- 7 February
- Day one of Valentine week
- Red, yellow, pink and white roses
Where it began
The rose has stood for love for a very long time. In old Greek and Roman stories it was the flower of the goddess of love.
In the 1800s people in Britain used a language of flowers, where each bloom and colour sent a quiet message. The red rose meant deep love.
It is part of Valentine week, the seven days from 7 February to 14 February that young people in India and nearby lands keep, one theme a day. Valentine's Day itself is named after Saint Valentine, and it became tied to love in Europe in the Middle Ages.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
Greek and Roman stories link the rose with the goddess of love.
Middle Ages
Valentine's Day becomes linked with love in England and France.
1800s
The language of flowers gives each rose colour a meaning.
Recent decades
Valentine week, starting with Rose Day, grows popular among the young in South Asia.
Today
Flower markets fill with roses in the first week of February.
How it is celebrated in different places
India
College friends and couples give single roses, and flower stalls are busy all day.
Bangladesh and Pakistan
Young people in big cities share roses and messages.
Europe and the Americas
Red roses are the classic gift for Valentine's Day on 14 February.
Rose Day moments
Rose Day today
Today a single rose is the simplest way to say you care. Friends give yellow roses, couples give red, and many give pink to say thank you.
