INFO: Why are red roses the symbol of love ? (2024)

by Melanie Rousselet

We all know that sometimes, a rose means more than words.

Those flowers, thanks to their beauty and magical scent have helped people, for hundreds of years, to say "I love you".

But tulips, gladiolus, and orchids are beautiful too, so why are red roses really the symbol of love and passion and how did it start?

To understand this monopoly, we have to go back in time;

Greek mythology

INFO: Why are red roses the symbol of love ? (1)

Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, often wears roses around her head, neck or feet in pictures. Moreover, from the blood of her lover, Adonis, grew a rose bush when he died.

Romeo and Juliet (1595)

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” this famous quote from Romeo and Juliet means a lot of things: rose symbolizesbeauty, love, and passion, but the thorns are a reminder that love can also be painful: their love that was symbolized by therose, kills them both.

A Red, Red Rose (1794)

Another artist, Robert Burns, pays tribute to the rose and perpetuate the tradition with a Scottish poem.

INFO: Why are red roses the symbol of love ? (2)

Victorian Era in Europe (1837 – 1901)

INFO: Why are red roses the symbol of love ? (3)

During this period, public shows of affection were frowned upon, it was not possible to simply ask for a date. So the only solution for lovers to express their feelings was red roses: commonly used to send messages of love.

In addition, the Victorians were obsessed with floriography ( the language of flowers): that implies that every flower has a meaning and a different message to tell the person who receives it.

It is this tradition that reaffirmed the red rose as a symbol of romance.

Alice in Wonderland (1865)

Lewis Carroll also honors the rose with the crazy Queen of Hearts. She was so passionate about red rose that her gardeners frantically painted the roses red, for fear she would cut off their heads if it was discovered they planted white roses by mistake!


Now that you know it all about love and roses, we also have a beautiful rose scented candle called Mademoiselle Rose that should help you say "I love you" or "Je t'aime" or whatever love language you speak...

Discover our collections of natural scented candles HERE.

INFO: Why are red roses the symbol of love ? (2024)

FAQs

INFO: Why are red roses the symbol of love ? ›

Among the Greeks and Romans

Why are red roses a symbol of love? ›

Greek and Roman Mythology

From the Western culture, it has been believed that this type of flower was created by the goddess of love, Aphrodite. According to the legend, her tears and her lover, Adonis', blood watered the ground from where the red Roses grew. It was then a symbol of love until death.

What is a red rose the symbol of? ›

A red rose is a gift primarily given to a love interest, symbolizing a marital or romantic relationship. Wedding bouquets often include white roses, symbolizing virtue. Red is traditionally seen as a symbol of passion, while white is a symbol of purity and innocence.

Is the beautiful red rose a symbol of love? ›

Christian Symbolism

During the Middle Ages, Christian iconography linked the red rose to love. The crimson rose was frequently connected to the Virgin Mary and came to represent the blood of Christian martyrs. It thus gained significance as a symbol of heavenly love and later as Valentine's Day flowers.

What are the few points about red roses? ›

Bright ruby red roses are the true sign of love and usually symbolize passion, desire, and romance. Deeper red roses that fall more into the burgundy color family connote commitment and devotion, while roses with a merlot-like red tint represent beauty.

Why does red represent love? ›

Firstly, red is associated with the heart, which is the centre of love and emotion. The heart is often depicted as a bright red symbol, and this association has helped make red a powerful symbol of love. Another reason why red is the colour of love is because of its association with desire and passion.

What does a red red rose as a personal love mean? ›

In this poem the speaker declares the intense love he feels for another. He compares his love to a rose and insists that his love will be everlasting. After indicating an impending separation, the speaker concludes by insisting that his love will endure while the lovers are apart.

What is the secret meaning of red rose? ›

Red. The most classic of them all, a red rose is a perfect choice for a significant other. This stunning shade most popularly stands for passion and communicates love. It's the rose of romance and deep feelings, but can also relay desire, beauty, victory, harmony, joy, luck, pride, martyrdom, according to McCord Jones.

What red flowers mean love? ›

Red flowers usually symbolise romantic love. So if you're looking for an alternative to red roses for Valentine's Day, but aren't sure what flower exactly, you can't go wrong with red flowers. Red carnations, red peonies, red chrysanthemums, red buttercups — they all represent romantic love.

What type of rose means love? ›

Red roses are known worldwide as the symbol of love and romance. With red roses, you really give a feeling or emotion to someone else.

What does the 🌹 mean in texting? ›

unless it's a rose emoji, or🌹. The rose emoji can be used to express romantic and non-romantic love and affection, as the flower is commonly given on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. The emoji can also convey a sense of beauty or signal alliance with democratic socialism.

What makes red rose special? ›

What makes the rose so special? The red rose is a symbol of Love, beauty, courage and respect. It conveys deep emotions of love and passion, making it the ideal Valentine's Day gift. Not only is it beautiful, but the flower is a wonderful way to express feelings that words alone may not be able to convey.

What are 3 facts about roses? ›

10 Interesting Facts About Roses
  • Roses are possibly one of the oldest flowers. ...
  • All varieties of roses are edible. ...
  • The national flower for England is a rose. ...
  • Each rose colour has a different meaning. ...
  • The tallest rose bush stands at 5.6 meters high. ...
  • There are many different rose varieties.
Feb 6, 2023

What is the main message of a red red rose? ›

A Red, Red Rose - Key Takeaways

The poem explores the themes of youth and beauty and love and time. The poem conveys the meaning that love can withstand time and change.

What do roses mean in the language of love? ›

Beyond their aesthetic beauty, red roses symbolize the intensity, passion, and desire that are at the heart of romantic love. Their rich history and cultural significance make them a perfect choice for expressing affection on this special day.

What color of rose means love? ›

Red: Red roses are the most traditional Valentine's Day flower, and with good reason. This color represents romance, love, beauty and perfection. It is sometimes said that dark red roses represent humility or unconscious beauty.

What does rose red mean? ›

What rose red means. Because of its connection to rose flowers, which are typically given on Valentine's Day, rose red is seen as the shade of love and romance. It can also be linked with femininity, but less overtly so than pink. It can also be the color of optimism.

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