KRISTINA VISE

Snow is not the only thing in the air this weekend. Valentine’s Day is Sunday, and the chilly weather is providing the perfect opportunity for lovers to snuggle up and keep warm.

Popular in the United States today, Valentine’s Day actually originated in third century Rome.

According to one legend, Roman Emperor Claudius II decreed all soldiers should remain single. However, a priest named Valentine performed marriages for young Roman couples anyway. Valentine was imprisoned and killed for his actions.

Another legend says an imprisoned man, again named Valentine, sent love letters to his sweetheart, thus beginning the tradition of sending a Valentine to your lover.

No matter the origins, the Catholic Church declared February 14 as the feast day for St. Valentine in 498 A.D. The day has been a time for lovers to exchange gifts ever since.

One of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts is flowers. “Red roses and mixed bouquets are the most popular,” said Ashley Tillery from Maxine’s Flower’s and Gifts.

“We ordered 1,600 roses to prepare for this weekend,” said Morgan Hooper from Jean’s Flowers and Gifts. “A half or full dozen bouquet of roses is the most popular, but younger couples tend to order mixed arrangements.”

Valentine’s Day is a time when flower sales increase nationwide. But when Valentine’s Day is on a weekend, people opt to spend time at lunch or dinner with a loved one rather than sending flowers.

“If Valentine’s Day is on a Monday, for example, we know all our sales for that day will be for Valentine’s gifts,” Hooper explained.

“But when it’s over the weekend, the orders are more spread out and are even mixed with orders for funerals or birthdays.”

In addition to Valentine’s Day being on a Sunday, the weather is also impacting flower sales in the area. But despite the snow, florists are still able to deliver any ordered flowers.

“We started delivering to businesses on Thursday once we learned that many places were closing due to the weather,” Hooper mentioned.

“We’ll continue delivering (today) or as soon as roads are safe again.”

Tillery did not expect any problems with flower deliveries either.

Maxine’s Flowers and Gifts will continue to take orders through noon today.

Jean’s Flowers and Gifts will be open through Sunday and will take orders until they run out of roses.