Every year on the 14th of February, we see couples come together to celebrate love. People bestow the love of their lives with cards, flowers, gifts, and endless love. But, do you know why and for whom the day is celebrated?
This blog will also explore some cut flowers that last the longest, to ensure that your flowers will continue to tell the story of your love for a long time!
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• A Brief History of Valentine's Day
In Rome, around the 3rd Century, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men as he felt that single men made great soldiers. Priest Valentine felt that the law was unjust and he cheated the Emperor by secretly performing marriage ceremonies for young couples.
Soon the Emperor found out about the felony and sentenced Priest Valentine to death. During his tenure in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. Before the execution, Valentine secretly sent a letter to her and enclosed it with the words, “From Your Valentine.” This expression is used even today!
Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 AD.
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius - to honor Valentine - declared February 14 as Valentine’s Day. Centuries later St. Valentine is honored each year on the same day!
The day is lauded especially with flowers as the stunning blooms symbolize love, gratitude, passion, commitment, appreciation, and romance.
• Why Do We Gift Blooming Flowers to Express Love?
Do you know that the concept of exchanging flowers has a history too? It all started way back in the 19th century and the trend hasn't stopped since then!
The origins are said to lie in a Turkish tradition called "sélam"- a means of communicating by only exchanging flowers and objects that rhyme.
Adaptations of this tradition were brought to Europe by Charles II of Sweden. He, too, attempted to use flowers to have conversations without words.
Following that, a lot of books came up in England, all claiming to translate the language of flowers in one way or another. Since then, till today, the act of conveying unsaid emotions with flowers has continued; becoming one of the most beautiful traditions to exist!
Flowers are known to convey emotions that are too strong to express with words. Not only do different flowers mean different things but also they do an unforgettable job of becoming a core memory - a memory that remains etched in people's minds forever.
• What are the Longest-lasting Valentine's Day Flower Gifts?
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show love with the timeless gesture of gifting cut flowers. Whether it's the classic elegance of roses or a vibrant mix of blooms, fresh flowers convey deep emotions and create lasting memories. A beautiful bouquet is more than just a gift—it’s a heartfelt expression of affection and care.
When choosing cut flowers for Valentine's Day, roses are the timeless classic, symbolizing love and romance. For a unique twist, consider tulips, which represent perfect love, or lilies, known for their elegance and fragrance.
Orchids offer a luxurious touch, while carnations express admiration and affection. For a bright, cheerful bouquet, sunflowers bring warmth and happiness. Each of these flowers carries its own special meaning, making them perfect for expressing your love and appreciation on this special day.
Some other blooms that you can consider are chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums are excellent Valentine's Day flowers due to their vibrant colors, long-lasting blooms, and symbolic meaning of loyalty and love, making them unique and thoughtful gift to express affection.
• Some Other Flowers that Last the Longest
Here are some Valentine's Day flower gifts that last long and make for wonderful tokens of love:
- Tulips if taken care of properly could last for 7-10 days.
- Limoniums are pretty filler flowers that are used to make bouquets look full. Regular trimming and freshwater could help these flowers last up to 14 days.
- Anthuriums with heart-shaped flowers are colorful blooms that can last for 42 days! The only condition is the variety and the season.
- Believe us; Chrysanthemum can survive for 25 to 30 days! These bright and beautiful blooms come in numerous colors and can keep your indoors decorated days after Valentine's celebrations.
- Visually enticing blue-violet, funnel-shaped Delphiniums retain their beauty for up to 14 days. To keep lively trim the stems every 2 to 3 days and keep them away from fruit and vegetables as they produce ethylene gas which can deteriorate Delphiniums rapidly.
- Fragrant Freesia can bloom continuously for 7-10 days. If you change the water and chop the stems every two days, you could keep these beauties at home for more than a week.
- Gladiolas are allergy-friendly flowers that when taken care of, can last for a minimum of 14 days!
- Even in old bouquets, Gerberas look amazing. They can also last for 14-21 days if taken good care of!
- Zinnias can stay fresh for up to 24 days. They love tender care and are naturally long-lasting.
With the right understanding of some of the longest-lasting plants and flowers, you can gift your loved ones greenery that will last an eternity. After all, isn't an eternity what you're trying to spend together?
Happy Valentine's Day!
