Valentine Flowers
It can start with a glance
across the room or perhaps seeing the same smile at the coffee shop each
morning. If it causes a reaction, you may have just felt cupid's arrow!
Cupid was one of the gods
of mythology. In Latin, the word Cupid means, "desire". We can all recognize
this chubby little guy with the mischievous smile, however, how he chooses
his victims is sometimes quite a puzzle! Still, there is no getting away
from it - if cupid has shot his arrow and hit his mark, then you are probably
in love or at least "smitten" with someone special!
Valentine's Day, like
love itself, can mean different things to different people. Not all of
us are romantic. Or perhaps we are, just not in the conventional way. |
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However, it's not just a
day to send cards, chocolates and flowers (although we do highly recommend
it!). And believe it or not, Valentine's Day is not a holiday "made up"
by greeting card companies and florists! There really was a St. Valentine!
Actually, he was a priest
by the name of Valentine during the reign of Emperor Claudius The Emperor
was heavily into trying to recruit men to serve as soldiers for his wars.
This became increasingly difficult as the men preferred not to leave their
wives, families or sweethearts to fight in foreign lands. Claudius was
not very amused with the situation. He became angry and declared that no
more marriages could be performed and all engagements were to be cancelled!
Many of the young lovers
were so disappointed that Valentine decided he would do something about
this unfair declaration. So, defying the law, he secretly performed marriage
ceremonies for those still wishing to marry. Legend has it that he was
considered something of a hero in his time. But The Emperor caught wind
of what was going on and threw Valentine into jail. While there, Valentine
fell in love with the jailer's daughter and wrote her letters that were
signed "From your Valentine". This enraged the jailer and Valentine lost
his life... many suspect on February 14th, 269 A.D.
With his death, Valentine
became the patron saint of lovers - hence St. Valentine! In 496 Pope Gelasius
declared the day in honour of St. Valentine. For centuries and centuries,
this day of celebration has been kept alive while others have fallen by
the wayside.
Greeting
Cards................
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The Language Of Flowers
is synonymous with the language of love and plays a very intriguing role
in showing your affections. A bouquet of red roses speaks Volumes as a
Valentine token of love. Indeed, any beautiful floral bouquet can surely
warm a heart and convey a message of caring and love!
And since Victorian times,
Valentine's Day cards have been adorned with hearts, flowers, and yes,
even our charming friend cupid, when paper lace Valentine Cards were sent
by a "Secret Admirer".
Times have changed in
many ways. Feelings are no longer secret and flowers are not sent just
by men... nor only to lovers! Although the vast majority of men's valentine
day purchases are for their wives or girlfriends, statistics show that
women send expressions of love to parents, sisters, daughters and friends.
However, did you know that 60 % of men, from young to not so young, said
they would consider it very romantic to receive flowers on Valentine's
Day? Sadly, only 40% claim to have been so honoured! |
Apple Blossom -- Better things
to come
Camelia -- Graditude
Carnation -- Fascination
and love
Chrysanthemum (Red) -- "I
love you"
Chrysanthemum (White) --Truth
Cyclamen -- Modesty and shyness
Daffodil -- Regard
Daisy -- Innocence
Fern -- Fascination and sincerity
Flowering Almond -- Hope
Forget-Me-Not -- True love
and remembrance
Heliotrope -- Devotion and
faithfulness
Honeysuckle -- Generosity
Hyacinth -- Loveliness
Hydrangea -- Boastfulness
Iris -- Warmth of affection
Ivy -- Eternal fidelity
Japonica -- Loveliness
Jasmine -- Amiability
Lemon Blossom -- Fidelity
in love
Lilac (White) - Youthful
innocence
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Lily -- Majesty
Lily-Of-The-Valley -- Return
of happiness
Magnolia -- Perseverance
Maidenhair -- Discretion
Mimosa -- Sensitivity
Orange Blossom -- Purity
and virginity
Peach Blossom -- Captive
Rose (Red) -- Love
Rose (Yellow) -- Friendship
Rose (Coral) -- Desire
Rose (Peach) -- Modesty
Rose (Dark Pink) -- Thankfulness
Rose (Pale Pink) - Grace
Rose (Orange) -- Fascination
Rose (White) -- Innocence
Rosemary -- Remembrance
Snowdrop -- Hope
Sweet Pea -- Delicate pleasures
Tulip -- Love
Veronica -- Fidelity
Violet - Faithfulness
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Greeting
Cards................
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