GhanaWeb Feature by Isaac Dadzie
As Valentine’s Day sweeps across the globe, one iconic symbol of love takes centre stage: the red rose.
Social media feeds are flooded with images of bouquets, candlelit dinners, and romantic gestures.
But in a country like Ghana, where the climate doesn’t naturally favour roses and cultural traditions differ, do flowers really hold the same significance? Or are they just a fancy, imported trend?
Let’s dig into the ‘petals’ of this story
A history of flowers and love
The romance between flowers and love isn’t a new phenomenon.
In Greek mythology, roses were said to have sprung from the tears of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, as she mourned her lover Adonis.
Similarly, in Roman lore, Venus, the goddess of love, linked roses to passion and desire. These ancient tales planted the seeds for roses as universal symbols of deep affection.
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and roses had literally become ‘darlings’.
Poets like Chaucer and Shakespeare immortalised them in their works.
By this time, roses weren’t just flowers, they were declarations of love, especially in European courtly traditions where knights presented them to their beloveds.
The commercialisation of love
Today, roses are a Valentine’s Day staple, thanks to clever marketing and commercialisation.
The day has become synonymous with red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, expensive dinners, and Instagram-worthy gestures.
Social media is awash with ads for Valentine’s Day packages, some costing as much as GH₵10,000 for a single bouquet.
But while this might look dreamy on screen, how does it translate in reality, especially in Ghana?
Flowers or fufu?
In Ghana, the tradition of giving flowers, particularly roses, has been met with mixed reactions.
For one, roses aren’t native to the West African climate, making them less common and often expensive.
Culturally, flowers do not hold the same historical significance as they do in Europe or North America.
While roses might symbolise love and passion elsewhere, in Ghana, they’re often seen as, well, just flowers.
Surveys by media outlets like GhanaWeb reveal that Ghanaians tend to prefer more practical gifts.
Think money, clothing, footwear, or even a hearty plate of fufu.
One respondent even joked about preferring a “fufu date” over a bouquet of roses. Money topped the list, while flowers lingered at the bottom.
Social media has undoubtedly amplified the pressure to participate in Valentine’s Day traditions.
Photos of elaborate rose bouquets and romantic packages flood timelines.
But in reality, many Ghanaians are asking: “Why spend GH₵10,000 on flowers that will wither in a few days when I could buy something more lasting?”
This isn’t to say Ghanaians don’t appreciate romance.
They just have their own unique ways of expressing it. For some, it’s a thoughtful gift like a new phone or a pair of shoes.
For others, it’s a shared meal or a simple heartfelt gesture. Love, after all, isn’t about the price tag, it’s about the thought behind it.
So, do flowers really matter in Ghana?
The answer? It depends.
For some, flowers are a beautiful, romantic gesture, a way to show love in a universally recognised way.
For others, they’re an impractical, imported tradition that doesn’t quite resonate.
In a country where practicality often trumps symbolism, gifts that meet tangible needs tend to win hearts over fleeting floral arrangements.
But here’s the thing: love is universal, even if its expressions aren’t. Whether it’s a bouquet of roses, a fufu date, or a simple “I love you,” what matters most is the sincerity behind the gesture. So, this Valentine’s Day, whether you’re team roses or team cash, remember it’s the thought that counts.
Conclusion
While roses may have a rich history in mythology and European traditions, in Ghana, love speaks a different language.
It’s less about petals and more about practicality, less about grand gestures and more about genuine care.
So, if you’re planning to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day, don’t stress over the roses, just follow your heart (and maybe bring some fufu along).
ID/EB
You can also watch as Ghanaians share what they consider the best and worst Valentine’s Day gifts below:
