It’s “the most wonderful time of year” here at the shop. Besides Christmas and Mother’s Day, that is. The Petal Pushers design team is hard at work, preparing for an exciting and very chaotic Valentine’s Day.
Red roses and chocolate. Just some boring thing we do on a commercialized “Hallmark holiday” once a year.
Right?
Well, not exactly. The tradition of presenting chocolate to your loved one (and we’ll start with chocolate first, because, well, it’s chocolate… must we have a reason?) is steeped in historical significance.
The tale of chocolate and Valentine’s Day actually goes back further than you may think. Chocolate has been associated with special events since it was originally discovered nearly 2,000 years ago. The Aztecs made special chocolate drinks that were used on special occasions. Ever since that time chocolate has been looked upon as a very special item.
In more recent history during the 1800’s in Europe, Richard Cadbury (should sound familiar!) created what would become the first heart shaped box for chocolates to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Ever since then, it has become a yearly tradition for couples in love all across the world.
(At the shop, we offer a decadent collection of premium gourmet chocolates, including David Bradley. We’ve been known to sneak a few at the shop – they’re just that tempting!)
Of course, flowers are steeped in tradition as well. While red roses are the traditional symbol of love, they may be a little cliché for some. That’s where the experts come in…
Budding romantics, take note!
Here’s a special guide to saying those three special words with flowers:
• Daffodils are the symbol of ‘unrequited love’ so this could be an appropriate gift for someone you admire from afar.
• Narcissus – another spring flower, but this one has a very different meaning. This is the symbol of ‘ego’, so this bouquet could be apt for someone who’s a bit too ‘me, me, me’.
• For covert love affairs choose Ferns – the symbol of ‘secret love’ – and pair them with Scarlet Fuschias for ‘confiding love’.
• Violets and Bird of Paradise are the symbols of ‘faithfulness’ and could be combined with Lavender for ‘loyalty’ and ‘devotion’. If you’re going to be far away from that special someone this Valentine’s Day, send them Forget-me-not for ‘true love’ and ‘remembrance’.
• Roses have become the traditional Valentine’s flower, but Orchids also symbolize ‘love’ and ‘beauty’. Red Tulips are considered a ‘declaration of love’ and cost a lot less than red roses.
• For young lovers, Primroses are the symbol of ‘first love’, whilst the Hyacinth is perfect for those couples who like having fun together, as it’s the symbol of ‘playful love’.
• For those of you in the dog’s house this Valentine’s Day, slip an Olive branch into your bouquet, as the symbol of ‘peace’. You could also try buttering them up with some Peonies, the flower for ‘beauty’.
…and don’t forget some Ivy for ‘fidelity’!
😉
Petal Press 