Why Do People Buy Roses for Valentine’s Day? The Romantic Meaning Behind the Tradition
May 31, 2025

Why Do People Buy Roses for Valentine’s Day? The Romantic Meaning Behind the Tradition

Every February 14, flower shops around the world are filled with one bloom above all: roses.

Whether it’s a classic bouquet of 12 red roses or a luxurious 99-stem arrangement, roses have become the universal symbol of Valentine’s Day. But have you ever stopped to ask:
Why roses?
Why not lilies, peonies, or orchids?

Let’s dive into the history, meaning, and emotional power behind the rose—and why it continues to win hearts.


🌹 1. Red Roses Symbolise True Love & Passion

The main reason people choose roses on Valentine’s Day is what they represent.

  • Red roses = deep romantic love

  • They convey passion, desire, and commitment—without saying a word

  • A single red rose can whisper “I love you”, while a dozen shouts it

💬 Did you know? The red rose was the favourite flower of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.


📜 2. Roses Have a Deep History in Romance

Giving roses dates back to ancient Rome and Greece.
In Victorian times, lovers used floriography (the language of flowers) to communicate feelings they couldn’t say aloud.
Roses became a secret code for affection, especially during courtship and Valentine’s Day.

Today, that tradition lives on—every bouquet of roses carries that same old-school charm.


❤️ 3. They’re Universally Understood

Roses are instantly recognisable as romantic—across every culture.
You don’t need to explain what a rose means. It’s a global symbol of love.

That’s why even in modern times, roses remain the most requested flower for Valentine's gifts, proposals, anniversaries, and weddings.


🌹 4. Different Colours = Different Messages

While red is the classic Valentine’s Day rose, other colours offer more ways to personalise your gift:

Rose Colour Meaning
❤️ Red True love & romance
🩷 Pink Admiration, sweetness
🤍 White Pure love, loyalty
💛 Yellow Friendship, joy
🧡 Orange Passion, excitement
🖤 Black Mysterious, edgy love

💡 Mix different rose colours for a more meaningful bouquet.


💐 5. Roses Make a Big Impression

Let’s face it—roses are dramatic and luxurious.
The shape, scent, and bold colours of a rose bouquet create an emotional reaction.

  • They feel premium

  • They look elegant in photos

  • They last well with proper care

Whether it’s 1 rose or 99, it feels like a romantic movie moment.