When it comes to flowers on February 14, we all think instinctively of roses – probably red, often pink. And hundreds of tonnes are traditionally imported into the country for the February rush – that’s the equivalent of anything up to 8million cut roses. They’re likely to be mostly from abroad, from warm countries where they grow throughout the year, such as Kenya, India, Tanzania and even thousands of miles away from Ecuador.
There are some wonderful names for roses. Love Always, Let there be Love, Valentine Heart, My Valentine, Sweet Love, Love Always. And of course the counties of #Yorkshire and #Lancashire are famous for their white and red roses: the red flower was first adopted as a heraldic badge by John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (1340-1399) while his younger brother Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York (1341-1402), adopted the white blossom.
But other flowers which are regarded as just as romantic by many include the daffodil – which in the Victorian language of flowers symbolised hope, light and joy, or even, if given on St Valentine’s Day, likely to bring 12 months of happiness. The tulip can mean a declaration of love, or if a yellow bloom, ‘there’s sunshine in your smile’. And carnations mean new or pure love.
Poetry too has become a conventional way to express love and affection on Valentine’s Day. Is there anyone who can’t chant this verse from the Lavender’s Blue, the English nursery rhyme?
Roses are red, dilly, dilly;
Violets are blue.
If you love me, dilly, dilly;
I will love you.
The first versions appeared in the 17th century and it’s never lost its appeal, even featuring in the Walt Disney film So Dear to My Heart. And on their 1985 album Misplaced Childhood, Marillion, the British band, recorded a song called Lavender, which got into the UK singles chart.
So clearly the romantic allure of lavender has never faded. And its meaning? Take your pick: purity: serenity, love and devotion.
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