| An estimated 1.2 billion cut roses are purchased in the U.S.
every year. That’s around 4.8 roses for every man, woman and
child! Valentines day is the time of year when the most roses
are sold, with Mothers’ Day in a very distant second. On
February 14th, an annual estimation of 1.3 million roses are
bought. Would you believe that the sale of roses themselves
accounts for almost 40% of Valentines Day gift sales overall?
It is believed that giving a rose to someone is a statement
of pure love. But do you know about the real symbolism behind
different colored roses? You may be surprised ...
* Red Roses
Would you believe that although red is color of choice for
roses, the majority of meaning translations are actually
negative? In Christendom, the red rose is seen as a symbol of
the Jesus’ blood and the agony which he endured during the
crucifixion. In Greek mythology, the red rose represents
passionate desire. This is derived from the myth which told of
Aphrodite spilling blood onto a white rose when trying to help
her wounded lover Adonis. In Persia it is believed that if the
petals fall from red rose cut in an English garden it is a
superstitious omen of bad luck. However, in modern culture, the
red rose has become almost universally accepted as an expression
of deepest love and respect.
* Pink Roses
There is also a great deal of dispute as to the difference in
meaning for pink roses. The most prominent interpretation of
pink roses in general is grace and gentility. Deep pink roses
are often used to say ‘thank you’, as they symbolize gratitude
and appreciation. Light pink roses have a slightly different
meaning, as they convey admiration and sympathy. There is also a
negative connotation of pink roses which heralds from the
stories of ancient Roman Gods. When Rhoanthe unfairly tried to
become the goddess of the hunt and the protectress of woman,
Apollo turned her into a rose. Therefore, if Roman mythology is
to be believed, pink roses are symbols of pain, suffering, and
death.
* White Roses
White roses have been symbols of reverence and humility ever
since Medieval Christian Europe. In those times, Mary was often
represented by a white rose to represent her purity. In Wales,
white roses are seen to mean innocence and silence, and are
often placed on the grave of a young child. Meanwhile, some
native American cultures see the white rose as representing
security and happiness, so this is why they are traditionally
worn at weddings.
* Yellow Roses
In modern culture, yellow roses apparently represent joy,
gladness, freedom and contentment. However, in Islamic folklore
the meaning is really quite different. It is believed that the
yellow rose is a symbol of deceit, treachery, and adultery.
Obviously these are quite different interpretations of the same
thing, which show the transitional nature of color symbolism and
representation theory.
* Orange Roses
Orange roses are actually a genetic blend of reds and
yellows. Therefore, the orange rose represents a blend of pure
enthusiasm and passionate desire. Excellent!
* Pale Pink and Yellow Roses
Pale pink and yellow roses traditionally signify sociability
and friendship.
* Red and Yellow Roses arranged together
Red roses arranged with yellow is said to represent future
joviality and happiness in all areas of your life.
* Red and White Roses arranged together
If red and white roses are arranged together it denotes
unity, understanding, and common ground. This tradition heralds
from the time of King Henry VII where he created a graphic
design called the Tudor Rose in 1485. The Tudor Rose is a symbol
of a red rose on top of a white rose. These roses were the
emblems of the Houses of York and Lancaster, and in creating the
Tudor Rose, the War of the Roses was ended |
