Roses have been used to convey different meanings throughout the centuries, by knowing the meanings of each colour and combination of roses, you can send these traditional messages to your lover, friends and everyone who means something to you.
In Greek mythology, roses originated from Adonis, the deity of plants and rebirth. Adonis was born from a deceptive union between King Theias and his daughter Myrrha. When King Theia’s realized that his daughter had tricked him, he chased her with his sword. To protect Myrrha, Aphrodite transformed her into a tree.
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King Theia’s shot the tree with an arrow, splitting it in half. It was from this tree that Adonis was born. Aphrodite took to Adonis and raised him like a son. As Adonis grew, he became an avid hunter. One day while he was hunting, Adonis came across Ares, one of Aphrodite’s past lovers, who was disguised as a wild boar. Ares attacked Adonis and when Aphrodite heard his screams, she ran into the forest and found him dying. The blood that ran from his wounds hit the ground and turned into roses.
In another version of the tale, red roses originated when Aphrodite was running to Adonis’ side, cut her feet on the thorns of the flowers, and stained them red. In other words, there have been different interpretations and means of the different colours, combinations of roses.
Red roses
Red roses are one of the most common types of rose, they symbolize love and romance. When used in a wedding bouquet, red roses are a token of appreciation and true respect. They are definitely the perfect pick to gift your partner on valentine’s day.
White roses
White roses usually carry the meaning of purity, peace, and innocence but are sometimes referred to as bridal roses because of their association with young love and eternal loyalty. White roses can also symbolize a new beginning and everlasting love.
Orange roses
Orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and passion. A bouquet of fiery orange roses can help you say that you are ready to take your relationship to the next level. The orange rose can also say “I am so proud of you”.
Yellow roses
Yellow roses symbolize friendship, although they were once thought to express jealousy and infidelity. Gifting a yellow rose to a friend conveys warmth and affection and can be a great way to show your delight. It also symbolizes remembrance and a warm memory or a token of appreciation to another.
Pink roses
Pink roses symbolize gratitude, grace, admiration, and joy. They are the gentlest of roses and relay that message through their grace. Pink roses stand for femininity, refinement, and sweetness but they can carry more than one meaning depending on the shade of pink. A dark pink rose or a hot pink rose can stand for gratitude and appreciation and is an excellent way to say thanks, while a very light pink or pale pink rose represents grace, joy, and happiness.
Peach roses
A peach rose conveys sincerity and gratitude. They are commonly given to celebrate a business deal or arrangement and can be a sign of loyalty. These flowers are the perfect way to say “thank you” and a very thoughtful way to show sympathy for a friend or family member.
Lavender roses
Lavender roses have special meanings attached to them. They’ve evolved throughout the years and their existence. Often, the lavender rose is a sign of love at first sight or enchantment. Most individuals use the lavender rose to express their intentions of romance.
Just as different colours of roses have their meaning, a combination of different colours has its own meaning too. Even a number of roses symbolizes something different.
One red rose means “My only.”
Two roses mean “We are a couple.”
Three roses mean “I love you.”
Six roses mean “I miss you.”
Ten roses mean “You are perfect for me.”
Thirteen roses mean “You have a secret admirer.”
Fifteen roses mean “I am sorry.”
Fifty roses mean “I love you unconditionally.”
Ninety-nine roses mean “I will love you forever.”
One hundred roses mean “I am devoted to you.”
A red and white rose means “Unity.”
Red, pink and white signifies “Trinity.”
Red and orange mean “Congratulations.”
Lavender and white means “Let’s try again.”
Peach and pink mean “Sweetness.”
White and yellow mean “Harmony.”
Orange and yellow mean “Passionate thoughts.”
A mixed colour bouquet means “You are everything to me.”
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