The history behind giving red roses on February 14th

Posted on 03/06/2025

The Origins of Giving Red Roses on February 14th

Valentine's Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is a day synonymous with love, affection, and the exchange of sentimental gifts. Among these, the act of giving red roses stands out as the most iconic gesture. But what is the history behind giving red roses on February 14th? To uncover the mystery, let's journey through ancient mythology, medieval traditions, and modern marketing that established red roses as the ultimate symbol of romance on Valentine's Day.

Ancient Beginnings: The Symbolism of the Red Rose

Myths, Legends, and the Language of Flowers

The red rose's association with love and passion goes back thousands of years. In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, the rose was closely connected to the goddess of love -- Aphrodite to the Greeks, Venus to the Romans. According to legend, the rose bloomed from Aphrodite's tears and the blood of her beloved Adonis, symbolizing the union of beauty and eternal love.

• Greeks dedicated roses to Aphrodite, often placing floral wreaths on her altars.
• Romans used red roses to confide in Venus, believing the flower would carry their secret desires to the goddess.

Over time, the red rose transcended myth to become the universal flower of love and desire. The color red itself is traditionally associated with strong feelings, ranging from love and admiration to passion and longing. In the language of flowers (floriography), which was especially popularized in the Victorian era, no other bloom could match the emotional power of a red rose.

From Saint Valentine to Valentine's Day: The Medieval Link

The Life and Legend of Saint Valentine

The connection between red roses and February 14th solidified in the Middle Ages. The day was named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr. Several legends surround Valentine, but the most popular claims he secretly married couples in defiance of the Emperor's ban on marriage. Before his execution, it's believed he wrote a tender letter signed "from your Valentine."

• Medieval poetry often referenced blooming flowers and bird mating season in February.
• Red roses, linked to the Virgin Mary and devotion, subtly transitioned into a symbol for romantic love.

Poets like Geoffrey Chaucer in his "Parliament of Fowls" associated February 14th with courtly love and the start of mating season for birds. This literary tradition encouraged the giving of flowers among lovers -- with the red rose increasingly representing the deepest form of affection.

The Red Rose as a Symbol of Love Through the Ages

The Language of Flowers and Courtship

By the Elizabethan and Victorian eras, the tradition of giving red roses on Valentine's Day became more formalized. Victorians, in particular, developed an elaborate language of flowers, where each bloom had a coded meaning. Exchanging bouquets became a discreet way to express romantic interest or affection in a society with strict social rules.

• Red roses unequivocally symbolized "love" and "desire."
• White roses signified purity and innocence.
• Pink roses denoted admiration and gratitude.
• Yellow roses stood for friendship.

A single red rose on Valentine's Day, therefore, sent a clear and unmistakable message: deep romantic love. Over time, literature, music, and art reinforced the red rose's status as the favored bloom for sweethearts.

Global Traditions and the Spread of the Red Rose Ritual

Valentine's Day Through Cultures

The custom of giving red roses on February 14th eventually spread beyond Europe. As European traditions traveled with colonists and missionaries, Valentine's Day and its floral gestures were adopted around the world--with local variations.

• In the United States: The red rose became the premier flower for lovers during the 19th-century Valentine's Day craze.
• In Japan and Korea: Giving red roses is a popular gesture on both Valentine's Day and White Day (March 14th).
• In Latin America: The day is celebrated as "El Dia del Amor y la Amistad," with red roses exchanged among friends and lovers alike.

Today, the global flower trade ensures that red roses are widely available, even in the depths of winter--further cementing their place in Valentine's tradition.

The Modern Era: Commercialization and Mass Appeal

How Red Roses Became the Ultimate Valentine's Day Gift

The association of red roses with February 14th was further amplified by clever marketing and the growth of the commercial flower industry in the 20th century. Florists, greeting card companies, and advertisers promoted red roses as the essential gesture of Valentine's Day romance.

• Increased cultivation of roses and the advent of air freight enabled large-scale delivery of fresh blooms just in time for the holiday.
• Advertisements established a red rose bouquet as the definitive demonstration of love on February 14th.

As a result, hundreds of millions of red roses are exchanged globally on Valentine's Day each year, making it one of the most lucrative periods for florists worldwide.

Why Red Roses? Understanding Their Timeless Appeal

The Meaning Behind the Bloom

The history behind giving red roses on February 14th is rooted in symbolism. But why do these blossoms endure as the top choice for romantic gestures?

• Color Psychology: Red evokes strong emotions--notably love and attraction.
• Literary and Artistic Legacy: From Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to modern romantic films, the red rose persistently appears as a motif for romantic passion.
• Universal Recognition: Across languages and cultures, the meaning of a red rose is immediately understood.

When you present red roses on Valentine's Day, you're taking part in a centuries-old tradition. You're not only showing your affection but also participating in a universal symbol that bridges myth, history, and personal romance.

Red Roses on Valentine's Day: Fun Facts and Modern Trends

Red Roses in Contemporary Romance

• Approximately 250 million red roses are grown for Valentine's Day each year.
• Giving an odd number of roses is considered more romantic in some cultures.
• The world's most expensive Valentine's Day bouquet featured over 1000 red roses and was valued at more than $13,000.
• Florists report that requests for customized rose bouquets, combining red roses with other colored flowers, are increasingly popular.
• Online gifting services have made it possible to send red roses on February 14th across international borders in just hours.

Alternative Meanings and the Role of Red Roses Today

From Classical Symbolism to Personal Expression

While the red rose remains the flower of passionate love, modern couples sometimes redefine its significance to suit personal stories and cultural backgrounds. Alternative bouquets, including mixed flowers, wild roses, or eco-friendly arrangements, are gradually finding a place alongside the timeless tradition of the red Valentine's Day rose.

• Eco-conscious choices are on the rise, with many favoring locally-sourced or organically grown roses.
• Personalized notes and keepsake vases add individualized touches to the classic rose bouquet.
• Some couples use the gifting of roses as an annual tradition, preserving a petal from each year as a keepsake.

Conclusion: The Everlasting Love Story of the Red Rose on February 14th

The journey of the red rose as a Valentine's Day symbol weaves together ancient mythology, medieval courtship, literary tradition, and contemporary innovation. By giving a red rose on February 14th, you're doing more than following a commercial custom -- you're participating in a ritual with deep historical roots, embraced by cultures around the world.

Whether you choose a single stem or an elaborate bouquet, red roses remain the language of love that transcends words. Their vivid color, delicate fragrance, and profound symbolism ensure that their story is far from over. As long as people fall in love, the act of gifting red roses on Valentine's Day will remain a cherished expression of the heart for generations to come.