\u201c[The amount of] flowers produced in a month are sold on [a single day on] Feb. 14\u201d, Ismail Basaran told Anadolu Agency.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne out of four gifts is a flower,\u201d Basaran said, underlining that flowers were often the first gifts to come to mind.<\/p>\n
While roses are usually the most preferred, he noted that people also buy their loved ones orchids, lilies and daisies on Feb. 14.<\/p>\n
He added that flower prices in 2019 went up 20 percent compared to the previous year as one rose is currently sold for 10 Turkish liras ($1.9) and a bouquet going for between 20 Turkish liras ($3.8) up to 100 (nearly $19).<\/p>\n
While florists do not often get receive such orders Basaran said that some seeking \u201csomething different\u201d bought sets of 1001 roses, a bouquet of which cost 10,000 Turkish liras ($1,896).<\/p>\n
Valentine\u2019s Day is celebrated with cards, flowers, and chocolates but has its roots in a 3rd-century priest in Rome who performed secret marriages between young people.<\/p>\n
Martyred by the Roman emperor Claudius II in 270 A.D., St. Valentine is honored by Christian churches every year.<\/p>\n
However, across the world also in Turkey, young people have developed a fashion for surprise proposals on this day.<\/p>\n