put together for Valentine’s Day. Our list contains the most popular flowers and their meaning.
You’ll have a head start composing your floral message or conversation. Participation makes a gift of flowers that much more romantic.
If you are looking for a way to express your love for your Valentine this year, there is a flower that most likely matches how you feel. You can use the language of flowers whether you decide on a single, splendid blossom or write a love letter in blooms.
They will say how you feel. Allow flowers to provide both beauty and a message of love meant especially for you and your Valentine. Make sure to tell your significant other the meaning of the flower(s) being presented. It could lead to a whole other conversation!
Arbutus Thee Only Do I Love
Aster Talisman of love and patience
Camellia (Pink) Longing For You
Camellia (Red) You’re a Flame in My Heart
Camellia (White) You’re Adorable
Carnation (Red) My Heart Aches For You, Admiration
Carnation (White) Sweet and Lovely, Innocence, Pure Love, Woman’s Good Luck Gift
Chrysanthemum (Red) I Love You
Daffodil Regard, Unequalled Love, You’re the Only One, The Sun is Always Shining When I’m with You
Delphinium Open Heart and Passionate Attachment.
Fern (Maidenhair) Secret Bond of Love
Forget-Me-Not True Love, Memories
Gardenia You’re Lovely, Secret Love
Gloxinia Love at First Sight
Iris Faith, Valor, and Wisdom
Ivy Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection
Jonquil Love Me, Affection Returned, Desire, Sympathy, Desire for Affection Returned
Lily (Calla) Beauty
Myrtle Love, Hebrew Emblem of Marriage
Orange Blossom Innocence, Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness
Orchid Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children
Primrose I Can’t Live without You
Rose (Damask) Persian Ambassador of Love
Rose (Hibiscus) Delicate Beauty
Rose (Leaf) You May Hope
Rose (Pink) Perfect Happiness, Please Believe Me
Rose (Red) Love, I Love You
Rose (Tea) I’ll Remember Always
Rose (Thornless) Love at First Sight
Rose (White) Innocence and Purity, I am Worthy of You, You’re Heavenly
Rosebud (Red) Pure and Lovely
Rosebud (Moss) Confessions of Love
Roses (Single Full Bloom) I Love You, I Still Love You
Tulip (General) Perfect Lover, Fame, Flower Emblem of Holland
Tulip (Red) Believe Me, Declaration of Love
Tulip (Yellow) There’s Sunshine in Your Smile
Violet (Blue) Watchfulness, Faithfulness, I’ll Always Be There
Are You an Enviromantic?
You want to know how to reduce the environmental impact of your Valentine’s bouquet – and still get something romantically spectacular. Going green is harder than you think. Most cut flowers are imported and arrive by plane – so much for your carbon foot print! In Canada, because flowers are not identified as an edible crop, they are exempt from regulations on pesticide residues and are not inspected for these residues.
But take heart; there are florists and producers that can provide you with locally grown blooms and/or fair trade options. Fair Trade Certified flowers in Canada carry labels from third-party certifiers. Canadian company, Sierra Eco, supplies florists with organic and fair trade flowers.
Choosing flowers to tell your love story on Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be the same old thing. Flowers are the ultimate language of love. Send a floral love message and reap hugs and kisses as your reward!