Where did the tradition of sending a dozen red roses come from?

Why 12?


Why red?


Why roses?

Where did the tradition of sending a dozen red roses come from?
I found this quote for you:





"Roses are ancient symbols of love and beauty. The rose was sacred to a number of goddesses (including Isis and Aphrodite), and is often used as a symbol of the Virgin Mary".





Red is apparently the colour of love, and as for why 12, probably just to push the cost up!
Reply:I dunno....good question!
Reply:I believe it came from the pre-decimalization days when you would get say twelve pennies in one shilling (today it is ten pennies in a tenpence piece)
Reply:probably because its a big money making scam, roses are expensive flowers and if you buy a dozen they make more money, red because it is a seductive colour! I'm just guessing here by the way!
Reply:That's a great question..





Don't know why the number.. but red is the color of love.. and roses are the most expensive and supposedly beautiful flowers!
Reply:I have no idea mate :-/
Reply:Ahh Beth, thats the saddest, ive heard........
Reply:I was going to say Interflora!





I suppose 12 is a nice round (and expensive) number, and red roses are quite romantic flowers! Red for love, passion and blood (fertility symbol).





When I was a little girl and my dad was away in the army, he used to send me an orchid every Valentine's Day, then he remarried and it all stopped!
Reply:12 is one numerical digit below 13.





Red is a warm colour.





Roses have pricks on them.
Reply:The florist?