What Does The Rose Flower Mean? All You Need To Know

Written By Alexis Fan

In Summary: What Does the Rose Flower Mean?

  • Love and Passion: Red roses symbolise deep love, desire, and romantic devotion, with their association to figures like Aphrodite and Venus.

  • Purity and Innocence: White roses represent purity, spirituality, and new beginnings, often linked to the Virgin Mary and fresh love.

  • Friendship and Joy: Yellow roses are a symbol of warmth, friendship, and joy, breaking the tradition of jealousy to convey affection without romantic intent.

  • Admiration and Gratitude: Pink roses signify gratitude, elegance, and admiration, with darker shades representing appreciation and lighter ones embodying happiness.

  • Desire and Enthusiasm: Orange roses convey excitement, enthusiasm, and passionate attraction, often expressing admiration with a hint of desire.

  • Enchantment and Mystical Love: Purple/lilac roses symbolise enchantment, fascination, and love at first sight, often linked to mystical or mysterious qualities.

  • Unity and Harmony: Mixed-colour roses, such as red and yellow or red and white, represent happiness, unity, and harmony in relationships.

With their rich history, roses transcend simple beauty to become profound messengers of emotions. From declarations of love to expressions of apology, roses are a timeless symbol of affection, making them a perfect gift for any occasion.

 

Origins of Rose Symbolism

Roses have been symbolic for centuries, with their meanings deeply rooted in mythology, history, and religion. Below is an elaboration on the origins of their symbolism:

1. Greek Mythology

Roses are linked to love and beauty in Greek myths, with Adonis’ blood giving rise to red roses and Aphrodite’s blood staining white roses red, symbolizing passion and sacrifice. Chloris also created the rose, associating it with love, divine beauty, and secrecy (sub-rosa).

2. Roman Tradition

The Romans adopted the rose as a symbol of love through Venus and Cupid’s myths, where Cupid’s arrows caused roses to grow thorns and turn red. They also popularised the phrase sub rosa to signify confidentiality in meetings.

3. Christian Symbolism

The rose became a Christian symbol of purity, with white roses representing the Virgin Mary and red roses symbolizing Christ’s martyrdom. The rose also inspired the rosary, linking it to prayer and spirituality.

Colour Symbolism of Roses

Each rose colour carries distinct meanings, often tied to cultural and historical contexts:

Red Roses

  • Symbolise love, passion, and beauty.

  • Associated with Aphrodite and romantic devotion. A single red rose can signify loyalty, while a dozen boldly declares love.

White Roses

  • Represent innocence, purity, and spirituality.

  • Linked to the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition and young love in Scotland

Yellow Roses

  • Historically symbolised jealousy but now represents friendship, joy, and warmth.

  • Convey affection and caring without romantic intent.

Pink Roses

  • Denote gratitude, elegance, and admiration.

  • Deeper shades express appreciation, while lighter hues symbolise gentleness and happiness.

Orange Roses

  • Symbolise enthusiasm, desire, and excitement.

  • Perfect for conveying admiration with an underlying passion.

Purple/Lilac Roses

  • Represent enchantment and love at first sight.

  • Often associated with mystical qualities and cautious attraction.

Mixed Colours

  • Combinations carry unique messages:

    • Red and yellow roses symbolise happiness.

    • Red and white roses signify unity.

Rose Numbers and Their Meanings

Roses have long been a universal language of love and emotions, with their meanings extending beyond colour to the number of blooms in a bouquet. Here is a breakdown of the meanings associated with different numbers of roses:

  • 1 Rose: "You caught my eye."

  • 2 Roses: "You mean everything to me."

  • 3 Roses: “I love you."

  • 4 Roses: "Nothing can come between us."

  • 5 Roses: "You're special to me."

  • 6 Roses: "I want to be yours"

  • 7 Roses: "I admire you so much."

  • 8 Roses: "I'm here for you."

  • 9 Roses: "Forever with you."

  • 10 Roses: "You're perfect to me."

  • 12 Roses: "Be mine"

  • 13 Roses: "You're a true friend." or a secret admirer.

  • 15 Roses: "I'm sorry."

  • 18 Roses: "Stay beautiful, inside and out."

  • 20 Roses: "I believe in us."

  • 24 Roses: "You’re always on my mind 24/7."

  • 30 Roses: "I'll always be faithful."

  • 33 Roses: "I love you more than words can say."

  • 40 Roses: "My love is genuine."

  • 47 Roses: "You are my one and only."

  • 50 Roses: "I love you unconditionally."

  • 66 Roses: "My love won't change."

  • 77 Roses: "You are my soulmate."

  • 88 Roses: "I'm truly sorry for what I did."

  • 99 Roses: "I will love you till the day I die."

  • 100 Roses: "I'm completely devoted to you."

Final Thought

Roses are more than just beautiful flowers; they are messengers of love, passion, and commitment. The number of roses in a bouquet can convey a wide range of emotions, from the simplicity of "I love you" to the depth of eternal devotion. Whether you're expressing gratitude, apologizing, or declaring love, roses offer a universal language that transcends words. Their rich symbolism and timeless beauty make them a powerful tool for expressing emotions and creating lasting memories.

At Royal Blooms, we believe every rose tells a story. Discover our handcrafted rose arrangements bridal bouquet designed to convey what words cannot, from heartfelt apologies to declarations of eternal love. Browse our flower collection today and send a message that will forever be remembered.

Alexis Fan
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