Rose, particularly the red rose, is the undisputed king among flowers when it comes Valentine’s Day celebrations.

In fact, it is hard to imagine Valentine’s Day or any special occasion between lovers, without flowers, especially the red rose. But, ever wondered how the custom of giving flowers originated? How did the rose come to be considered as the flower of romance, and particularly, the traditional symbol of Valentine’s Day celebrations? It is beautiful but it has thorns that can really hurt. Something like love? Is hurt cocooned within the petal-soft folds of the emotion called love? Food for thought, eh?

According to Roman mythology, rose was said to be the favourite flower of Venus, the Goddess of Love and Romance, which explains its close association with love and passion.

It seems that way back in the 1700s, Charles II of Sweden introduced the Persian custom of “the language of flowers” to Europe. For the first time, books about the meanings of particular flowers were published. This was a lifesaver for all those who became tongue-tied in the presence of their beloved. Now, words could become redundant as a lovely bouquet of flowers spoke volumes. Needless to add, the mystique of rose as the flower of love and passion deepened with poets and writers who romanticized the flower in their verses and writings.

Over time, the rose became so entrenched in the psyche of people as the flower that expressed romantic sentiments, that today it is impossible to think of any special occasion without the customary red rose.