Roses are red, violets are blue and bla, bla, bla... We all know the rest to this overly polularised rhyme, poem, call it what you will!
You can even call me cynical if you like... and you would be quite right, but alas, that is what happens when a die-hard romantic, dies! That is not to say that I cannot be saved or resurrected, I still believe in my prince charming/knight in shining armour, who would whisk me away on his white steed-cum motorcycle or 4x4... perhaps. Fairytale hopes and dreams are actually the last to die!
But anyways back on track, enough about me, and let's ponder those first three words - roses are red. Red roses have, in fact, become the crux, the epitome, the quasi symbol of Valentine's Day itself.
In fact, these flowers are also one of the main sources of revenue for florists who depend on the demand and sales generated by Valentine's or Mother's Day.
Timesofmalta.com contacted a couple of florists to get a few snippets of information regarding the flower-boom during Valentine's. Derek Garden Centre described February 14 as a great yet stressful day because of the amount of work focused around those 24 hours. Yet it constitutes an important date on the calendar in terms of sales.
Qronfla on the other hand commented that Mother's day is an equally eventful day, with the main difference being that it is more family-orientated, while Valentine's Day revolves around individuals. Lately, Qronfla have also noticed a rising interest in Woman's Day with requests for flowers such as the Mimosa.
Derek Garden Centre and Qronfla confirmed that demand lies in the single rose, with bouquets of three and six (and other multiples of three) following closely in popularity. Bouquets are often also accompanied or substantiated by chocolates, balloons or other miscellaneous items.
Roughly 80 per cent of all flowers and roses are collected by the giving party, but then again it all depends on the situation. If a person is abroad, if the flowers come from a secret admirer or even if the one sending the flowers needs deliveries made to more than one recipient, then the flowers have to be delivered. Most people expect deliveries on the actual day, however a small minority accept that deliveries are made the day before, to whatever destination, both in Malta and Gozo if necessary! Derek Garden Centre has even had to deliver a bouquet to a person in court! Problem with deliveries to offices or other "crowded places" are the expectant looks of all the women when the deliveryman walks in, creating awkward moments of anticipation and consequently, many a disappointed face.
Spokespersons for the florist and garden centres had a few quirky quips to share regarding Valentine's. "I'll buy her flowers to shut her up," said one, "This is such a waste of time, but if I don't get through with it my wife/girlfriend will get offended," said another. My personal favourite: "She deserves them, she is great to me all year round!"
Seems like Valentine's however is primarily a woman's feast... an extension of Woman's Day and Mother's Day? Is it really the lovers' feast? If so... why don't men get flowers, soft-toys, chocolates and the likes of this stuff? Is the blue rose, the counterpart for men? Maybe, maybe not... Valentine's remains a commercial day, and all the fuss is somewhat unfounded. Why do we have to wait for February 14 to celebrate the one we love?