Judging by the lines at the florist, Galentine’s Day chatter, and heart-shaped everything, February 14 is fast approaching. But before you hit “add to cart” on that last-minute gift for y0ur sweetheart, you might want to hit pause to consider the meaning behind traditional Valentine’s Day colors like red, white, and pink.
Let us introduce you to floriography, a concept dating back to 19th-century England in which the color of the flowers you sent your special someone would convey your true feelings. The blooms that were given or worn sent coded messages ranging from love and adoration to innocence and modesty. In fact, there ended up being many books written about the meaning of florals including author Charlotte de La Tour’s Le Langage des Fleurs published in 1819.
Of course, bouquets aren’t the only way to express how you feel this Valentine’s Day. The colors of your V-Day tablescape, wreath, or cards can also send subtle messages to your loved ones. Want to know their secrets? Scroll down to find a crash course on the true meaning behind your favorite Valentine’s Day colors.
What are the Valentine’s Day colors?
Pop into any flower shop or even a festive hotel or restaurant and there’s no arguing that red, white, and pink are the official colors of Valentine’s Day. As a holiday centered around love and romance, it’s no surprise that these bold colors with their rich pasts are associated with the celebration.
What’s the meaning of the color red?
According to the Society of American Florists, red roses are the most popular flowers for Valentine’s Day, totaling 60 percent of sales. Red is the symbol of love, romance, and desire, making it the ideal color for a day with that special someone. Furthermore, in Indian and Chinese cultures, red is connected with luck and marriage, and it’s also the preferred bridal attire for weddings.
In a more literal sense, red is the color of blood that pumps through our hearts, which represents love and passion and romance. Additionally, red was the first color to be linked with Valentine’s Day at Lupercalia in Rome, an ancient pagan festival held each year on February 15. At the festivities, male goats and a dog would be sacrificed, and the blood of the animals would be wiped on the foreheads of two priests and wiped off with a wool cloth soaked in milk. They would then run around the city naked and “gently slap” women with the cloth as it was believed to increase fertility. (We’ll stick with a box of chocolates, please!)
What’s the meaning of the color white?
On a lighter note, white roses are common during Valentine’s Day. Giving your partner these snow-colored florals shows your love is pure, and since it’s a popular choice for Western weddings, it’s become a religious interpretation of eternal love, too. Plus, not only does a fresh white arrangement look lovely on any table, you shouldn’t hesitate to make the statement that your bond was made to last.
What’s the meaning of the colors red and white together?
Speaking of relationships, it’s no secret that two is better than one—and the colors red and white are frequently side by side for Valentine’s Day. This striking color combination represents unity. No matter how long you’ve been with your person, it never hurts to have a reminder through a multicolored bouquet or dessert that you’re in this together.
What’s the meaning of the color pink?
Then again, not everything about Valentine’s Day has to be so intense. Whether you just started seeing someone or you simply want to celebrate with friends or family, pink is the perfect color, as it conveys the playfulness of young love or nonromantic compassion and kindness. On top of that, remember that roses aren’t the only flowers available, consider snagging pink carnations, peonies, or tulips for a joyous touch to your home or as a gift for whomever you’re celebrating with.
Is purple a Valentine’s Day color?
The color purple is an underrated accent hue for Valentine’s Day. Instead of the conventional combos above, switch things up with this elegant and mysterious tint. It’s the way to go if you’re sending an enchanting arrangement to a secret crush or you don’t want to go overboard with your Valentine’s Day decorations. For something more understated, bring in some lavender, which evokes subtle charm and grace.
Isis Briones
Senior Shopping Editor
Isis Briones is House Beautiful’s Senior Shopping Editor, she’ll find the best items for your home at every price point. She also loves to travel, so don’t be surprised if she hooks you up with some travel deals. Find more of her work published in Complex, Architectural Digest, Teen Vogue, and more.
FAQs
The color of flower given on Valentine's Day holds meaning. While a red rose has traditionally symbolized love, other colors like deep pink, purple or white -- which symbolize happiness, royalty and sympathy respectively -- may be given on the holiday too.
