Every day that we get to share with our loved ones is a gift. Sadly, we sometimes take that gift for granted. Fortunately, each February 14th, St. Valentine’s Day, the calendar gives us a gentle reminder to show those whom we care about, just how much they mean to us. Although commercials on the television will be showing gifts that range from sparkling to sexy, one of the most enduring symbols of love and affection is the gift of flowers.
The rose is unrivaled in popularity. Given the elegance and beauty of this flower, it is easy to see why, this year, it is expected that over 230 million roses will be produced for St. Valentine’s Day alone! The majority of these roses will be the ever popular red rose, the unparalleled symbol of love and romance. While red roses can be the perfect gift for your better-half, other colored roses can also make a great gift for special people in your life. The yellow rose is symbolic of joy and true friendship. A white rose can signify new beginnings, while the orange rose is an expression of passion and excitement. A mother or special friend may appreciate receiving pink roses which are symbolic of admiration and appreciation.
If roses do not make you swoon or if they seem too clichéd for your tastes, another popular flower choice is the tulip. Although not as dramatic, and less over-the-top-romantic, the tulip is symbolic of perfect love. Like the rose, tulips are available in a wide range of colors that each carry their own symbolic meaning. Although it may not have been true during the crazy days of Tulipmania in 17th century Netherlands (it is said that some single bulbs would fetch a price equal to several years wages!), today Tulips make a much less expensive gift than many other types of flowers.
The downside of even the most beautiful bouquet of flowers is that within a week or two the blooms will fade, petals will fall off, and this gift will be relegated to the compost pile or the trash bin. If you desire a longer lasting symbol of your affection, you might consider the gift of a potted plant. One attractive and unique option is a potted orchid. Orchid varieties boast an array of colorful, spotted, and striped flowers, so you are sure to find just the right variety for your loved one. Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to care for, but you could think of it as a bonding experience for the two of you to keep your plant healthy and blooming time after time!
Carnations, daisies, lilies…the list goes on and on. There is no shortage of floral or plant gift options available for St. Valentine’s Day! Perhaps you know just what to get or perhaps you are agonizing over the abundant choices. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to show the special people in your life, what they mean to you. Like the fleeting beauty of a bouquet of flowers, St. Valentine’s Day will come and go, but the meaning of your gift can…and should!…last the whole year through.♥
