“Roses are red, violets are blue, these perfect flowers are from my heart, to you!” There are few things in life as simple and significant as flowers. Not only are they beautiful, but they also carry a deep wisdom and historical significance. It has been used to convey feelings of affection, sorrow and remorse for thousands of years. In celebration of the month of love, we want to take a closer look at one of the most romantic flowers in the world – the red rose.
Oozing deep passion and velvet affection, this flower might just be the lucky ticket into your crush’s heart. But before you hit the “deliver” button, let’s highlight red rose symbolism. The red rose is a symbol of love and passion, making it the most popular flower for romantic occasions. In this blog post, we will delve into red rose symbolism and explore its history and cultural significance.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Red Rose
The red rose is a timeless symbol of love and devotion. Its deep red color and velvety touch is symbolic for expressions of intense passion and strong feelings of affection. From Romeo and Juliet’s star-crossed love affair, to Bella and Edward’s forbidden future; this flower expresses deep devotion between lovers and soul mates, despite the odds. The red rose is a common metaphor for romantic love in literature and art. And, a popular choice for wedding bouquets. It symbolizes sacrifice, selfless love and a willingness to give oneself completely to another person. Which makes it a powerful symbol of romance and intimate connection.
The History of the Red Rose in Ancient Rome
In ancient Rome, the red rose was a symbol given to the goddess, Venus, known for her unconditional love and beauty. During the Roman empire, the red bloom was considered a symbol of secrecy and confidentiality. And, it was commonly used in the Roman Republic empire as a means of conveying unspoken messages. It was popular in religious ceremonies as a symbol of love and fertility. And, it was customary for men to give red roses to the woman they were courting.
Red Rose Symbolism in Religion
The red rose has been a symbol of religious significance for centuries. In Christianity, they associate this flower with the Virgin Mary, who is commonly depicted wearing a red rose on her head or holding one in her hand. Symbolizing her purity and devotion. The red rose is also associated with the blood of Christ and the suffering he endured, representing the ultimate sacrifice of love.
In ancient Egypt, the red rose was associated with Isis, the goddess of love, motherhood and fertility. The flower was often used in religious ceremonies and was believed to have healing powers. In Hinduism, the red bloom is symbolic of the goddess Kali, the being of death and destruction, yet also associated with fertility and rebirth. In Buddhism, the red rose is a symbol for compassion and empathy, as it represents the willingness to sacrifice oneself for others.
Today, the red rose is still revered as a symbol of devotion, sacrifice and spiritual awakening across different cultures and religions. It serves as a reminder of the selfless love and devotion that is at the core of many religious beliefs. The red rose has long been a symbol of universal love for humanity and the devotion of faith.
The Red Rose on Valentine’s Day
The red rose has a long and storied history, with references dating back to ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Today, the red rose is still the most popular Valentine’s Day flower, as it is often given as a symbol of love and commitment. Gifting red roses on the 14th of February is a well-loved tradition. Whether it’s an 11 year old boy holding a single stem flower asking his crush to be his valentine, or a soon-to-be husband proposing to his girlfriend on the beach. Red roses are a must for the 14th of February!
Which Occasions are Appropriate for Gifting Red Roses?
When choosing to send a bouquet of red roses, it’s important to note that not every occasion calls for such intense passion. So, take these occasions and special dates into consideration when sending red roses to your loved ones:
Valentine’s Day: Most obviously, Valentine’s Day is the most appropriate day to send red roses to your loved ones. Celebrated on the 14th of February, Valentine’s flowers and bouquets almost always include red roses in the mix. There’s just simply no better way to say “Will you be mine?”
Sweetest Day: A lesser known romantic holiday, people celebrate Sweetest Day on the 21st October, as a day to give sweet treats and cakes to your beloved. Go ahead and pair your box of chocolates or strawberry tart with a bouquet of red roses. You know your lover will appreciate the sweet gesture!
Anniversary: Whether it’s your 10 year wedding anniversary or celebrating the first month as a committed couple, anniversaries are special occasions that deserve a romantic celebration. Surprise your partner with a bouquet of romantic roses and a hand-written love letter, letting them know just how perfect they are for you!
Birthday: We all deserve spoils on our birthdays, and lucky for us, red roses aren’t exclusive to romantic holidays and anniversaries. Red roses are wonderful birthday flowers, and a guaranteed way to make someone feel special!
Graduation: Say congratulations on your graduation with a bouquet of graduation flowers! Passing a course, or getting your degree is an amazing achievement, and what better way to say “well done” than with red roses! Whether it’s for your grand daughter or sister, red roses never go out of style!
The Best Valentine’s Day Notes to Add to Your Romantic Flower Bouquet
In true romantic fashion, we’ve created a list of the best valentine’s day notes and poems that you can include in your romantic gift for your sweet heart. Make them blush with a hand-written letter confessing your truest and deepest feelings!
- “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” – Paulo Coelho
- “I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you.”
- “Where there is love, there is life.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Whatever souls are made of, yours and mine are the same.”
- “I love you, and that’s the beginning and end of everything.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
- “I promise to give you the last piece of cake, forever.”
- “Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will.” – Elaine Davis
- “You’re pretty much my favorite person of all time in the history of ever.”
- “Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet.” – Katharine Lee Bates
You’ve read about red rose symbolism, Now what?
- Discover more blog posts here.
- Find our romantic flowers and gift baskets here.
- If you have any other questions or concerns contact our team and we’ll be happy to help.
Born and raised in her beloved mother city Cape Town, Amy-Paige Cox is a writer, poet and plant mom. A hopeful romantic with a penchant for adventure, she loves exploring the world, all the while documenting her ever-changing perspectives with pen and paper.