What do the colors of Valentine's Day mean? ›
Pink and Red are the most commonly worn colours on Valentine's Day. These also happen to be one of the best colour combinations for a statement outfit. Red signifies love and pink means gentleness. However, if you like both colours, you can opt for them both.
Which color is best for Valentine's Day? ›
Red, the quintessential colour of love, symbolizes passion, desire, and romance. When used in Valentine's Day decor, it evokes feelings of warmth and intensity.
What does the color purple mean on Valentine's Day? ›
If you and your loved one have a storybook, love-at-first-sight romance, then purple roses are the flowers for you. With ties to nobility and royalty, purple roses tell the one you love that she is the most important woman in your life, and your queen.
Why do we wear red and white on Valentine's Day? ›
Speaking of relationships, it's no secret that two is better than one—and the colors red and white are frequently side by side for Valentine's Day. This striking color combination represents unity.
What are the three Valentines Day colors? ›
Valentine's Day Colors (Red, White & Pink)
What do the colors of love mean? ›
Each love colour corresponds to one of the four basic colours: Blue represents belonging and connectedness. Green represents self-esteem and self-determination. Yellow represents inner freedom and expectations of the future. Red represents self-confidence and action.
What are pretty Valentines colors? ›
In the Valentine color palette, pink, purple, and red converge to create an enchanting symphony of love and romance. The delicate hues of light pink and light purple evoke tenderness and sweetness, while the passionate red adds a touch of fiery intensity, making it perfect for expressing affection and desire.
What is a neutral color for Valentine's Day? ›
White, however, is my favorite. Since it is still one of the Valentine's Day colors, I try to capitalize on that and use it as a base for neutral Valentine's Day decor.
Can I wear white for Valentine's Day? ›
White is a color that symbolizes purity and is a sweet, romantic color that embodies eternal love. Reserved more for couples, wearing white on Valentine's Day can represent those in love.
Red is the classic declaration of love, while white is a symbol of purity, innocence, youthfulness and everlasting love. Red and white together sends a message of unity. Careful though, if the delicate ivory rose catches your eye. It means thoughtfulness and caring, but without the romantic intentions.
Which color is best for love? ›
The heart is frequently represented as a brilliant red symbol, and this link has contributed to red being a powerful symbol of love. 2- Because of its link with desire and passion, red is the colour of love.
What does blue mean on Valentine's Day? ›
The elegant colour blue indicates that you are accepting love applications. If you aren't looking for any proposals or are committed to a relationship, avoid wearing blue colour on Valentine's Day to save yourself from unnecessary proposals.
What does yellow mean on Valentine's day? ›
Yellow is the color of friendship. Yellow roses can also signify new beginnings and remembrance, but on Valentine's Day, this color is often chosen when sending roses to a close friend.
Is it better to wear red or pink on Valentine's day? ›
Red is symbolic of more of a romantic type of love, while pink represents friendships and family love.
What does the color green mean on Valentine's day? ›
Wearing green reputedly signalled a woman's willingness to make love, since it denoted fertility and the loss of virginity.
What do the different colors of roses signify on Valentine's Day? ›
Red is the classic declaration of love, while white is a symbol of purity, innocence, youthfulness and everlasting love. Red and white together sends a message of unity. Careful though, if the delicate ivory rose catches your eye. It means thoughtfulness and caring, but without the romantic intentions.
What is the other color of Valentine's Day? ›
30 best Valentine's Day color schemes with the red of love, pink for gentleness, gold for trust, lavender for passion, burgundy for care and much more.
What is the most popular color scheme on Valentine's Day explain? ›
Red: I love you
This color represents deep passion and respect for your loved ones, which is why it is the most common color on Valentine's Day. If you want to choose red, a scarlet red is the best choice, due to its moderate color intensity.
What do the colors red and white symbolize? ›
Red symbolizes the blood of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Red is the color of courage, passion, and valor. White – White brings thoughts of purity and innocence to mind. In Western cultures, white has been associated with righteousness and fresh beginnings.
