Perhaps some of you remember from grade school, decorating a large, round box, covering it with red paper hearts, pictures of flowers, usually roses, crepe paper, pictures of expensive chocolate candy, and anything else that would say Valentine’s Day.
The top would have been glued and pasted so tightly to make sure no one got a peek before the big day. All week before Valentine’s Day, cards were slipped through the top opening until the box nearly burst with them.
On that special day, the top was pried open, and nearly everyone went away with handfuls of these precious missives. Then a drawing was made for the privilege of taking home that wonderful, huge box. I really wanted that box, (how would I get it home, on the bus?) But alas, I never won it but had to settle for a heart-shaped sucker and the valentines.
Candy and cards may be popular now for sending on Valentine’s Day, but flowers have been showing affection from for many centuries.
Roses are still the most popular, but be careful when choosing the color and number.
Red roses are the classic declaration of love, and a single rose means love at first sight. If not sure of your intentions, it is better to send a few more or add some pure white as a symbol of youthfulness and everlasting love.
Pink roses are elegant, feminine, and project sweetness. A pretty way to say thank you.
However, in Victorian times, yellow roses were a sign of jealousy. I wonder if duels were fought over this rose? Today, yellow says affection, warmth, and welcome. Still, one might think twice.
Not only do roses have meaning, but the number is important. One rose is that clear declaration and two indicate you are already a couple. Five or nine show love is eternal, and 10 simply perfect love, but 12 is an outright proposal of marriage.
Now, if the need to say you are sorry arises, then better count on 15. But, and this is odd, if you want to express sincere love and care, send exactly forty-one long-stemmed roses. No explanation, but count carefully.
One hundred roses show complete devotion, or that money is no object.
No doubt roses are popular, but how about red tulips or yellow daisies? A breath of spring air if the day is cold or snowy.
The language of flowers is very old-fashioned, which seems perfect for a very old-fashioned day.
Judy Terry is a garden columnist for the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Garden Walks with Judy: Celebrating Valentine’s Day | Column
Reporting by Judy Terry, Special to the Press-Citizen / Ames Tribune
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