Roses are red

Violets are blue

Flowers spread happiness

And so can you

Think about something that makes you happy, whether it be the smell of coffee in the morning or the warmth of fire on a chilly evening. Even these small instances can make the rest of the day feel brighter, and flowers are a symbol of that joy. School, work, and relationships can seem stressful at times, but these blooming plants are a reminder that something beautiful can grow amidst the weeds. 

An article written by a group of researchers showed the immediate and long-term responses to receiving flowers. During the first study, women were given flowers which “…always elicited the Duchenne or true smile” (Haviland-Jones). It isn’t often when the signs of a strong emotion are found, but the results of the experiment unveiled unmistakable happiness. 

In the following study, both men and women were presented with varying conditions of stimuli in an elevator. In the four conditions, participants either “…received one Gerbera Daisy, were exposed to a basket of Gerbera Daisies but did not receive anything, received a pen with a university inscription, [or] were not exposed to flowers, nor did they receive anything” (Haviland-Jones 10-11).

The results of the analysis showed that the recipients of a flower in the elevator displayed a more positive reaction than the rest of the stimuli. Not only did the scientists find that the daisies affected emotion, but they found that they made an impact on social behavior as well. Recipients of the gifts were more likely to behave friendlier and decrease the distance between themselves and the experimenter. 

Depending on the occasion or type and variation of the flowers, the gift can convey different messages. Sometimes the petals say “Get well soon,” “I appreciate you,” or, during Yorba Linda High School’s You Matter Week, “Blooming with kindness.” For example, Gerbera Daisies, the stimuli used in the “Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion,” are a popular flower that represents innocence and purity. 

Each kind of flower can have a personal meaning to every person, and Tiffany Oh (9) states that “I love all flowers, but if I had to choose a favorite kind, it would definitely be tulips. There are so many colors of tulips and every single one symbolizes a different meaning…I believe the beauty of the flower does not change.”

Similarly, on Valentine’s Day red roses are given to signify the love and romance of a typical Valentine’s celebration. Additionally, pink roses symbolize gratitude and joy while yellow stands for friendship. Although flowers are traditionally given for romantic intentions, don’t hesitate to let friends and family know they are appreciated by sending blooming joy their way this Valentine’s Day.