The Language of Flower Gifting.

It is believed that the popularization of flower giving on Valentine’s day began in Europe during 17th to 18th century.  Flowers had a significant part in the human history. The language of flower is known as Floriography, and it started during the Victorian Era. We often use flowers to help us convey or express ourselves and emotions. Its beauty and scent captivates us, well, it doesn’t work all the time because we all know that there are also foul- smelling flowers. Of course you won’t give a Rafflesia, it’s the largest flower in the world but you wouldn’t dare giving it because of the smell. No worries, nobody is selling it.

Valentine’s Day is approaching real fast and I am sure there are people around here who are now looking for great deals from online flower shops. To save time in choosing which flowers should you give, here are the most popular and bestsellers on Valentine’s Day. I added meanings and what it represents based on my intensive research (well, I did a research). Without further ado, here is the list:

 Roses.

Roses are quite popular specially the red roses. If you want to convey your deep feelings and emotions, it is best to send a bouquet of red roses. Red Roses means love and it signifies romance and appreciation. A combination of Pink and White Roses tell the purity of your intention for your future partner while a combination of Red and Yellow can be your way to tell that she makes the best version of you. Lilac roses are for marriage proposal. Gifting your special someone with it symbolizes your intentions for the future. Pink roses means elegance and grace. For sincerity and gratitude, it will be a peach roses. Best to gift together with your “Thank You” note. Orange Rose  is for passion and enthusiasm while Cream Roses means charm and thoughtfulness. If Cupid struck your heart with his golden arrow, it’ll be a Lavender Rose. That is for love at first sight. If you just met her, it is best to give Coral Roses, it simply means you are excited for her presence and you want to know her better. Hibiscus Rose may look simple and common for the occasion but it’s a great choice when you would like to convey your affection and fondness.

 Avoid the following colors rose of  during "Valentine’s Day”:

• Light Pink Roses for it represents sympathy and adoration. Reserve it to gift for difficult times.

• The White Roses represents spiritually. Although it is associated with marriage, white roses actually means “unacquainted with love”.

• Yellow Roses is a symbol of friendship but it also means, jealousy and infidelity. You wouldn’t give that to your partner.

Peonies.

These large layered flowers with sweet fragrance are also perfect to gift this month of love. Peony plants can last a hundred years. It symbolizes love, romance and good fortune, as well as, prosperity, respect, honor a bravery.

Carnation.

Carnation is derived from two Greek words, 'dios' that refers to the Greek god Zeus, and 'anthos' that means flower. It is known as "the flowers of god". Carnations has a lot of color varieties, so don't just give a purple carnation during the season of love. Here are the colors and the corresponding meanings:

• White Carnations for pure love and good luck.

• Dark Red Carnations for deep love and a woman's affection.

• Light Red Carnations for Admiration

• Pink Carnation's for motherly love.

• Striped for regret and refusal (girls, you know what to gift for that annoying suitor).

• Purple Carnations for Capriciousness (boys, you have now an idea)

• Yellow Carnation for disappointment and dejection.

Tulips.

If you would like to treat your love as a royalty, you might consider gifting a purple tulip. Yellow tulips symbolizes cheerful and happy thoughts, so if you have someone that makes you smile for just a thought of her, yellow tulip is the best option. White tulips are for forgiveness. If you aren't sure how to convey your message of forgiveness, you can bring a white tulip for the person who wronged you. Sometimes, we can't speak out what our hearts really wants to tell specially if we are in pain or if we are still hurting inside. Forgiveness if freedom from all the pain and hurt.

Sunflowers.

Vibrant and lively, bright, cheery and warm. Sunflowers are my personal favorite. It symbolizes longevity, loyalty and adoration. It is known for being a happy flower. If you would like to make somebody's day, gift them with a bunch of sunflowers!

Fun fact: sunflowers absorb toxins. Try gifting your partner a bouquet of sunflower to help ease your toxic relationship (just kidding), but who knows?! After all, it's a happy flower.

I hope, this will help you out finding that perfect bouquet of flowers for Valentine's Day. Girls, I hope you will not just accept but also do a research after receiving a flower. A person might gift you with a light pink roses with all that adorable smile but unfortunately, it isn't the best thing to gift. Well, as they say "It's the thoughts that count" but unfortunately that doesn't work at all times.

So pick that simple Hibiscus Rose from your mother's garden, it's the best option if you are at minimal budget. It's the most underrated flower in my opinion. It's beautiful and it conveys a lot of message.

I hope you will have a beautiful Valentine's Day celebration. Don't overspend though. Real love doe not need extravagant dates and gifts. Sincerity and pure intentions can also be shown with our little act of thoughtfulness all year round.

Sources:

https://bouqs.com/blog/best-flowers-valentines/

https://essexflorist.net/tradition-giving-flowers-become-today/ https://www.pickupflowers.com/flower-guide/carnations https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/g1352/rose-color-meanings/

https://www.teleflora.com/meaning-of-flowers/tulip?promotion=FEBRUARYWELCOME5 https://www.proflowers.com/blog/history-and-meaning-of-sunflowers https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/peony-facts/