With Valentine's Day just around the corner on February 14th, one thing is certain: red roses will once again steal the show. Bouquets of velvety crimson petals fly off the shelves (and out of our coolers!) faster than almost anything else. But have you ever stopped to wonder why roses—especially red ones—have become the undisputed kings (and queens) of Valentine's Day romance?
It's no coincidence. The popularity of roses on February 14th is rooted in thousands of years of history, powerful symbolism, stunning beauty, and cultural tradition. Let's dive into why this classic bloom continues to capture hearts year after year.
1. Ancient Roots in Mythology: The Flower of the Goddess of Love
The connection between roses and romance goes way back—to ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Roses were sacred to Aphrodite (Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire) and her Roman counterpart, Venus.
One enduring legend tells how the first red roses bloomed when Aphrodite's tears mixed with the blood of her wounded lover, Adonis. From that moment, the red rose became forever linked to passionate, sacrificial love and deep devotion.
This mythological tie set the stage for roses to symbolize romance across cultures and centuries—long before Valentine's Day even became a thing!
2. The Victorian Language of Flowers: Saying "I Love You" Without Words
Fast-forward to the 18th and 19th centuries, when societal norms made openly expressing romantic feelings a bit... scandalous. Enter floriography, the secret "language of flowers" popularized during the Victorian era.
People sent carefully chosen blooms to convey messages that words couldn't (or shouldn't) say. In this coded system:
Red roses meant passionate love, desire, and "I love you."
Other colors carried different meanings (pink for admiration, white for purity), but red stood out as the boldest declaration of romantic affection.
Thanks to books like Le Langage des Fleurs and letters from travelers introducing Turkish flower customs, the red rose became the go-to symbol for heartfelt romance. This tradition stuck—and exploded in popularity as Valentine's Day evolved into a celebration of love.
3. Timeless Beauty and Symbolism That Still Resonates Today
Beyond history, roses have qualities that make them irresistible:
Striking appearance — Those layered, velvety petals in rich red scream elegance and intensity. The color red itself evokes passion, energy, and a racing heart.
Universal appeal — Red roses transcend cultures and languages as a shorthand for deep, romantic love.
Versatility — A single stem says "I'm thinking of you," while a dozen (or more!) shouts grand romance. They pair beautifully with greenery, other flowers, or stand alone in classic perfection.
In a world of fleeting trends, roses feel enduring and sincere—exactly what Valentine's Day is all about.
4. A Valentine's Tradition That Keeps Growing (Literally!)
Today, millions of red roses are grown, flown in, and arranged specifically for February 14th. It's a massive global effort because demand is huge—proving the tradition is as strong as ever.
At Irvine Village Flowers, we see it firsthand: couples return year after year for those perfect long-stem reds, knowing nothing else quite captures the magic of "I love you" like a bouquet of fresh roses.
Ready to Make This Valentine's Day Unforgettable?
If you're planning to surprise someone special, don't wait—roses (especially premium red varieties) sell out quickly as the holiday approaches. Ordering early ensures the freshest, fullest blooms and your choice of delivery time.
Browse our Valentine's rose collections today—from classic dozen reds to luxurious mixed arrangements with that signature romantic flair. We're here to help you say it with flowers in the most meaningful way possible.
Because when it comes to Valentine's Day, some traditions are worth keeping... especially when they're as beautiful as roses.
Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Irvine Village Flowers! What’s your favorite way to give (or receive) roses?
