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With Valentine's Day around the corner, red roses are sure to be a popular choice for those wanting to express their feelings to loved ones. But how did red roses become a symbol of romantic love?
Two key moments in Western history can be seen as the origin of this long-held and universal tradition.
The association of roses with romance and love dates back to antiquity. In Greek and Roman myths, the goddess of love, Venus (in Rome, Aphrodite in Greece), is said to have created the rose with her blood. The story goes like this… The goddess was adored not only by her lover Adonis but also by the jealous Mars, the god of war. In his jealousy, Mars decided to kill Adonis. In Venus’ haste to warn Adonis, she slipped and fell into a bed of roses. The scratches on her body, caused by the rose thorns, made her blood flow, coloring the roses red. Since then, the red rose has been associated with the goddess and the love and beauty she symbolizes.
Fast forward to the Victorian era, where red roses became associated with romantic love through the popularization of so-called "floriography" in England. During this time, there were many strict rules and customs attached to the etiquette observed by the upper class. Courtship and flirting were a delicate and discreet affair. Open expressions of affection or conversations between the opposite sexes were forbidden. Feelings were not to be expressed. Floriography, or the language of flowers, became a way to convey secret messages. Dictionaries explaining the meanings of different flowers and plants became immensely popular across the country. The rose, in the language of flowers, stood for love, a symbolism we see reflected to this day.
These two significant moments in Western history gave the red rose the meaning it carries to this day.
Red roses are a classic choice that you can never go wrong with, but if you're thinking of trying something different this year, other shades can be just as stylish and romantic. Pink roses are graceful and symbolize gratitude and admiration, while white roses symbolize purity—perfect for wedding ceremonies.
Let us know what you have planned for Valentine’s this year at support@houseofweddings.com
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