Dead girl? Diapered archer? Valentine’s, explain yourself!
Roses, chocolates, love letters—plus Juliet and Cupid? How did Valentine traditions get this weird?
Why are red roses the OG love symbol?
Red roses = love, and it’s been that way for centuries. Greek and Roman myths tied them to Aphrodite (Venus), the goddess of love. Shakespeare hyped them up in poetry, and Victorians turned them into secret love notes with the “language of flowers.” Then florists and brands made them the go-to Valentine’s gift, locking in their status as the ultimate symbol of romance.Love hurts? Tell Juliet
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, people worldwide send letters to Juliet, sharing their deepest love stories. The Juliet Club in Verona writes back, keeping the tradition alive and turning Juliet’s House in Verona into the ultimate romance hotspot.