THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN 4
VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2005
HASITSTHORN
By Lisa Tilson , KANSAN CORRESPONDENT
The red rose has become an international symbol of love and affection. Roses have also become a favorite gift for Valentine's Day. But where did the queen of all sentimental gifts originate? According to oldrosenursery.com, "In Greek mythology, Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, is said to have created the rose which arose from her tears and the blood of her lover Adonis."
More scientifically, the rose comes from the genus Rosa. Although their use and meaning have evolved, roses have been on Earth for a long time. Pallensmith.com explains that fossil records of roses date back 3 million years.
However, according to urbanext.uiuc.edu, breeding roses in gardens did not start until 5,000 years ago. It is believed to have started somewhere in China.
In Europe, during the 17th century, the rare rose was popular with royalty. It became so popular that royalty used rose water and roses for bartering and other transactions.
According to the Encarta Encyclopedia, the rose "today is the most popular and widely cultivated garden flower in the world." In the United States alone about 20 million rose plants are cultivated by commercial businesses annually to provide cut flowers for sale. Twice that many are produced each year as part of landscape additions.
According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2001 Americans spent a total of $68 million on roses. Lilies were the second most popular with a total of$ 58 million.
Roses can possess a specific meaning depending on the color or presentation of the flower. According to 800florals.com, "all roses symbolize love, but certain colors of roses can take on special meanings."
The red rose symbolizes love, respect and courage. A yellow rose represents joy, gladness and freedom. Pink or peach roses represent gratitude, appreciation, admiration and sympathy. White roses represent reverence, purity and secrecy.
The presentation of the flowers can also create a special meaning. Two roses together, bound by ribbon or twine, represent engagement. Red and white roses together represent unity.
Price of roses
DELIVERY
HALF DOZEN
American Blooms
americanblooms.com
1-888-364-5800
DOZEN
Prices below are for Valentines Day, normal prices for some shops are lower.
Bittersweet Garden
& Floral Design
514 E. Ninth St.
(785) 843-5954
Blooms USA
Bloomsusa.com
1-800-379-0893
Broers Flower Shop
714 Main St., Eudora
(785) 542-2265
Dillon Stores
Dillon Stores
4701 W. 6th St. 838-0115
1740 Massachusetts 842-6202
3000 W. 6th St. 843-1438
1015 W. 23rd 841-3333
Flowerama
1700 W.23rd
830-8060
The Flower Market
826 Iowa
843-5115
Hy-Vee Food Stores
3504 Clinton Parkway 832-0220
4000 W. 6th St. 832-9449
Lawrence Florist
390 Route 10 NJ
749-6091
Owens Flower Shop
846 Indiana St.
843-6111
Prairie Patches
821 Massachusetts St.
749-4565.
University Floral
2103 W. 28th St. Terrace
843-6990
$29.99 WRAPPED$ 24.99 IN VASE
$7.00
$59.99 IN VASE$ 33.00 IN VASE
$5.00
$88.95
$58.95
PRICES INCLUED DELIVERY
$70.00 IN VASE
$38.50 IN VASE
$89.95
$6.00
$49.95
$49.00
$75.00
$7.00
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