Valentines day is a celebration of love, of romance and the important, personal relationships we’ve formed. We give gifts to show our affections, and there are few gifts that represent our feelings as well as flowers.

Flowers aren’t just pretty plants, they are a way of conveying our emotions without saying a word. Of all the flowers in the world, few have as deep a meaning as the simple red rose.

The red rose first became intertwined with love due to its relationship with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. In Greek mythology, rose bushes first grew from her fallen tears and the blood of her lover, Adonis. The Romans turned Aphrodite to their goddess Venus, keeping the rose as a symbol of beauty and love. This tradition continued into the modern day, where the humble rose is still the most fitting gift for valentines day.

However it wasn’t until the late 17th century that giving Valentine’s Day flowers became a tradition. During a trip to Persia, King Charles II of Sweden was exposed to the art of communication through flowers, and their deeper meanings. The fad bloomed throughout Europe and when Valentines became the widespread holiday it is today, the red rose became the flower of Valentines day and the most common, and appropriate gift.

This Valentines day communicate your love.  Show your love and affection without words, use roses instead.