Roses might feel like an obvious flower to describe and explain, and while you may already know about red roses, or a dozen roses, there are various meanings applied to different colors, and even different numbers, of roses.
The history of symbolism behind roses goes back as far as pretty much any other flower, and it is a fascinating history, worthy of understanding and exploring.
Sometimes, though, you just want a rose, or two, or seven. The bottom line is learning about roses is fun and interesting, so here we go.
Table Of Contents
Plants and Flowers and the Meaning of Their Color Throughout History
Humans have always loved flowers and plants, placing meaning and symbolism on the things that surround us.
We built stories and superstitions around items, colors, weather patterns, animals, and, yes, plants. We gave roses for love, forget-me-nots for remembrance, lilies for grieving, and so much more.
It makes sense when you think about it, especially with plants. After all, our earliest ancestors had to figure out quickly which plants would harm us, which would lend us excellent health, and which would be benign.
Mushrooms extended our lives or killed us, depending on the variety. Mint helped with digestion and gave us good breath. And bay leaves converted bad fats to good fats. Belladonna can help us sleep or kill us. These variations were critical for our ancestors to learn, and they passed that wisdom down to us, along with the symbolism we attribute to each.
From those early times to this day, we understand almost instantly the emotions attached to cut flowers and those delivered in pots, and we continue to buy, give, and plant those flowers throughout our lives, thus continuing the traditions.
Now, we have the luxury of buying pretty much any flower we choose at a moment’s notice, and many of us have the time to investigate how to care for plants we would otherwise allow to die.
Roses are among the most difficult to grow and care for, and perhaps that is what makes their symbolism so powerful.
Roses and Their Historic Symbolism
The history of roses goes back about 4,000 years to 2,000 BC when they grew in abundance in what is now known as Iraq. Wild roses were different from those we now see cultivated in perfectly curated gardens.
The curation began in China around 500 BC when the Chinese grew gardens for purely aesthetic reasons and used the flowers in medicines for both spirituality and health.
Rose petals are filled with phytonutrients and antioxidants. You can add them to salads for cancer-fighting properties or just for a burst of flavor. They are also packed with vitamin C.
The history of roses shows they quickly spread throughout Rome and the rest of Europe before making their way to North America.
The mythology around roses goes back at least as long as the origin of the actual growth and cultivation of roses, and each color or number can mean something profoundly different.
Five Roses and Their Meanings
Red Roses
Red roses have been associated with love and romance since at least Greek and Roman mythology. Legend has it that the goddess of love, Aphrodite, fell deeply in love with a mortal, Adonis. When he died, gored through by a wild boar, she ran to him, pricking her foot as she raced.
She held him in her arms and cried an abundance of tears as Adonis’s blood poured out onto the earth. Roses grew, the myths say, from the spots where she pricked her foot, where her tears dropped, and where his blood soaked into the earth. We now give red roses to express this kind of undying love.
Yellow Roses
When you think about the color yellow, it makes sense that yellow roses symbolize friendship. Yellow is a deeply warm color, symbolizing depth of happiness, friendliness, and affection.
Think of the sun shining down on you on a cold day. It fills you with warmth, and you can’t help but think of the color yellow. Thus, when you care deeply for someone, and just want to let them know it, you can give someone yellow roses.
A Dozen Roses
A dozen red roses, especially long-stemmed ones, have become the classic symbol of perfect love. You’ve already covered why red roses are so important.
The number 12 builds on this symbolism because it represents perfection, completion, and cosmic order. When you give someone 12 red roses, you’re not only letting them know that you love them with an incredible intensity but also that your love is a perfect and complete love.
Seven Roses
Interestingly, the symbolism of seven roses is a step back from the depth of 12 roses. Seven roses is new love, infatuated love, and hopeful love.
When you give someone seven red roses, you can ask them out on a date. Pair it with a great cup of coffee, and you’re halfway there!
Black Roses
In contrast to all this love and friendship, black roses are perhaps the most profound flower offered for grieving. The truth is there is no real black rose, but there are roses that are so purple they appear black. You can also find deep, dark red roses that seem black.
Many people dip roses into black paint or spray them with flower paint to symbolize mourning, grief, or sadness. Black has long been associated with death, so it is no surprise that black roses would symbolize mourning.
In the end, roses are one of the best flowers to buy, give, or grow. You can’t go wrong when trying to show someone how you feel with roses.
What is your favorite rose and why? Let me know in the comments. I love to hear from my readers.
