We celebrate a year, but do you know the origin of the Valentine’s Day & Flowers? Valentine’s Day, celebrated every February 14, is synonymous with love, romance, and the giving of flowers. But where did this tradition originate, and how did St. Valentine become associated with flowers and expressions of affection?

The Legend of St. Valentine

The origins of Valentine’s Day trace back to the story of St. Valentine, a figure shrouded in mystery and legend. There were multiple saints named Valentine, but the most widely accepted tale is that of a Roman priest in the third century who defied Emperor Claudius II’s orders. The emperor had banned marriages for young men, believing single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, however, secretly performed weddings for couples in love. When his actions were discovered, he was imprisoned and later executed on February 14 around 270 AD.

While in prison, it is said that Valentine befriended his jailer’s daughter and, before his execution, wrote her a note signed “From your Valentine,” a phrase still used today. Over time, his story became linked to the idea of love and devotion, leading to the celebration of Valentine’s Day.

The Connection to Flowers

The tradition of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day is believed to have evolved from ancient Roman customs and later medieval and Victorian influences. In ancient Rome, the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February, included fertility rites and the exchange of tokens of affection, possibly including flowers.

During the Middle Ages, the idea that birds chose their mates in mid-February contributed to the association between February 14 and love. This belief was popularized in literature, most notably in Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th-century poem Parliament of Fowls, which linked romantic love with the arrival of spring.

The Victorian era further cemented the connection between flowers and romance. The “language of flowers” (floriography) became a widely understood means of communication, with each bloom carrying a specific meaning. Roses, in particular, became the ultimate symbol of love, passion, and devotion, inspired by their association with the Roman goddess Venus (Aphrodite in Greek mythology), the goddess of love.

The Meaning Behind Popular Valentine’s Day Flowers

Today, flowers remain an enduring expression of love and affection. Here are some of the most popular blooms given on Valentine’s Day and their meanings:

• Red Roses – Love, passion, and romance
• Pink Roses – Admiration and gratitude
• White Roses – Purity and new beginnings
• Tulips – Perfect love and cheerfulness
• Lilies – Devotion and elegance
• Orchids – Exotic beauty and strength

A Timeless Tradition

The exchange of flowers on Valentine’s Day has transcended centuries, cultures, and traditions, becoming one of the most beloved ways to express affection. Whether given as a simple gesture of appreciation or as a grand romantic statement, flowers continue to symbolize the enduring nature of love—just as St. Valentine’s legacy has endured through time.

This Valentine’s Day, as you share flowers with someone special, you’re participating in a tradition that dates back centuries, celebrating love in its most natural and beautiful form.