The Meaning of Roses

Roses are perhaps the most iconic and celebrated flowers in history. From ancient myths to modern romance, roses have played a central role in expressing emotions, symbolizing ideals, and even carrying secret messages. Their rich history and layered meanings make them far more than just beautiful blooms. But what do roses symbolize, and how did they come to hold such deep meaning? Let’s dive into the long storied history of roses and their meanings.

A Brief History of Roses

The story of roses begins thousands of years ago. Research suggests that roses have existed for over 35 million years and were cultivated as early as 5,000 years ago in the gardens of China and the Middle East. In ancient Greece and Rome, roses were linked to the goddess of love Aphrodite and Roman goddess Venus who were often depicted with roses, which symbolized their passion and beauty.

Roses also held great significance in ancient Persia, where poets like Rumi often referenced them in their works to convey love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. During the Roman Empire, roses were a symbol of luxury and wealth, often used to decorate banquets and public ceremonies. Later, in the Victorian era, roses became a key element of the language of flowers, which was a subtle way to communicate sentiments without words.

In the Victorian era, different numbers and combinations of roses could send specific messages. For example, a single red rose meant “I love you”, a bouquet of twelve roses conveyed gratitude or complete devotion, and a thornless rose symbolized love at first sight. Roses were often exchanged in secret, allowing people to communicate feelings they couldn’t say aloud. Selfishly, we’re happy that’s over!

The Colors of Roses and Their Meanings

One of the reasons roses are so beloved is their variety of colors because it is vast and each one carries its own message. Here’s a quick guide to what each color signifies:

• Red Roses: The ultimate symbol of love and passion, red roses are often exchanged on Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. They’re the perfect way to say, “I love you.” Our all-red bouquet, The American Rose, is an eye-catching vision in crimson that was designed in collaboration with Vogue. 

• White Roses: Representing purity, innocence, and new beginnings, white roses are common at weddings and christenings. They’re also a way to honor remembrance and reverence. All-white arrangement, The Peace, is a gorgeous option for sympathies or a gesture of kindness. 

• Pink Roses: These convey admiration, gratitude, and gentleness. Lighter shades often symbolize sweetness, while deeper pinks express appreciation and recognition. While we have many pink options, some of your favorites have been The Satin, The Peony, and The Parasol.

• Yellow Roses: Bright and cheerful, yellow roses stand for friendship, joy, and caring. They’re perfect for celebrating platonic relationships. Send The Flutter to your best girlfriends as a reminder that you love them and that you’re past due for a girls’ night.

• Orange Roses: A bold choice, orange roses symbolize enthusiasm, energy, and fascination. They’re often used to express intense feelings of desire or admiration. Our best seller, The Firecracker, is the embodiment of magic in floral form.

• Lavender Roses: These rare beauties represent enchantment and love at first sight. They’re ideal for conveying a sense of wonder or admiration. Our de-facto fan favorite, The Unicorn, features lavender roses amongst a harmonious blend of florals. 

• Black Roses: Though not truly black, these deep red or purple roses symbolize mystery, farewell, or even rebirth. While black roses are often seasonal, we often have mini calla lilies in the fall.

Roses in Modern Culture

Today, roses are more than just a Valentine’s Day staple. They appear in your favorite movies, classic literature, politics and music. The red rose has become a global symbol of political movements and the white rose became a symbol of resistance during World War II. In the world-renowned play Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare writes the famous line, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” and recording artist Seal sings the iconic song, “A Kiss From a Rose”. These flowers have and will continue to capture the imagination and hearts of people worldwide due to their beauty.

From ancient legends to modern expressions of love, roses have transcended time and culture as symbols of beauty, emotion, and connection. Whether you’re captivated by their historical significance, charmed by their vibrant colors, or moved by their meanings, roses remain a timeless way to convey what words often cannot. So the next time you encounter a rose, take a moment to appreciate the layers of history and sentiment woven into its delicate petals.

FAQs

What do different rose colors symbolize? 

Different rose colors carry unique meanings—red for love, white for purity, pink for admiration, yellow for friendship, orange for enthusiasm, lavender for enchantment, and black for mystery or farewell.

Does UrbanStems provide roses for special occasions?

Yes! From anniversaries to birthdays, UrbanStems has rose bouquets for every occasion. Our expert team of florists ensure each arrangement is fresh, beautiful, and meaningful.

Can I include a message with my UrbanStems rose delivery?

Of course! Every UrbanStems delivery includes the option to add a personalized note, making your rose bouquet even more special for its recipient.