Valentine's Day: A Brief Guide to Giving Roses

     Well, I was going to summarize the history and meaning of giving roses on Valentine's Day. In doing some research I discovered there are many, many different explanations and stories about how and why Valentine's Day and the giving of roses came about. They range from Roman gods to young single people in French society to Middle Eastern myths about birds picking their mates on February 14th. Of course, the history that we are most familiar with is the one of St. Valentine who was a Catholic priest. He was found guilty of performing marriages during a time when the Roman emperor had banned marriage. Saint Valentine was put to death on February 14th in 269 AD.

     What does this mean for you? Well, for guys it means: buy her something pretty or you're in trouble. For ladies it means: I'd better get something pretty or he's in trouble. Valentine's Day is also jokingly called "Singles Awareness Day" where people without significant others would rather vomit than see any more pink and red hearts in store displays.
     What does that flower really mean? The giving of a rose has different meanings depending on the color and the number given.  Giving a single rose is generally a gesture of new love or infatuation.  The giving of a dozen or more represents commitment and devotion.

         Red means passion and sincere love

         White- innocence and purity, young love

         Pink - thanks and appreciation

          Yellow- Joy, Welcome home, delight, friendship and in Victorian times it meant jealousy! 
     Roses aren't the only flower suitable for Valentine's Day: be creative! Tulips are fabulous, daisies are sweet... plus these non-rose alternatives will be cheaper!  Personally, gerber daisies are MY favorite... hint, hint.

The rose pictured above is from my garden, called 'Double Delight,' it's white and dark pink... so it can mean whatever you want it to I guess!

Jessica Watters, Horticulture Technician, Chattahoochee Technical College