Roses Many Meanings

Rose meaning and rose symbolism is known by almost everyone on some level. There are so many different kinds of roses and colours each with it's own meaning. Automatically everyone can see the symbolism of love with all kinds of rose.

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Let's explore some of these and find a deeper appreciation for the rose which usually represents love, honour, faith, beauty, balance, passion, wisdom, intrigue, devotion, sensuality and timelessness.

In alchemical texts and art, a rose with seven petals is a symbol of inclusion, universal understanding and order. Presumably, because in Pythagorean numerology the number seven is iconic of the perfection in the specific unfolding the universe as well as human understanding.

We see a partnership between the rose and numbers in Freemasonry too where three roses are symbolic of a guiding principle. Each of the three roses seen in Freemason symbology indicates abiding 1) Love, 2) Life, and 3) Light.

In mythology, rose meaning is associated with Aphrodite (Greek) goddess of love who was often depicted adorned with roses around her head, feet and or neck. In lore, we track down this association when we discover that a rose bush grew within the pool of blood spilled from Aphrodite’s slain lover (Adonis). We can interpret the symbolism here several ways. The most common interpretation is that the rose symbolizes an immortal love or a union that will never fade - even through time or death.

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Similarly in Christian lore, a rose bush was said to have grown at the site of Christ’s death. His blood serving is often associated with a red rose, combined with its thorns is thus symbolized the ultimate sacrifice.

In addition to being a symbol of love, the rose is also symbolic carrier of secrets or tacit understanding. The term “sub rosa” means under the rose and comes from the practice of Romans hanging roses above meeting tables. Here it was understood that anything said at this table, beneath the hanging roses, was forbidden to be repeated elsewhere.

Seeking symbolic meaning of the rose from an esoteric perspective, we can look at the Tarot, in which the rose is considered a symbol of balance. Here the beauty of the rose expresses promise, new beginnings, hope. This beauty is contrasted with its thorns which represents defence physicality, loss, thoughtlessness. The rose is seen in the major arcana as: Magician, Strength, Death and Fool cards. All of these cards hold strong meanings of balance and equilibrium.

In art of the renaissance, a rose with eight petals is a message of rebirth and renewal.

Let us look at the colour of the rose. Every colour rose carries a symbolic meaning with it. The colours are like a fistful of paintbrushes – colour your world with their various meanings and be inspired!

Red
The traditional symbol of love is to present a luxury red rose, thorns from the stem removed, and simply tied with a red ribbon to the one you love on Valentine's Day.
There is good reason red roses are given to sweethearts. It’s because red is symbolic of passion, love, and energy. Red runs through our bodies in raging rivers of blood. Red rushes to our cheeks when we feel the heat of our feelings. Red resonates with the root chakra and reminds us of our animal instincts. Indeed, red is the spark that kindles our most fervent flames of desire. They can also symbolize courage, perfection, and beauty. The darker, burgundy roses can symbolize something beautiful that is not recognized. Other words associated with red roses are sacrifice, immortal love, health, memorial, passion.

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Pink
For a gentler affect, the pink rose out does the red. Light pink symbolizes happiness, elegance, grace, admiration, fun, and sweetness and best for a gift recipient who is shy or calm and collected. Darker pink roses mean you want to show appreciation or gratitude also for someone with a wild outgoing personality. Pink roses are commonly presented as gifts and lovingly grown by gardeners alike. Pink roses can mean quite a variety of things from "thank you for your assistance" to "I'm thinking of you." Pink roses like yellow are the perfect gift for just about anyone. As a symbol of grace and elegance, the pink rose is often given as an expression of admiration and sweetness giving a soothing effect. Pink roses can also convey appreciation as well as joyfulness. Other words associated with pink roses are first love, admiration, sympathy, innocence and healing.

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Coral
These roses can mean you have great passion for something. It can also be a symbol of excitement and desire. This rose is good to give, to show appreciation for someone else's accomplishments. These are the roses of good luck.

Peach
The meaning of peach roses is not very clear. They can mean gratitude, but at the same time sympathy. Modesty is another characteristic of this particular rose because of the natural gentleness. Often, the peach rose is given to close a deal.

Yellow
Yellow roses have traditionally symbolized friendship. They're such a sunny and cheerful flower that they've also been given to acknowledge or congratulate someone for a recent good fortune or happiness. Yellow roses, like pink, have the benefit of being an appropriate gift for just about anyone. Yellow is the colour of the sun and yellow roses are associated with brightness, happiness and friendship. Yellow is also associated with gold, and is considered a symbol of purity, clarity truth and intellect. Mayans viewed the colour in yellow to be associated with corn, thus it holds symbolism of provision, sustenance, and all things that are wholesome. Scientific studies indicate writing on yellow tablets increases memory retention. This ties the meaning of flower colour in yellow to intelligence and reason. Give yellow flowers to your friend in graduate school to help with his/her studies. These pretty flowers are the symbols of new relationships. They can be given to show that you are willing to give someone a second chance. These are most given to new mothers, and newlyweds. This is a perfect way to express kindness. Other words associated with yellow roses are joy, brightness, happiness, protection against envious lovers, mature love and friendship.

