Is the rose the traditional flower of Valentine's Day, or is it the violet? As the legend of St. Valentine goes, this Christian priest used the ink made from crushed violet blossoms that grew outside his prison cell to write notes of love and friendship. He wrote these words on violet leaves. These notes were delivered to St. Valentine's friends via the elegant bird of love, the dove. Violets were once the most popular flower on Valentine's Day; however, roses are an enduring symbol of deep love.

Fun Facts about Violets:

Violets represent faithfulness and "I return your love".

It is thought that to dream of violets predicts advancement in life.

As love needs clean, clear air to flourish, so does the violet.

This flower shows its esteem as the state floral emblem of Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Illinois and New Jersey.

During the Napoleonic era when Napoleon was exiled to Elba he used a code name of Caporal Violette.