Giving flowers on February 14th is a tradition that dates back to the 16th century. Besides this significance, it is also a way to please your partner since a bouquet of flowers always delights the ladies. So Gentlemen, to make sure you hit the mark, I offer you a small guide on what to do and also what not to do!!!
Everything is symbolic with flowers, from their varieties, their colors, and even their numbers. One cannot just do anything at the risk of offending or even hurting the person receiving the bouquet. Each variety of flower has its meaning, as does each color.
Regarding the symbolism of colors, there are certain subtleties to know. The colors of love are red, a symbol of devotion and loyalty; pink, a symbol of tenderness; and white, a symbol of purity… Generally, the brighter the colors, the more ardent the feelings; the lighter the colors, the more they inspire respect and sometimes even sorrow.
As for the symbolism of numbers, when offering roses it is customary to follow certain rules. If you give less than 10 roses, keep to an odd number. If you want to thank your beloved, give her 12 roses; if you want to be gallant, give her 24 roses; and if you want to confess your love, then give her 36.
Regarding the varieties, here are some meanings:
| Names | Meanings |
|——-|———-|
| Acacia | desire to please |
| Anemone | perseverance |
| Hawthorn | be cautious |
| Azalea | shy love |
| Cornflower | delicacy |
| Buttercup | happy to love |
| Heather | solitary reverie |
| Red Camellia | you are the most beautiful |
| Nasturtium | flame of love |
| Honeysuckle | friendly ties |
| Poppy | fragile ardor |
| Dahlia | gratitude |
| Wild Rose | wild love |
| Fuchsia | ardor of the heart |
| Geranium | feeling of love |
| Wallflower | constancy |
| Gladiolus | indifference |
| Wisteria | tenderness |
| Hydrangea | caprice |
| Tulip | declaration of love |
| And many more… |
Do not give red roses to young girls!!! Etiquette also brings its rules on the subject. You should never offer red roses to a “young girl,” it would be declaring your love and her father might not appreciate it! Yellow roses to a married woman are prohibited, as she might doubt your fidelity, and you wouldn’t want her to doubt you, right? Carnations to artists attract bad reviews. And of course, chrysanthemums, nicknamed “Flowers of widows”, carry a strong funereal connotation, so it is advisable to only give them when the ones honored are no longer able to oppose your gift (sic).
Now, be romantic and go ahead and compose your very own love message with flowers. And you have no excuse if you mess it up…
