Flowers on Valentine’s Day: A Timeless Tradition of Romance
Flowers on Valentine’s Day are one of those romantic traditions that simply will not die—and for good reason. They make people happy. Flowers are an immediate sign of love and honor, an emotional pick-me-up, and a joy to have around the house. It’s believed that flowers can soothe and create warm environments that reduce stress, induce romance, and even encourage communication.
The common red rose symbolizes a strong feeling of love, and its universal significance has been known to provoke excited utterances worldwide. Of course, if you’re not quite ready to make a bold statement of emotion and would rather tone it down to something like, “I really, really like you and think you’re very cool,” there are other options, such as white, yellow, purple, and even an interesting shade of green. Each color has its own symbolic meaning. A mixed bouquet of roses on Valentine’s Day can make someone feel remarkably special and wonderfully empowered by emotion.
Exploring Other Flower Options
While roses are the most common flower sent on Valentine’s Day, it’s becoming increasingly popular to send bouquets of alternate flowers. This tradition likely began with a man who didn’t want any misinterpretation from a bouquet of roses showing up on his girlfriend’s doorstep. It seems he was receiving quite a bit of pressure to pop the big question, a commitment he wasn’t yet ready to make.
Lilacs, carnations, irises—whatever you can imagine—can now be sent to the door of your loved one (or your “really, really liked” one). Whatever you choose, it will be met with a warm reception, because that’s what flowers do.
Fortunately for the flower-sending challenged, flower companies have made it easier than ever to send flowers to just about anyone, anywhere, and for far less than you might think. A beautiful bouquet can be purchased and delivered for about $25–$30, sometimes even with the addition of a Mylar balloon. Most local flower shops can guarantee same-day delivery as long as you call before noon, with some extending that cutoff as late as one or two o’clock.
What’s even better is that most florists can create a stunning arrangement just for your special Valentine by learning about their personality. You don’t need to know the names of the flowers or anything about them. The florist will take care of it for you. They’re there to help those who may be less confident about sending flowers. So, as you can see, I’m slowly eliminating all the typical excuses for not sending flowers to your hopeful one this Valentine’s Day.
Some people just don’t understand why flowers are such a big deal. They either see them as a money or time. After all, they just sit around and die—why bother with something that lasts only a few days before turning brown?
Because it means something to the person you care for. It doesn’t matter if you think it’s silly. If they think it’s beautiful and adds a wonderful moment to their day, isn’t that the point? Besides, most people who question the value of receiving flowers on Valentine’s Day have never actually received them.
Sending flowers on Valentine’s Day isn’t just for men anymore. Women have recently begun to step up and return the favor. However, women should consider that men often work in environments where it’s not always appropriate to send flowers to their workplace. If you’re interested in sending flowers to your guy this year (which, surprisingly, many men appreciate), it’s best to send them to his home instead of his office. Even the macho guy with a bouquet on his dining room table might get teased by his coworkers, which is far from the point of sending them in the first place. Not all men will immediately “get it,” so don’t be surprised if he stands there, staring at you for a moment. But chances are, even if he pretends not to understand, deep down, he’ll be a bit tickled.
Flowers are simply one of those “you got it right” gifts that can enhance a romantic Valentine’s Day for both of you. You don’t have to wait until you’re head over heels in love to express your thoughts with flowers (and by the way, your mother would appreciate a bouquet, too!). The meaning of flowers transcends all boundaries. Take a moment, call the florist, and sit back to enjoy the fireworks you’ve set off.