It is to no contest that flowers, roses to be specific, are the most coveted by women across the globe on Valentine’s Day. The most universal of them all, red roses have always been linked to romance dating back to the Roman Empire. Red is the color of passion and symbolizes love. As Robert Burns once said: “O my love’s like a red, red, rose, that’s newly sprung in June.” So when shopping for your beloved on Valentine’s Day look no further than the red rose as a sentiment to your love and commitment.
Each year, on February 14th, Cupid brings flowers, candy, and cards to loved ones. Buy, while we may think that Valentines’ Day is just a “hallmark” holiday, its origins trace back to the year 200AD.
Legend has it; around the year 270 AD Claudius II had banned marriage for all young men, claiming that bachelors made better soldiers, but Valentine continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies. He was eventually caught and apprehended by the Romans and put to death. Pope Gelasius, in 496 AD, declared February 14th a church holiday in honor of the saint.
Not until the 18th Century was gift-giving on Valentine’s Day common. Hand-made valentine cards made of lace, ribbons, and featuring cupid were passed around England and eventually brought to America.
The widespread tradition of sending cards became popular in the 1850s when Esther Howland began mass-producing them.
Of course, you can get a wide selection of classics and new favorites from your favorite Alexandria flower shop, Conklyn’s Florist.
