In the world of flowers, few blooms hold as much significance and symbolism as the majestic rose. Renowned for its beauty, fragrance, and diverse array of colours, the rose has captivated hearts and minds for centuries, serving as a timeless emblem of love, admiration, and emotions expressed without words.

Symbolism Across Cultures

Roses have been cherished across various cultures and historical periods, often embodying universal meanings such as love, passion, and beauty. In ancient Greece and Rome, the rose was associated with Aphrodite and Venus, the goddesses of love. In Christianity, it's a symbol of purity and the Virgin Mary. In Eastern cultures like Japan, roses are seen as a representation of life’s impermanence.

Universal Love and Affection

Undoubtedly, the most prominent association with the rose is the expression of love. A single rose gifted can convey deep affection, while a bouquet symbolises a profusion of emotions. Beyond romantic love, roses also signify friendship, appreciation, and gratitude.

The Significance of Rose Colours

Red Roses

Red roses stand as an enduring emblem of passionate love and desire. They epitomise romance, commitment, and true love. A single red rose can express deep affection, while a bouquet of red roses speaks volumes about undying love and longing.

White Roses

White roses embody purity, innocence, and new beginnings. They symbolise reverence and humility, often used in weddings to signify new unions and pure intentions. They also convey honour and remembrance, making them suitable for funerals and honouring departed souls.

Pink Roses

Pink roses represent admiration, grace, and appreciation. Light pink shades symbolise admiration and gentleness, while darker pinks denote gratitude and appreciation. They're commonly used to express gratitude or convey feelings of joy and happiness.

Yellow Roses

Yellow roses are a symbol of friendship, joy, and warmth. They convey feelings of friendship, happiness, and delight. Gifting yellow roses signifies appreciation for a cherished friend or the promise of a new beginning in a relationship.

Orange Roses

Orange roses symbolise enthusiasm, fascination, and energy. They embody a sense of fascination and excitement in a budding relationship. They can also convey admiration and appreciation for someone’s energy and vitality.

Lavender/Purple Roses

Lavender or purple roses embody enchantment and love at first sight. They are often associated with enchantment and splendour, making them perfect for expressing wonder and adoration.

Blue Roses

A blue rose often signifies the unattainable or the mysterious, as it is not naturally occurring in nature. Its rarity has contributed to associations with the impossible or the fantastical. In some contexts, a blue rose might also symbolise new beginnings, mystery, or the pursuit of new opportunities that are uncommon or unexpected.

Which colour should you choose?

One helpful approach to deciding on the colour of a rose to give someone is to look at the specific anniversary year occasion.

Anniversaries mark the passage of time, and the tradition of associating specific colours with each milestone year adds a layer of symbolism and meaning to these celebrations.

For example, the first anniversary is often represented by gold or yellow, symbolising the initial stages of a bright and promising partnership. Red, indicative of passion and deep love, commonly signifies the second anniversary, while green embodies growth and harmony for the third. As the years progress, colours like blue (5th anniversary - stability), purple (6th anniversary - luxury), and silver (10th and 25th anniversary - enduring love) denote the evolving stages of commitment, endurance, and the depth of the relationship. These colours serve as reminders of the journey, emotions, and shared experiences that strengthen the bond between partners, making each anniversary a celebration of lasting love and dedication.

Meaning of Different Numbers of Roses

Single Rose

A single rose, regardless of colour, is a profound gesture. It symbolises utmost devotion, love, and simplicity. It speaks volumes, saying, "You are the one and only."

Three Roses

The number three symbolises harmony, balance, and the past, present, and future. Gifting three roses conveys a message of love, appreciation, and a promise of shared happiness in the future.

Six Roses

Six roses signify a need to be cherished and loved. Gifting six roses symbolises infatuation and the desire to be in a romantic relationship. It also expresses the desire for mutual care and support.

Ten Roses

Ten roses represent perfection and completeness. They signify a love that is truly, deeply, and unconditionally felt. It's a grand gesture of love and admiration.

A Dozen Roses (12 Roses)

A dozen roses is the ultimate symbol of love and admiration. It represents a complete and perfect love, expressing gratitude and appreciation. It's often used as a classic declaration of love, saying, "Be mine forever."

Fifteen Roses

Fifteen roses convey an apology or an expression of regret. They express remorse and ask for forgiveness, acknowledging a mistake or seeking reconciliation.

Final Thoughts: A Gift for Eternity

Giving and receiving fresh roses is no doubt a delight and, for just a few days, they can be enjoyed in all their splendour. Sadly, though, they don't last and the petals gradually drop and the bloom fades.

Throughout history, many have practiced the tradition of flower pressing, to try and retain those romantic memories. But there is a better option.

What could be more stunning, or more romantic than a real rose dipped in pure 24K gold, silver or platinum, or glazed in a beautiful and natural colour?

Often described as an Eternity Rose, this rose will never fade or die.

Conclusion

Roses, with their myriad colours and the significance attached to different numbers, carry profound messages that transcend language barriers. They speak volumes in a single bloom or a carefully arranged bouquet, expressing emotions ranging from love and passion to friendship and regret. Understanding the symbolism behind rose colours and numbers enables us to convey heartfelt emotions and sentiments, making the act of gifting roses a timeless and cherished tradition in human expression.