Rose Day: Week of love begins today

The air carries a scent of romance today as Rose Day marks the official commencement of Valentine’s Week. Observed annually on 7 February, the day sets the stage for a week-long celebration of affection, with the "Queen of Flowers" taking centre stage as the ultimate messenger of the heart.

Rose Day is more than just a commercial event; it is a tradition rooted in the language of flowers. Historically, roses have been used to convey emotions that spoken words often fall short of expressing. The day serves as a bridge for many to initiate new relationships or rekindle old flames. From a cultural perspective, the rose's association with Eros, the Greek god of love, reinforces why this specific flower was chosen to lead the festivities of Valentine's Week.

The love story of Mughal Empire
According to historians, Mughal Emperor Jahangir's beloved wife, Begum Nur Jahan, was deeply enamoured with red roses. To keep his wife happy and express his love, Emperor Jahangir would send one ton of fresh red roses to her palace every day. This extraordinary testament of love still stirs wonder in people's hearts.

The tradition of Victorian era
Another beautiful custom emerged during Queen Victoria's reign. At that time, people would express their unspoken love through red roses. This tradition of conveying hidden feelings through the language of flowers was immensely popular. Preserving that ancient custom, the first day of Valentine's Week is celebrated as Rose Day.

A symbol of courage and hope
A rose is not just a flower; it is the most powerful symbol of love. The red rose carries a message of deep passion and emotion, the pink rose expresses tenderness and admiration, while the white rose signifies purity and new beginnings. Many may not know that besides February 7, there is another World Rose Day. This special day is observed every year on September 22, dedicated to cancer patients worldwide. There is a touching history behind this day. In 1994, in Canada, a 12-year-old girl named Melinda Rose was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer. Doctors informed that she had only about a week to live. But little Melinda surprised everyone by fighting against death for three full years. World Rose Day began to honour her indomitable courage and vitality. Every year on this day, cancer patients are reminded with roses and greeting cards that they too can win this difficult battle.

The language of love
The true beauty of Rose Day lies in its dual identity. On one hand, it is a symbol of romantic love; on the other, it is a messenger of love for life, courage, and hope. Just as the red rose speaks the hearts of lovers, it also tells patients that they are not alone, that there is love and support for them. On this day, when we gift a rose to a loved one, we are not just giving a flower; we are handing over the love, care, and respect from our hearts. From the Mughal emperor's love to the Victorian era's tradition, and Melinda Rose's indomitable courage—everything combined has made the rose the universal language of love.

What every colour signifies?
For those planning to gift a bloom today, the choice of colour is vital, as each carries a distinct symbolic weight. Red roses remain the quintessential emblem of romantic love and passion, while pink signifies admiration and grace. Yellow roses are traditionally exchanged among friends to celebrate platonic bonds, whereas the rare lavender rose represents enchantment or "love at first sight." Orange blooms are used to express fierce desire and enthusiasm, and peach roses subtly signal the beginning of a new confession. Lastly, while white roses symbolise purity and innocence, they are frequently used to mark a respectful new beginning.

As florists across the country report a surge in demand, Rose Day once again proves that despite the digital age, the simple gesture of giving a rose remains the most powerful way to say "I care."

This Rose Day, let us spread not only romantic love but also the message of love for life, humanity, and empathy around us. Because love is not only of the heart, it is also of courage—the courage that teaches us how to fight against all adversities of life and move forward.