Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and romance, marked by flowers, greeting cards, romantic letters, chocolates, and other heartfelt gestures. It's a day to express affection and appreciation for those you hold dear, whether through grand romantic surprises or simple, thoughtful moments. From the story of St. Valentine to the symbolism of iconic red roses, we're diving into the traditions, history, and essentials that make this day so unique.
The History of Valentine's Day
Mark your calendars; Valentine's Day always falls on February 14th! Some say the holiday honors the death of St. Valentine, which occurred around 270 CE. St. Valentine was a Roman priest known for defying the law by secretly marrying couples. After his death, he became the patron saint of lovers and happy marriages. Others believe the Christian church created Valentine's Day to replace the pagan fertility festival of Lupercalia, a wild and rambunctious celebration held in mid-February intended to purify and promote health and fertility. The idea that February 14th is for romance may also come from the Middle Ages, when people believed it marked the start of the mating season for birds, symbolizing romance in nature. Over time, these origins blended, transforming Valentine's Day into the celebration of love we cherish today.
The Start of Sending Valentine's Day Cards
The earliest known written Valentine was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, during his imprisonment in the Tower of London. Longing to connect with this wife, his heartfelt verses expressed his great love and devotion, setting the stage for centuries of romantic exchanges. By the 1700s, sending handmade cards, or "valentines," had become a popular tradition. Fast forward to the mid-1800s, when Esther A. Howland, often called the "Mother of the American Valentine," revolutionized the practice. She created exquisite valentines adorned with ribbons, lace, scraps, and other embellishments, turning the exchange of cards into an art form and sparking the commercial Valentine industry.
Today's Best Valentine's Day Messages
Today, pairing a thoughtful card with a bouquet makes the perfect statement, whether for a partner, friend, or family member. A handwritten message adds a personal touch that lingers long after Valentine's Day has passed, making your sentiments truly unforgettable. Whether it's a heartfelt declaration of love or a lighthearted note to brighten someone's day, the right words can make all the difference. No matter who is on the receiving end, here are a few of our favorite ways to say "I love you."
Romantic Partner:
- Cupid's aim is still pretty good.
- In my happily-ever-after era with you.
- You're my heart, my home, and my forever.
- Every day with you feels like Valentine's Day.
Family Members:
- I may not say it enough, but always remember how much I love you.
- Thank you for being my constant source of love and support.
- To my first Valentine...
- A Valentine's hug for the one who's always been there for me.
Friends:
- Friendship is love in its purest form.
- You're the family I got to choose.
- Life is sweeter with a friend like you.
- To my partner in crime - Happy Valentine's Day!
Popular Valentine's Day Flowers
Every February 14th, about 250 million flowers are sold worldwide, with red roses being the timeless favorite and making up over 80% of Valentine's Day floral sales. These stems are a classic symbol of passionate love, deep beauty, and the enduring fire of romance. The tradition of sending flowers on Valentine's Day traces back to Victorian times when floriography (the language of flowers) was a way to send heartfelt messages without using words. Delivering romantic messages through red roses further established their deep romantic symbolism that has been embraced by thousands of writers and artists throughout the centuries.
Other popular stems to send on Valentine's Day include tulips (symbols of perfect and unconditional love), lilies (symbols of love and grace), and carnations (symbols of love, devotion, passion, and commitment). Mixed bouquets are also a fantastic choice, blending colors and textures to tell a unique story. Each flower contributes its own meaning to create a vibrant tapestry of emotion and capture the many shades of love.
Pairing Flowers with Gifts
It's the classic duo that never goes out of style - flowers and chocolates are the ultimate Valentine's Day combo. This pairing perfectly blends visual beauty with indulgent sweetness, creating a gift that speaks to both the heart and the senses. Flowers express emotion with vibrant colors and symbolic meanings, while chocolates add a rich, decadent touch, symbolizing love's sweetness and luxury. For the best chocolates and gifts to pair with Valentine's Day flowers, explore the gift section at your local flower shop -- we're sure you'll find curated sets that combine stunning blooms with premium confections. Don't forget to personalize your choice to ensure your gift feels as unique as your bond.
Valentine's Day Spending
Valentine's Day generates $25.6 billion in annual sales, with the average person spending $186 to show love and affection towards romantic partners, friends, and family. Of that total, approximately $2.6 billion is dedicated to flowers, making fresh stems one of the most cherished gifts of the holiday. This significant investment in Valentine's Day blooms highlights their timeless appeal as a symbol of affection, beauty, and connection that transcends relationships.
Pro Tips for Valentine's Day Shopping
Plan ahead and save! While some people wait until the day before (or even the day of) Valentine's Day to pick up flowers, others bring them home a few days early to get a jump on the celebration. For the best experience, we recommend ordering flowers as early as February 1st and scheduling delivery closer to the big day of romance. Planning not only saves you from last-minute stress but also gives you access to popular arrangements that may sell out quickly. Be sure to sign up for emails and newsletters from your local florists to take advantage of exclusive offers, early bird specials, and other discounts. With a little bit of forethought, you can make the most of your flower-buying journey - and your Valentine will feel the love in every detail.
Valentine's Day is about creating moments of love and celebrating the relationships that matter most with gestures from the heart. Whether it's a grand display of affection or a quiet moment of gratitude, the day is a beautiful reminder to cherish and nurture the bonds that bring happiness and meaning to our lives.
