Violets for February

While the month of February has most people thinking about red roses and Valentine’s Day, there is another beautiful bloom that makes a lovely gift around this time of year. Violets are loved for many reasons and below you find all you need to know about these gorgeous blooms.

Their meaning

Like all other flowers, violets are associated with their very own meaning. This meaning may have changed somewhat over the years, however. For instance, during the Middle Ages, the flower was associated with faithfulness, modesty and chastity. During the Victorian Era, it was a symbol of admiration. Today they can represent many sentiments including innocence, joy and young love.

Facts about violets

• Their name comes from the word ‘vias’ which means wayside. It’s easy to understand this name since they usually grow on the edge or wayside.
• 500 B.C. is the first time when these flowers were recorded in history.
• Violets adapt easily to their environment which makes them easy to grow.
• These blooms are not only available in purple. They also produce blue, mauve, yellow and cream-coloured flowers.

Interesting facts

• The first to use violets in wine-making, medicine and as gifts were the Greeks.
• These flowers were so popular that they became the official symbol of Athens.
• Napoleon Bonaparte covered his wife’s grave in dozens of violet petals because he loved these flowers so much.
• In the Victorian Era, it was believed that carrying these flowers in your pocket would bring change to your love life.