Roses Are Red - The Symbolism Behind Your Beloved Roses

Roses are red, some are blue. Each have their own meanings, here; we will show you!

When asked to think of flowers for any occasion, the rose likely comes to mind. It’s an earned thought! Roses can work as birthday flowers, or as an anniversary gift. A bouquet of roses is considered the quintessential romantic gesture, and adorning pillars with roses are a commonplace feature at both weddings, and funerals.

While roses come in a variety of colours, not all of them carry the same meaning and symbolism. Even the number of roses one is gifted holds meaning! To make sure that you are using the right roses for the right occasion, allow us to take you on a deep dive into the flower we all know and love to get to know it a little bit better!

Rose Colours

It’s important to consider the colour of roses when gifting them, as the colour can convey a specific meaning or sentiment. Different colours of roses can have different symbolic meanings and choosing the right colour can help to convey the intended message more effectively.

For example, if you want to express romantic interest to someone, giving them red roses would be a more appropriate choice than giving them yellow roses, which are typically associated with friendship. Similarly, if you want to congratulate someone on a new job or a new baby, bright, yellow roses would be a more fitting choice than red roses.

In some cultures and customs, certain color of roses have a special meaning, so it’s a good idea to look into it.

White Roses: Symbolising purity, innocence, and new beginnings, white roses are often used in weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies. They can also represent secrecy, reverence, and humility.

Yellow Roses: Representing friendship, joy, and congratulations, yellow roses are a popular choice for graduates, newlyweds, or new parents. They can also symbolise the bonds of friendship and the joy of new beginnings.

Orange Roses: Symbolising enthusiasm, passion, and energy, orange roses are often used to express admiration and appreciation. They can also represent desire and excitement.

Red Roses: The most classic symbol of love and romance, red roses are often given as a gesture of love or as a romance. They can also represent respect, devotion, and courage.

Purple/Blue Roses: Sometimes known as ‘lavender roses,’ these dark roses symbolise mystery, enchantment, and wonder. Purple or blue roses are often given as a sign of admiration and appreciation. They can also represent the idea of the impossible or the unattainable.

Pink Roses: Symbolising grace, elegance, and appreciation, pink roses are often given as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation. They can also represent grace, gentility, and sweetness.

It's worth noting that some people may have personal preferences for certain colors of roses, so it's always a good idea to ask or consider the person's preferences. Ultimately, it's not mandatory to think about the color of roses when gifting, but it can add an extra layer of thoughtfulness and meaning to the gesture.

Meaning of The Number of Roses

Did you know that the number of roses you gift holds a specific meaning? While most know the meaning of 3 roses – I love you – we are clueless as to symbolic meaning of how many roses one gifts.

Here are a few examples:

  • One rose: A single rose can symbolise love at first sight, or a gesture of love and appreciation.

  • A dozen roses: A dozen roses is often associated with expressing gratitude, appreciation, or love. They also can represent perfection and completion.

  • Two dozen roses: Two dozen roses can symbolise the desire to express the gift giver's feelings in a more profound way.

  • Three dozen roses: Three dozen roses can symbolise the expression of love and devotion, in a grand and extravagant way.

It's worth noting that these meanings can vary in different cultures, and also that roses are not the only flower that has a meaning associated to it. Other flowers also have meanings associated to them, so it would be a good idea to look into it when gifting flowers.

Ultimately, the number of roses given as a gift is not as significant as the colour of the roses, but it can add an extra layer of thoughtfulness and meaning to the gesture.

If you’re looking to shop for a bouquet or arrangement of roses, our collection of timeless rose arrangements are here to satisfy your needs. Enjoy same-day flower delivery South of the River for orders made before the cut-off time of 10am. Lilypilly is your choice when it comes to handcrafted, rose bouquets.