Valentine’s day: a brief history

Whether it’s a day celebrating a long term love, a new flame, or the joys of being single, Valentine’s Day is one of the most talked about days of the year. February 14th marks this day of romance. The origins of Valentine’s Day have to do with a Saint Valentinus, or Saint Valentine. While there isn’t exactly a clear cut history of Saint Valentine, it’s no coincidence the Roman saint is associated with romance and love when you look at the myths and stories that surround him.

One stories claims that sometime in 3rd century AD, the Roman Emperor Claudius Gothicus (Claudius II) and Valentine were supposedly friendly – despite the fact that Valentine was performing Christian marriages that were illegal under the emperor’s rule. However, Claudius was rumored to be fond of Valentine. That is, until the Christian began to try and convert the emperor Christianity. Valentine was then executed and, consequently, martyred.

Another story claims that Valentine was killed because he was marrying couples so that they couldn’t go to war. Under Claudius II’s rule, only single men could be soldiers.

Yet another tale says that Valentine was imprisoned for refusing to participate in pagan rituals. While in prison, he cured the jailer’s daughter of her blindness. Before his execution date, he left her a note that read, “Your Valentine.” Sound familiar?

No matter who he actually was, Saint Valentine left a legacy of love. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for centuries. So too have flowers been a symbol of love for hundreds of years. Of course, red roses may come to mind as the romantic flower of choice, but there are so many other blooms that capture the beauty of Valentine’s Day. It all depends what kind of day you plan on having…

A Day Of Passion

If you’re celebrating a zesty, on-fire romance, there’s no better choice than bold, bright colors. Whether you’ve just started dating your sweetheart, you’ve been together for years (or you just love yourself that much) bold, bright colors are the way to go. Think red, orange, pink, green, or electric purple.

Classic: Red Roses

It’s been said a thousand times, but for good reason. When it comes to saying “I’m crazy about you,” red roses get the job done. Simple red roses with a handwritten card are endlessly romantic. Shop our red roses here.

Luxurious: Orchids

Orchids are sumptuous, gem-like flowers that are the floral equivalent of diamonds or pearls. If you care for your sweetheart intensely and want to pull out all the stops, vibrant purple orchids are your go-to choice. Shop our orchids here

A Day Of Commitment

You’ve had your ups and downs, but you and your partner are in it for the long haul, and that’s something to cheer for. It’s not that you and your partner don’t have passion, but this Valentine’s Day you’re celebrating something else: fortitude. The ability to tough it out through good times and bad. Here are the flowers that represent a hearty love like yours.

Classic: Lilies

Lilies are silky and long lasting – just like your relationship. Creamy, pale lilies don’t demand immediate attention. Instead, their subtle beauty plays on your eyes until you realize you’ve spent a good five minutes just staring at the simple beauty in front of you. To represent a relationship with staying power, a bouquet of lilies is the way to go. Shop our lilies here.

Luxurious: Hydrangeas

Like a thousand flowers in one, the hydrangea is a flower that truly says “our love is everlasting.” Hydrangeas are usually blue or pale pink: soft, gentle colors that represent love and nurturance. This abundant, jaw-dropping flower represents being with something until the end of time. It will be sure to delight your lover.

A Day Of Friendship

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about big kisses or that “one true love” – it can also be about the magic of friendship! Forget relationships, your best friend is the person you want to spend February 14th with. And who knows? Your best friend might also be that special someone, now or in the future. Gift your best friend something incredible to celebrate your bond this Valentine’s Day.

Classic: Sunflowers

Bright and cheerful, a bunch of sunflowers is a wonderful way to express gratitude for your friendship. The lovely yellow petals can’t help but make you smile. Sunflowers are celebratory without being overly romantic, so they’re ideal for commemorating a friendship-themed Valentine’s Day. Shop our sunflowers

Luxurious: Alstroemerias

Alstoremerias is actually the flower of friendship, so there’s no better bloom to present to your friend on this day of love. Also known as the Peruvian lily, alstroemerias have striking tiger stripes that are sure to turn heads and light up the faces of the lucky recipient. Show your BFF you’re willing to go all out with these breathtaking blooms.

Valentine’s Day Flower Accessories

Flowers are perfect on their own, but why not take your gift one step further and present it with a little extra something? These easy Valentine’s Day accessories will take your flowers to the next level with only a little extra time and effort!

How to write the perfect Valentine’s Day card…

Expressing your feelings can be tricky. Expressing them on Valentine’s Day can be downright daunting. It’s actually pretty easy to write the perfect Valentine’s Day card. Just follow this simple template:

Dear [recipient’s name]:

Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m happy to be spending it with someone so [adjective] & [adjective]. Think of two adjectives to describe the person that are unique – are they talented? Funny? Kind?

Today makes me think about that time we [shared memory]. Try to think of something significant the two of you shared, be it a night out on the town, or one night you watched a movie together.

That memory makes me [adjective]. Happy, grateful?

I’m so grateful to have had [shared memory], and it’s only one of the many we have together. Thank you for being [adjective]. I [verb] you. Note: you don’t have to say ‘love’ if you’re not there yet! Say adore, appreciate, etc.

Love,
[Your name]

Remember – this is only a template, so feel free to make your own modifications as you see fit! But if you’re feeling some writer’s block, this should get you well on your way to writing the perfect card.

If you like it than you shoulda put a ring on it…

Valentine’s Day is full of proposals, but you don’t have to be popping the question to present a wonderful ring – and we’re not talking about diamonds. Along with your beautiful bouquet, give your Valentine a homemade floral ring made out of…pipe cleaners! That’s right, this craft is easy and cheap. Check it out!

What you’ll need:

6 colored pipe cleaners in the color of your choice (this will be the color of your flower)

1 green pipe cleaner for the stem

1. Twist the ends of the 6 colors pipe cleaners into a center. The result should resemble a star.
2. Twist the green pipe cleaner around the center of the colored star.
3. Curl the colored pipe cleaners into whatever shapes you like. You can twist them into spirals or circles. These shapes are your flower ring’s petals. Have fun with it!
4. Bend the green pipe cleaner and loop it for a ring shape. Cut off the excess pipe cleaner.
5. Voila! Your ring is ready

Remember, Valentine’s Day is about the heart!

No matter who you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with, the message should be clear: it’s all about the intention behind your gifts. No matter which flowers you decide to go with, remember to be thoughtful and sincere with what you choose. Here at BloomsyBox, we source all of our flowers ethically, so you can be sure you’re already one step ahead of the average bloom buyer. You can also consider buying your sweetheart 3, 6, or 12 months of surprise flowers with our Bloom Of The Month Club if you’d really like to go all out!

Sources: http://www.proflowers.com/blog/the-history-of-valentines-day(http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159)