Victorian Era-
You may have heard that red roses equate to love and passion, and the yellow roses represent friendship, but did you ever wonder how this symbolism came to be? Well, going way back to the Victorian era the “language of flowers” has been prominent in Europe and Asia for centuries. This language even goes back to Shakespeare and his use of flowers as symbolism. It may come as a surprise but it was common for most households to have flower guidebooks and they would be used to send people messages that couldn’t be said out loud, through flowers. With both color and the type of flower holding symbolism the “language of flowers” is still prominent today.
Colors (of roses specifically) and their meanings-
Pink-longing, remembrance
Red-Love
Purple-Sudden change
White- Sweetness, innocence
Yellow-Friendship
Connection to Valentine’s day and Gift Giving of Flowers
Valentines day itself started back with the Romans with celebrations including ritualistic animal sacrifices and matchmaking. This tradition eventually led to legends involving Saint Valentine who pushed for marriage despite Roman rules against marriage for young men and was eventually killed for it. This push for love and marriage became the symbol of the romantic holiday with roses in particular representing adoration, only being left at the altar of Aphrodite for her praise. This tradition was later applied to their loved ones, showing their love through the meaningful flowers. Overall these traditions lead to the modernization of celebrating romance and love we see today!
Make sure to spread the love this Valentine’s Day!!
