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Coco Warner ReportingRoses are probably the most common gift for Valentine's Day-- which by the way, is tomorrow! But have you ever thought about what you are actually saying with the flowers you give?
Using roses to convey messages stems from the Victorian Age, when a suitors' intentions would determine the color of rose he gave to his intended. So, one Utah business is trying to bring that tradition back, as well as add a more personal touch.
If every rose has its thorn, then every rose also has its meaning. A tradition that has its roots in the Victorian period.
John Winterholler/CEO, Speaking Roses: "We did some research about the secret code that was used during that period by Queen Victoria to communicate to other people in other countries by using the language of flowers."
For example, if you wanted to communicate friendship, you might give a yellow rose; sympathy, white; passion, red.
Mike Glauser/Speaking Roses: "A red and white together, which meant that this is more than passion. The white and the red combined meant eternal love, meaningful love."
And here at Speaking Roses, they have a chart to explain what each color represents, and even suggest the amount of roses you may want to give to help convey your message.
Of course, you could just say exactly what you want to say on the rose itself!
John Winterholler/CEO, Speaking Roses: "We received the patent on the process to emboss on organic product. We've chosen to do that on roses because of the emotional attachment that comes with the giving of flowers, in particular the rose."
Coco Warner/Eyewitness News: "And if you want to personalize your message even more, Speaking Roses can transfer your own handwriting onto a flower petal."
Mike Glauser/Speaking Roses: "If you conceive it, we can create it. We can do pictures. We can do handwritten messages. We can do standard phrases, customized phrases."
The company is able to transfer my handwriting to a computer, then to their specially designed printer, and finally, to a rose.
That with thorns and all, and by any other name, smells as sweet.
Speaking Roses does need time for customized messages, so if you want something for Valentine's Day, you may have to stick with one of their standard messages.
And coming up tomorrow-- we'll take a closer look at what other gifts people are giving this Valentine's Day...