The modern red roses that we know today were hybridized from red roses that were introduced to Europe from China in the 1800's. Symbolising deep love, passion, affection, beauty and desire, they are the most traditional of Valentine's Day flowers and are a time honoured way of telling someone "I love you". Red was associated with Aphrodite and Venus, the Greek and Roman Goddesses of Love. It has long since been used to decorate weddings and similar ceremonies, so when the giving of flowers and gifts became popular gestures of love, red roses were a natural choice. The deeper the shade of red, the deeper the feelings of the giver. I was surprised to learn that even the number of red roses you receive conveys additional meanings to the "I Love You" message:
1 Red Rose - I love you deeply
2 Red Roses tied together - Engagement "Will you marry me?"
Dozen Red Roses - Gratitude
25 Red Roses - Congratulations
50 Red Roses - I love you unconditionally
Red is also a colour that symbolises power and strenght, so outside of Valentines Day, it is good as a congratulations gift, or for the birth of a child.
One thing to remember though, like all relationships, the giving of gifts and such conveys a personal meaning more so then a traditional meaning. If your sweetheart doesnt like the colour red, then for goodness sake dont get them red. If you can only afford one rose, dont break the bank to get him/her 50 roses when you know that they would appreciate just one. Hell, I would even appreciate just a hand drawn picture of a rose. Valentines Day is and always should be about celebrating the person you love and finding a way to tell them so. Not big grand displays of over the top frou frou. The simple "I love you", a small token (even if its just cooking breakfast in bed) and a kiss should always be more than enough for Valentine's, everything else is a bonus.
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