For centuries, roses have been given as a romantic symbol of love and affection. Every year florists sell hundreds of thousands of roses, displayed in elaborate arrangements or simple bouquets, especially during Valentine’s day and other holidays. Giving and receiving a gift of roses holds its own heart-warming joy, but a surprise gift of one red rose holds its own special meaning.
One crimson red rose means love. Love that is deep and eternal, the stuff that romance novels are written about. Simply put, giving someone a single red rose is the floral equivalent to saying “I love you.” Of course, nothing is ever that simple when it comes to mixing symbolism and flowers – Victorian lovers had an entire code of conversation all wrapped around flowers given, worn and displayed. One red rose can also convey many different meanings depending on the shade and even health of the rose.
One red rose that is wilting is a symbol of fading love, a tribute to love that is fleeting. A perfect red rosebud symbolizes beauty and purity, love that is fresh and exhilarating. Deep red roses can either symbolize appreciation of inner strength and beauty or can be a symbol of mourning, depending on the situation. Light red roses verging on a deep pink are a symbol of thanks and appreciation.
If you’re in a new relationship and aren’t quite at the level of hidden meaning behind one red rose, other colors of roses hold many different meanings as well. Pink roses are a tribute to friendship, while light pink represents admiration. Lavender roses are a symbol of instant fascination, almost love at first sight. A gift of yellow roses expresses joyful friendship or happiness, and white is a symbol of purity, innocence, and heavenly love.
Whether you give an extravagant bouquet or just one red rose, nothing says “I love you” quite like roses. Given at holidays, birthdays, or just because, roses can warm the heart and bring a smile to the face of your loved one, a thoughtful gift for any occasion.
