Roses are admired not just for their beauty but also for their deep and varied symbolism. Their velvety petals and enchanting fragrances have taken many hearts for centuries.
But you know what? There’s actually a secret language that lies behind their beautiful appearance.
At AHH Flowers, the expert florists in Perth, we will help you know the unique story that each flower colour tells. Rose flowers convey many emotions from celebrating friendship to expressing deep love. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the fascinating history along with rose symbolism. Additionally, we’ll discover the deep meanings behind each rose colour to help you choose the perfect rose flower to express your feelings.
So, let’s explore the meaning of roses together.
Rose Symbolism | The Historical Significance
Starting from ancient Egyptians, they used roses in offerings to their gods. They included them in tombs which shows that they played a role in their funeral rituals.
Then, as early as 551 BC, rose flowers were mentioned in Chinese history books, showing their significance in ancient cultures. Afterwards, roses came to symbolise the important aspects of Christ’s life in Christianity. The red and white roses represented His crucifixion and resurrection side by side.
Then, by the 15th century, roses had begun to be admired for their beauty in England which started setting a stage for their deeper symbolism.
In ancient Greece, roses were associated with Aphrodite – the goddess of love, while the Romans used them to symbolize secrecy. That’s why we have the term ‘sub rosa’ which means ‘under the rose’.
During the Medieval and Renaissance eras, roses were portrayed in religious art to represent the Virgin Mary. They were also symbols of the rival houses in the Wars of the Roses.
Moreover, if we talk about cultural history, roses have different meanings. For instance, in China, they symbolise longevity and eternal spring. Literary figures like Shakespeare also celebrated the rose, as in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ he famously stated that ‘A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,’ highlighting the flower’s timeless beauty and significance.
Rose Colour Meanings and Symbolism | AHH Flowers
Roses come in a range of colours, each with its own unique meaning and symbolism. So, your choice of rose colour can largely affect the message you want to convey to someone.
Red Roses | Symbol of Love
Perhaps the most iconic of all rose colours is red which is deeply rooted in our culture. Red roses have been associated with love and passion since ancient times.
Their association with the goddess of love in Greece has carried through history. Today, red roses have become the most favoured choice for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day and anniversaries. They are a symbol of deep love, desire, and a lasting promise that speaks out loud without saying a single word.
Further, in art and literature, the red rose has also been presented as a symbol of romantic love. Whether it’s Shakespeare’s sonnet or a classic love story, the red roses have been used to express the deepest human feelings and emotions.
So, let’s present a bouquet of red roses to someone you love. They aren’t just flowers; this bouquet is a gift from history, a symbol of love and passion.
Pink Roses | Elegance and Grace
Pink roses are adaptable and versatile for many occasions. It’s because their pink shades look elegant and graceful. There are different shades of pink roses that convey different feelings and emotions. For instance:
- Light pink roses symbolise admiration, gentleness, and joy.
- Dark shades, like magenta or deep pink, represent appreciation and gratitude.
Moreover, pink roses are linked to femininity and sweetness in many cultures. Whether you need to celebrate your loved one’s achievements, thank a friend, or simply want to bring a smile to someone’s face, a pink flower bouquet is a thoughtful and beautiful option.
White Roses | Purity and Innocence
Another classic and timeless addition to the rose family. White rose meaning comprises innocence, purity and new beginnings.
Thus, they are an excellent choice for weddings as bridal bouquets or other wedding decorations, representing the bride’s purity and the fresh start of the newlywed couple. Additionally, they’re also presented in ceremonies and memorial services as well. Their elegance conveys a message of honour and respect which makes them suitable for both joyous and serious occasions.
Moreover, white roses are also commonly used in funerals. They show remembrance and respect for the late. Their pure and flawless beauty makes them an appropriate tribute to someone who has passed away. They can also be given to celebrate new beginnings like the child’s birth or the start of a new journey in life.
Yellow Roses | Friendship and Joy
This cheerful and warm rose colour represents the spirit of joy and friendship.
The yellow rose colour meaning is strongly associated with these positive emotions and the joy that a friend gives you. It makes them ideal for celebrating moments of happiness and success.
