Say it with flowers and then some

The longstanding tradition of giving flowers for family and friends on Valentine’s Day was first introduced in the 18th century by Charles II of Sweden. People started attaching specific meanings to it, making it possible to have an entire connection and understanding by either giving or receiving flowers. In whatever form, size, or color, flowers have come to symbolize not just love and commitment but also beauty, happiness, forgiveness, and sympathy, to name a few.

Amy Alano, manager of Island Flowers & Novelties on Beach Road in San Jose, said that red roses still top the list of requested flowers during Valentine’s Day. “Red roses are still our bestseller during Valentine’s Day. …On Saipan, this special occasion is not only celebrated by lovers but by everyone,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve also seen parents buy flowers and gifts for their child who is in kindergarten and elementary. I’ve seen people buy flowers for their siblings, cousins, co-worker, and even best friend. Personally, I look forward to this day because, when a customer walks in, they are just full of joy to express their love through flowers and the mood for gift-giving is contagious.”

For inquiries, call Island Flowers & Novelties at (670)234-8383 (670)287-6279 (670) 4845666 or email islandflowersandnovelties@gmail.com.

New Paradise Flower Shop florist Roberto Barcelo said that aside from flowers, their customers add a “personal touch” by writing love messages or poems in cards, and adding stuffed toys and chocolates to their bouquets.

“We have ready-made flower arrangements and gift baskets for people who are on-the-go. But sometimes, we get customers that go to the shop with their own ideas in mind. We work on it and produce a unique flower arrangement or gift basket for them to give their loved ones,” he said.

“Generally, flowers are given to brighten the day of someone but when people put something more, that arrangement becomes personal, intimate and extra special,” he added.

New Paradise Flower Shop is located on Middle Road in Gualo Rai. For inquiries, call (670)233-9875 or (670) 287-9744.

Choosing which flower to give can be as extravagant as a gorgeous posy bought from a flower shop or a simple arrangement of flowers plucked from your own garden. Tropical flowers around the islands that bloom in your garden or in the wild year-round also have their meanings.

Hibiscus not only tastes delicious in teas and desserts but also symbolizes delicate beauty. White jasmine’s fragrance always shows up in bath oils, soap and perfume as it also represent sweet love because of its lingering scent. Due to its bright colors of red, orange, yellow and green, bird of paradise symbolizes joyfulness and magnificence. Since it takes a long time for them to grow, it gives a vibe that exciting and wonderful things are about to happen when they bloom. Sunflower signifies dedicated love, pure thoughts, adoration and commitment.