Why we say it with flowers on Valentine’s Day

Ever wonder why we cherish the sight of a dozen red roses on Valentine’s Day? Or why we pay so much for them?  In her article, “A Brief History of Flowers in Western Art” (Artsy, July 1, 2017), Sarah Gottesman provides one possible answer: “People have long imbued flowers with personal, cultural, and religious significance.”

It may surprise you to know that the original reason why red roses were considered important had to do with early Christian symbolism.  At a time when few people could read, and many patrons of the arts were churches, the two most appropriate subjects for painting were scenes from mythology or the Bible.  Such work was considered instructive as well as an homage to religious piety.  The scenes were visualizations of lessons on morality and sacrifice.

According to Gottesman, painters depicting Christian scenes used white lilies as reminders of the Virgin’s chastity and purity, while red carnations meant her love of Christ.  Red roses and red carnations also symbolized Christ’s sacrifice.  Yet, they also appeared in wedding portraits of the time to represent enduring love and devotion; in medieval Europe, they were also a sign of royalty, hence the rose symbols that stood for the House of Lancaster and the House of York in England.

The Victorians ushered in a new emphasis on refinement in behavior and communications among the upper classes, especially in the realm of romance.  Flowers could carry secret messages meant to stir emotions between the lovers.  Books on floriography—the language of flowers—helped one offer a token of flirtation, friendship, embarrassment, or disdain to a recipient.  Under this scheme, red roses, a symbol of ideal love and beauty, indicated love; darker roses, shame; and pink roses that your love should remain a secret.

So, as you plan your own floral expression this Valentine’s Day, remember the choices are many.  For those seeking a traditional statement, roses are still enormously popular.  Choose pink for appreciation, yellow for friendship, or white for innocence.

Looking for a floral statement all your own?  Learn more about flowers and their meaning in Kate Greenway’s charming book “The Language of Flowers,” illustrated by the author—a perfect guide for communicating with flowers, and a novel gift.