|
|
 |
|
Home »
Flower Facts »
Rose Color Meaning
Rose Color Meaning
| Rose Color Symbolism |
 |
|
While every flower has a wonderful story to tell, the rose stands alone in its abundant history and color meaning. So much so that we couldn’t resist giving it a little preferential treatment and dedicating a separate space to its rich symbolism.
Used for hundreds of years to convey messages without words, roses have long been a symbol of confidentiality - the Latin expression sub rosa (literally "under the rose") means something told in secret.
Regardless of color, their unique beauty and subtle fragrance convey a message guaranteed to elicit delight from the recipient and envy from others. If you’re looking for a way to add a little extra sentiment to your silent message of affection, we’ve put together a list of the meanings associated with the different colors of roses.
|
|
|
 |
Red |
|
|
There’s nothing secret about the red rose’s symbolism of love. Valentine’s Day would hardly exist without this bold and dramatic bloom. The ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion, the red rose also conveys respect and the creative spirit of love. Representing true love stronger than thorns, the red rose is known universally as the lover’s rose.
|
 |
White |
|
|
Representing, humility, purity and innocence, the white rose - often referred to as the bridal rose - is associated with young love. In Scotland, when the white rose bloomed in autumn, it was seen as a token of early marriage. Also symbolizing truth and reverence, it sends a message of loyalty and says "I am worthy of you."
|
 |
Yellow |
|
|
While in Victorian times, the yellow rose symbolized jealousy, today it represents friendship, joy and caring. A bouquet of these sun-filled blossoms conveys warmth, gladness and affection.
|
 |
Pink |
|
|
Symbolizing gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement, the pink rose also carries additional meanings depending on its hue. A deep pink conveys gratitude and appreciation, while pale shades connote grace and gentleness, admiration and happiness.
|
 |
Orange |
|
|
With their warm, vibrant tones, orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and desire. If you’re looking for a way to express admiration and attraction - with an underlying message of passion and excitement - then send a bouquet filled with these fiery blooms.
|
 |
Lilac & purple |
|
|
Thought to be almost mystical in nature, with symbolism tied to enchantment, desire and even proceeding cautiously, it’s not surprising that lilac and purple roses send a message of love at first sight, A great Valentine flower.
|
 |
Multi-colored roses |
|
|
In some instances - usually when mixing red with another color rose - you can send additional messages with your choice of bouquet. For example, a combination of red and yellow roses conveys gaiety and happiness, while a mix of red and white roses symbolizes unity.
|
Still more rose symbolism
|
|
As if color weren’t enough to express your innermost thoughts, there are still more ways that roses can convey your message. For example, while fresh flowers in a bouquet - like roses in full bloom-express deep gratitude, a single rose says “I still love you.” A bouquet of rosebuds - representing innocent love - says “you are forever young and beautiful.” And a thornless rose says “love at first sight,” while the tea rose says “I’ll remember you always.”
|
|
|
WHAT'S IN A NUMBER?
As if choosing a specific rose color weren’t enough to express your innermost thoughts, you can convey your message through the number of stems or the type of rose you select. For example, a bouquet of roses (representing innocent love) says “you’re forever young and beautiful,” while a thornless rose says “love at first sight,” and the tea rose says “I’ll remember you always.” Refer to the list below to find out how different numbers of stems can represent different messages of love.
|
|
|
| |
How many roses do I send?
|
|
On a first date, a single rose symbolises love at first sight. it can also be given in years to come to say, "I still love you."
|
|
Give someone two roses to represent your mutual love and affection.
|
|
Representing the couple and their shared love, a bouquet of three roses is
traditional one month anniversary gift.
|
|
Whether it's a school crush or a more mature passion, six roses symbolizes infatuation.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To send the message “We’ll be together forever,” send a bouquet of nine roses.
|
|
Let them know that their love is perfection with a bouquet of ten roses.
|
|
A perfect dozen shouts "Be mine!"
|
|
Tell someone that they'll be your friend forever with a bouquet of thirteen roses.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Need to let someone know that you're sorry? Send them fifteen roses.
|
|
Send the message "my feelings for you are truly sincere" with a bouquet of twenty roses.
|
|
Twenty-one roses say, "I'm dedicated to you/"
|
|
Two dozen roses shouts "I'm yours!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Send a message of congratulations with twenty-five roses.
|
|
Three dozen says "I'm head over heels in love!"
|
|
Forty roses says, "my love for you is genuine."
|
|
To express a love that knows no bounds, send a bouquet that's equally as limitless - filled with fifty (or more) beautiful luxurious roses.
|
A few more tidbits of interest
|
|
Did you know that roses are not only native to the United States, but they are also our national floral emblem? Or that June is National Rose Month? Or that the rose is the state flower selected by Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Dakota and the District of Columbia?
The beauty of this extraordinary bloom is matched only by its seemingly boundless history and legend. For example, it’s said that Cleopatra once received her beloved Marc Antony in a room knee-deep in rose petals, and that the rose was sacred in ancient times as it represented Aphrodite to the Greeks (and Venus to the Romans), symbolizing beauty and love.
An old legend has it that originally all roses were white. One night, a nightingale saw a rose and fell deeply in love, inspiring him to sing a song. (Before this, nightingales only chirped and croaked.) When his passion overtook him, he pressed himself against the flower, and when the thorns pierced his heart. Ever after, the rose was forever colored red.
|
|
|
|
|
