Beyond Valentine's: Surprising Rose Gifting Traditions, Kenyan Style
We all know the classic red rose tradition of Valentine’s Day. It’s a global icon for romance and passion, a moment in the year when rose sales surge and florists work around the clock. But what if we told you the story of the rose is far richer and more varied than just one day?
At Baraka Roses, we’ve always believed that a rose is more than just a flower; it’s a vessel for emotion, a symbol of connection, and a perfect gift for any occasion. Our exquisite Kenyan-grown roses travel from our sun-drenched farms to destinations across the globe, carrying with them not just a beautiful bloom, but a piece of Kenya’s natural abundance. Today, we invite you to look beyond February 14th and explore some truly unique and surprising rose-gifting traditions from different corners of the world—traditions that our roses, like our vibrant ‘Fuchsiana’ or ‘Wham’ varieties, are perfectly suited to fulfill.
In parts of the Middle East, the practice of gifting flowers is deeply ingrained in social etiquette, but with a unique twist. The quantity of roses carries as much weight as their color. For example, a bouquet of three roses can symbolize respect or a desire for future connection, while five roses might convey good wishes. This tradition, known as “floriography,” is a beautiful, subtle language of its own.
Think of how this tradition could be translated with our Kenyan roses. Imagine a simple, elegant arrangement of three stems of our ‘Royal Class’ red roses, representing a silent, heartfelt respect for a business colleague or mentor. It’s a gesture of appreciation that goes beyond words, a professional yet personal touch.
While Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th in most of the world, Brazil has its own romantic holiday on June 12th, called “Dia dos Namorados,” or “Lovers’ Day.” While roses are a popular gift, the tradition often favors vibrant, mixed bouquets rather than a simple dozen red roses. These bouquets combine roses with other flowers to create a rich tapestry of color and texture, symbolizing the many facets of a relationship.
This is where the diversity of Kenyan floriculture truly shines. Our wide range of colors and varieties allows florists to create stunning, layered arrangements that perfectly capture the spirit of “Dia dos Namorados.” A bouquet might feature the creamy elegance of our ‘Dinara’ roses, the vibrant pink of ‘Mandala,’ and the sunny yellow of ‘Gold Finch,’ creating a harmonious blend that celebrates love in all its forms.
In Russia, the end of the school year and university graduations are significant events, and flowers are an integral part of the celebration. It is a common and meaningful tradition for students to present bouquets to their favorite teachers as a sign of respect and gratitude. While a mix of flowers is often used, a bouquet of roses is a particularly special way to say “thank you” for guidance and support.
This is a wonderful opportunity to use a less-common rose color. Instead of red, which is often reserved for romantic love, a florist could select a thoughtful bouquet of our light pink ‘Giselle’ or white ‘Polar Bear’ roses. These colors symbolize admiration and new beginnings, perfectly suited for a graduation ceremony.
While not a direct gifting tradition, the Japanese concept of Komorebi—which translates to “sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees”—perfectly encapsulates a growing trend in floristry: the appreciation of nature’s subtle beauty. In Japan, gifting flowers often emphasizes not just the bloom itself but the entire form, including the stems, leaves, and overall composition. It’s a practice that values understated elegance and the connection to the natural world.
At Baraka Roses, our commitment to sustainable farming practices aligns perfectly with this philosophy. We nurture our flowers in the unique climate of Kenya’s Rift Valley, using eco-friendly methods to ensure each stem is robust, healthy, and full of life. This dedication to sustainability means that when you receive a Baraka rose, you’re not just getting a flower; you’re getting a piece of the earth, grown with care.
Kenya’s floriculture industry is a global leader, celebrated not just for its volume but for its quality and commitment to ethical practices. Organizations like the Kenya Flower Council work tirelessly to ensure the industry maintains high standards for sustainability and worker welfare, guaranteeing that every stem you receive is a product you can feel good about.
Gifting a rose is a timeless act of kindness and appreciation. By looking beyond traditional holidays, you can create new, meaningful moments for your clients, friends, and family. Whether it’s a “thank you” to a mentor or a celebration of a friendship, a well-chosen bouquet can say everything.
Explore our diverse collection of premium rose varieties, from the classic elegance of ‘Ever Red‘ to the intriguing tones of ‘Wham,’ and find the perfect bloom to tell your next story. For wholesalers and florists, our team is ready to help you discover the perfect varieties for your next project. Contact us today to learn more about our farm-fresh flowers and how we can help you bring these global traditions to life, Kenyan-style.