Rediscover a Multicultural and Historical Flower Holiday
According to the online resource, Encyclopedia Britannica, britannica.com (sourced in 2020), Valentine's Day originates from centuries ago, sourcing from the Roman holiday festival, Lupercalia. This festival was a celebration held in mid-February praising the coming spring season of nature's fertility. A consistent level remains relevant among the many stories centering on the namesake of this love holiday. In 270 CE, Emperor Claudius II Gothicus martyred Saint Valentine for marrying couples in secret. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius replaced the festival Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day. As of the 14th century, it became a celebration of romance throughout Europe.
By the late 1700s, within the European culture, it was common to send love letters and notes that soon became coined "valentines" in honor of the celebration of love. Symbols of cupid, the Roman God of Love, in addition to flowers and especially roses, became cult-like practices for this holiday.
Floricultural History and Influence
The gifting of flowers, specifically roses, became significant due to the cultural influence of greek mythology and its praise for the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. Mythology states that a rose bush grew from the ground from the blood of her lost lover, Adonis. The Romans, who also hailed Aphrodite as Venus, upheld the roses as a symbol of love and beauty in honor and celebration. The rest is history... - OXO
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Sources For This Article
Author - Naia Geni | Floral Designer | Senior Editor | @naiageni
Encyclopedia Britannica | sourced in 2020 | Britannica.com
Flowers - Florboxoxo | @florboxoxo
Roses are cultured and traditional flowers. This classic beauty has taken center stage within the bloom community for centuries. Our collection would not be complete without a classic rose, leading with textures and color palettes such as cupid rouge, blushing pink, fairytale yellow, and timeless ivory. Read More
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