For some, Valentine’s Day is an invention of the flower industry and not a reason to celebrate. Others look forward to it all year round, preparing small gifts for their partner or celebrating the “day of love” with a romantic candlelit dinner. But why do we actually celebrate Valentine’s Day?
It is the day of mutual appreciation and adoration: Valentine’s Day on February 14, when people express their affection with a special gift – worldwide.
Until after the Second World War, Austria seemed like a romantic desert on February 14. According to ‘Florist Legend’, we owe Valentine’s Day to a British occupying soldier. Today it ensures record sales in the confectionery, events and florist sectors.
When the officer insisted that day in a flower shop in Graz for a heart for his floral message of love – without it it would not be a real Valentine’s Day for his loved one – the florist painted what she wanted on a cardboard box with her lipstick and cut it out.
The commercial potential of this Anglo-Saxon custom was quickly recognized and profitably implemented in this country.
The roots of Valentine’s Day on February 14 go back to ancient times. In Germany, florists declared Valentine’s Day ‘Open Heart Day’ in 1950.
Legend has it that Saint Valentine gave flowers to loved ones – a tradition that began in Britain in the 15th century and later spread to the US thanks to English emigrants.
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Floral trends for Valentine’s Day
Flowers are still considered the number 1 souvenir on Valentine’s Day. Tulips, grape hyacinths, primroses, daffodils, anemones and ranunculus are now in season and are already produced regionally. And: When tulips, hyacinths, etc. have finished blooming, the bulbs can be planted again and they will bring joy again next year. The trend colors for 2024 include ‘Sky Blue’, a soft sky blue, and ‘Bright White’, a radiant white.
Equal Pay Day falls on Valentine’s Day this year
Perhaps more interesting for some people: Equal Pay Day falls on Valentine’s Day this year. From the beginning of the year until February 14, two days shorter than last year, women must work symbolically for free if you compare their annual salary with that of men.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
