Did you ever wonder the origins of why people often choose to give red flowers to their significant others for Valentine's Day?
The language of flowers became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. Virtually every flower, even its color, had special significance during this period. Flowers even formed secret correspondence between men and women with bouquets being chosen carefully to convey sentiment.
Traditionally:
- red roses: love
- pink roses: complete happiness
- daffodils: regard
- daisies: loyalty
- gardenia: clandestine or secret love.
Flowers express traits of character, as well.
Here are some additional plants aptly named for feelings often accompanying Valentine's Day sentiments: "Bleeding Heart" (Dicentra Spectabilis),"Love in Winter" (Chimaphila umbellata), "Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate" (Persicaria orientale), and "Love Lies Bleeding" (Amaranthus caudatus). Some, such as "Cupid Dart" (Catananche caerulea) were used in potions and other concoctions, in this case by ancient Greeks. And alas, the "All American Roses" of the year for 1980 were “Love”, “Honor” and “Cherish”.