Yellow roses are perfect for:
- congratulating friends on their achievements
- brightening someone’s day
- celebrating happy moments like birthdays and graduations
Their sunny outlook can bring a smile to anyone’s face and is a wonderful way to show someone you care. If you want to show someone that you value their friendship and appreciate their presence in your life, a bouquet of yellow roses is a perfect gesture.
Peach Roses | Sincerity and Gratitude
They are warm and attractive – best to show gratitude and sincerity. Peach roses can reflect your heartfelt emotions, genuine appreciation and gratefulness. They also depict modesty and enhance the elegance of a bouquet.
They are perfect for celebrating the closing of a deal, expressing thanks, or simply showing someone how much you value them.
Orange Roses | Interest Pride, Fascination & Curiosity
Gift your crush an orange flower bouquet if you can’t express your feelings of romantic love in words.
Orange roses symbolise one’s curiosity for another, expressing enthusiasm and attraction.
Its blend of red and yellow symbolises blossoming romance, a budding passion for someone special in your life, or even a friend. While many see flowers as an expression of romantic love, orange roses are a classic expression of spiritual love.
Purple Roses | Love at First Sight, Enchantment & Majesty
It is the rarest colour of roses which symbolises love at first sight, majesty and attraction.
Initially, they were only used for royalty because of their rareness. And, now, they are seen as very majestic flowers that carry a sense of individuality.
So, if you receive purple roses from someone, they must think very highly of you.
The vibrant purple colour stands out in a bouquet that shows someone’s uniqueness as well. They are also a great choice to add elegance and sophistication to any floral arrangement.
Blue Roses | Mystery and Unattainability
Blue roses are unique and often symbolize mystery and the unattainable. Since blue roses do not grow naturally, they are usually created by dyeing white roses. This rarity gives them a sense of magic and wonder.
Blue roses represent the impossible and the desire for the unattainable, making them a symbol of hope and dreams that are yet to come true. Additionally, they can be used to convey a sense of longing for something that is out of reach. Blue roses can also be used to express uniqueness and individuality, making them a great choice for someone who stands out from the crowd.
Black Roses | Mourning and Rebirth
Traditionally black roses symbolise death and passing away, which isn’t the most positive message. But, in recent years the black rose meaning has shifted and meant the death of old patterns and habits and a movement into new order.
In this sense, the black rose can mean confidence and a new birth. When coupled with green roses, they can symbolise a new era of hope and positivity for the future.
Combining Rose Colours in Flower Bouquets at AHH Flowers
We create bouquets with multiple rose colours to convey a deep and layered message. This way you can have a customised flower bouquet to fit and suit any occasion. The possibilities are endless, and the result is a detailed and beautiful floral arrangement that can convey your sentiments in a meaningful way.
For example:
- bouquet of red and white flowers symbolises unity and harmony.
- bouquet of pink and yellow roses expresses joy, admiration and friendship.
- bouquet of yellow, and orange with red roses conveys a deep feeling of love and attraction.
The art of combining rose colours allows for creative and meaningful floral arrangements that can speak the feelings you wish to convey.
So, whether you need to show some love or romance, send a thanks note, appreciate someone’s effort, celebrate someone’s birthday or success or congratulate the newlyweds, we have got you covered.
Find the Most Graceful Rose Flower Bouquets at AHH Flowers
We specialize in making beautiful bouquets that convey your desired message perfectly. We offer a wide range of floral arrangements for all occasions, ensuring a special and memorable gift.
FAQs | Rose Colours and Their Meanings
What does each rose colour symbolize?
Each rose colour conveys its own unique symbolism:
- red for love
- pink for admiration
- white for purity
- yellow for friendship
- peach for gratitude
- orange for attraction
- purple for enchantment
- blue for mystery
- black for mourning and rebirth
Can blue roses be found in nature?
No, blue roses do not occur naturally. They are usually created by dyeing white roses.
Why are black roses so rare?
Black roses are rare because they don’t grow naturally. They are often dark red or purple roses that look black in certain lighting or through dyeing processes.
What do purple roses represent?
Purple roses symbolise enchantment, mystery, and majesty. They are often associated with admiration and respect.
