The Meaning of Roses and Their Symbolism

I have a white rose to tend

In July as in January;

I give it to the true friend

Who offers his frank hand to me.

And for the cruel one whose blows

Break the heart by which I live,

Thistle nor thorn do I give:

For him, too, I have a white rose.

This poem, I Have a White Rose to Tend, Verse XXXIX by Jose Marti, is one reference to the symbolism of a rose. In this case it is the white rose, which can mean purity and reverence, that overpowers the poem. Roses have powerful meanings through their color and number.

Color Symbolism in Roses

Roses can be grown in virtually every color of the rainbow. Because of the variety of colors available, rose colors have taken on meanings. For holidays like Valentine’s Day, roses can express the true feeling of the giver.

The following are some of the meanings behind rose colors:

• White roses: purity, innocence, and reverence;
• Red roses: romantic love and passion;
• Orange roses: desire and attraction;
• Yellow roses: platonic friendship;
• Blue roses (dyed): mystery and unattainable;
• Green roses: well-being and abundance;
• Purple or lilac roses: love at first sight;
• Pink roses: sweetness and gentleness.

Number Symbolism in Roses

Just as with colors, roses can also take on meaning based on the number of roses given. A single rose not in full bloom denotes simplicity or basic. A single red rose not in bloom states “I simply love you.” A single rose in full bloom means fully, so a single red rose in full blooms means “I love you with all of my heart and soul.”

Several roses grouped together can have several meanings. For example, a dozen roses of the same color expresses the meaning of the rose over and over again. A dozen red roses means repeated declaration of romantic love. Fifty roses is the infinity of the rose meaning.

Combining the Color and Number of Roses

Further meaning of roses can be had by combining both the color and number of roses. Two roses that are intertwined, or stems wrapped around one another, expresses a marriage of ideas. Two red roses intertwined actually means “marry me.” A purple and blue rose together means love at first sight, but the love is unattainable.

Roses are a wonderful way to convey a symbolic message. By combining colors and numbers of roses, the messenger can truly express his feelings without saying a word. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to exercise this form of expression by stating “I am in love at first sight,” “Let’s be friends.” or “I love you.”

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