The Origin of Flowers as a Gift on Valentine's Day

Since fertility was associated with agriculture, flowers became the Valentine’s Day gift of choice. For centuries, flowers have symbolized fertility, love, marriage, and romance. 

The history of giving your loved one Valentine’s Day flowers comes from the old-fashioned custom of sending floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. Introduced in the 18th century by Charles II of Sweden, each flower had a specific meaning attached to it, making it possible to have an entire conversation using only flowers.

Going way back, the Greeks believed that red roses came from Aphrodite, the goddess of love. It's no wonder they are still the top-selling Valentine's Day flower!

Any number of roses can make a specific statement. 

A gift of a single rose says that the recipient is the only one. Increase that elegant gift to three roses if you wish to say, "I love you." A gift of 11 roses means that the giver is the missing flower in the dozen. Finally, an extravagant gift of three dozen long-stemmed roses says that the giver's heart belongs to the recipient.

The language of love goes beyond red roses, which make up around 69% of Valentine's Day flower sales. You can communicate specific feelings and desires to your loved ones with the traditional meaning of flowers: Send gardenias to your secret love, or purple larkspur to your first love.

Looking to send flowers to your loved one?  Look no further:  Flowers of the World has a great selection of gorgeous Valentine's Day bouquets.