February 2023

In the middle of cold and dreary February, we celebrate commitment and romance on the 14th of February, St. Valentine’s day. It would make sense the most romantic holiday celebrated throughout the year originated in Italy! If you have visited Italy, romance and love permeate every facet of life. Even their language is a romance language. Their dress, what they eat, confectionaries of every shape and variety, flaky pastries filled with velvety cream and drizzled with chocolate, fields of flowers carpeting rolling hills and dotting cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, lovers riding mopeds while tightly holding on to each other, all reflect a culture which easily expresses love and affection.

However, Valentine’s day did not start out as a ‘romantic’ holiday. According to tradition, it started out as a 3rd century account of Christian ministers practicing their faith and ministering to others while being persecuted by officials of the Roman Empire during the early years of the dark ages. These Christian ministers and martyrs were known as Valentines. One particular Christian, who eventually became known as the Saint Valentine of Rome, was held in a Roman prison, accused of spreading ‘heresy.’ While in prison, he is credited with restoring sight to his jailer’s daughter and converting many to Christianity. The jailer’s daughter wrote him a note of gratitude. Right before his execution, ‘Saint Valentine’ wrote her back and signed the note, ‘Your Valentine.” Not exactly a romantic exchange, but a sign of respect and fidelity to a cause. Centuries after his execution, he was given Saint status by the Anglican, Catholic and Lutheran traditions and as they say, the rest is history…

The renaissance started in Italy. This shift from the dark ages to the renaissance included a shift from functional to more romantic love. I think we can all appreciate the fact that Italy was the epicenter of the renaissance. Art, music, literature, science, philosophy, commerce, travel, dress and many other aspects of society rapidly advanced and paved the way for our modern society. It was during this time Valentine’s day gained notoriety as a celebration of romantic love.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, during the early renaissance period, Valentine’s day became more closely associated with the advent of spring, a time when most people in the northern hemisphere begin to anticipate the arrival of warmer weather and new life. Lovers eagerly anticipated the arrival of early springtime flowers such as daffodils, garden parties, a parade of new dresses and attire, formal dances, outdoor activities and the possibility of new love or the renewal and revival of old love. During the renaissance, many aspects of society flourished. The anticipation of a new season, new life, new love, new commitments, etc., became associated with the romantic version of Valentine’s day. 

With the dark ages in the rearview mirror, European culture not only flourished in Europe, but it spread around the world. Valentine’s day underwent a make-over and today lovers around the world honor romantic traditions by spending at least a part of the day dedicated to romantic expressions of love such as giving a beautiful bouquet of flowers and chocolates, dining together, exchanging cards and oftentimes passionate public and private expressions of love and affection. 

Flowers and chocolates are a lovely way to show you care for your loved ones! A woman tends to associate positive feelings with the man who brings her flowers but the gifting of flowers and chocolates can go both ways. Fathers giving their daughters a bouquet of flowers on Valentine’s day not only shows familial affection but shapes their daughter’s view of love, meaning flowers are not only about romance but they can represent respect. 

Freshly cut flowers transform whatever room they occupy, whether it is an office, a kitchen counter or a dining room table. For their duration, they affirm romantic and respectful relationships and they contribute to positive new memories. 

Flowers present us with their scents and complex colors and textures. They not only improve concentration and mood, they help us relax and de-stress. We show others we care about them by giving them flowers whether it is just on Valentine’s day or on special occasions throughout the year such as birthdays, anniversaries, or for no special reason. If you are not Italian by birth or heritage but you appreciate the Italian’s commitment to love and romance, take advantage of unique times and events to shower your loved ones with tokens of love and affection and freshly harvested flowers. 

At Lizette’s Floral Studio we wish to continue the tradition of fresh flowers for your Valentine or simply just because.