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Orange
Orange roses could be considered to have a similar meaning as yellow roses. They can also represent excitement or something new. If you're starting a new chapter in your life or embarking on an exciting adventure with someone special orange roses could be an excellent gift giving choice. Orange is the closest match to the shade of the sun. So it is symbolic of expansion, growth, and warmth. It is also a colour of friendship and community. Think back to when you were a kid, and the sun poured out of the sky after a span of long grey days. Odds are, all the kids in your neighbourhood flocked to the streets and parks to play after being cooped up for days. That's the overall feeling of orange; it beckons us to go out and play with friends, remember good times, enjoy the company of like-minds, and share big smiles all around. Orange roses are some of the most unique. They have a meaning of energy, enthusiasm, desire, and passion. They are given to help show that someone is ready to move past the "just friends" stage in a relationship. An orange rose stands for fascination and desire. Giving someone an orange rose, displays that you find them interesting.

Lavender
A beautiful rose with a symbolism for elegance, royalty, and enchantment. Romantic expressions are often used to symbolize romance. Of all the roses, this is the best way to show appreciation. A beautiful rose with a symbolism for elegance, royalty, and enchantment.

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Violet
This colour is both energizing and spiritual at the same time. It is used in holy articles as a devotional colour too. When we see violet our eyes open wider – we allow its vibrancy to flow into our aura. This natural reaction opens our spiritual senses and reminds us that we are all connected to an infinitely divine system. The perfect sentiment that says to someone “you are unique, special, and part of a perfect whole.” Violet is also considered a colour of royalty and nobility in ancient symbolism. Incorporate violet flowers in your life as a symbol of faith, and a reminder that nobility of the heart is the greatest aspiration.


Dark Purple
Do you believe in love at first sight? Well, if you are receiving a dark purple rose from someone, understand that they have fallen in love with you at first sight. It is given to express that your presence is as enchanting as an angel. The dark purple rose symbolizes deep rooted and intimate relationships. It represents love that is true and would stay forever. Hence, they are given as gifts and used as decorations for weddings and also for anniversaries. The sight of a dark purple rose reminds one of glory, sophistication and elegance. The beauty of the purple rose is enchanting and enthralling and in the same way this magnificent flower is given to that person whom one finds as beautiful and irresistible as the rose. The colour purple stands for majesty, luxury and grandeur. Hence, the dark purple roses were noted as perfect gifts for kings and queens.


Indigo
The meaning of colours runs deep in the realm of indigo. Consider the cavernous depths of the ocean where currents still themselves to better hear the secrets of their own watery womb. Then consider the yawning waves of indigo clouds that roll on the horizon as an impressive storm brews. Indigo speaks to us of emotions, depth, and expressive moods. Give indigo flowers to people who do too much. The ones you love who never sit still, always running, always doing – these people need indigo in their lives to keep them still so they can listen to the secrets of their own soul-womb.


Blue
The symbolism of blue makes me think of that line in the movie Outlaw Josey Wales when Sandra Locke’s character observed clouds were like “dreams floating across a sky-blue mind.” That’s precisely what blue symbolizes – the clarity found in our dreams, thoughts, and imaginations. The colour blue speaks to the dreamers in our world, and blue flowers are the perfect gift to call out the muse in the poet, artist or musician in your life. Or, gather up a bunch of blue flowers when you need a boost of inspiration. They are also the perfect hue for enhancing calm and tranquillity. They represent accomplishing the impossible and overcoming all odds. A symbol of great mystery. This rose symbolizes a true desire that can't be obtained. This rose is like a mystery that cannot be solved. A blue rose is given to show support and faith. Like, when a person is setting out on a new and adventurous journey, they are given blue roses, to wish them the best of luck and to show support. Blue roses cannot be grown without being coloured by the grower.

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Green
Anybody who has endured a long winter will tell you how jazzed they get at the first glimmer of green in spring. The meaning of flower colour in green is about renewal, growth, hope, health and youth. Think of luscious emerald lawns, the smell rich with juicy goodness. You can’t help but smile at the thought. Green is also the colour of the heart chakra, and so it takes on the meaning of good health. Bright green is the colour of Mother Nature at her highest peak. Feel her bounty and embrace her gifts of harvest and health.

Black
While a black rose is very intriguing and unique, it actually stands for protest or death. Hence in history, several rebellions began with the gifting of a black rose.

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White
White roses represent purity and true love. They can be an excellent gift for a fiancé, a spouse on a wedding anniversary or the birth of a child. The White Rose is a symbol of peace, purity and spirituality. They are also the foremost choices for weddings and brides. White roses can be given to show great respect. The petals are often connected with new beginnings. They are also used for remembrance at funerals. If you wish to mend your ways and reconcile a fight, give the person a white rose. Not only does the sight of a white rose make one smile, it also puts out the message of reconciliation. Other words associated with white roses are purity, sanctity, innocence, secret admirer, mysticism, cleansing, healing, clarity, peace and spirituality. "You are heavenly" "I am worthy of you".

When a bouquet of white and red roses is given, it gives the message of unity. It helps the receiver know that the giver wants to establish camaraderie between the two.

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Giving a bouquet of many roses shows intense attraction. More so, if it is a bouquet of thorn less roses, it shows care and concern as well.

A Rosebud - is generally connected with beauty, youth, and a heart that hasn't experienced love yet.

A Full Bloom - speaks of full-blown desire or a promise fulfilled.

The number of roses can also have meaning.

One - Love at first sight you are the one.
Two - Mutual love between both, deeply in love with one another.
Three - I Love You
Six - I want to be yours.
Seven - I'm infatuated with you.
Nine - An eternal love together for as long as we live.
Ten - You are perfect.
Eleven - You are my treasured one, the one I love most in my life.
Twelve - Be my steady.
Thirteen - Secret admirer.
Fifteen - I am truly sorry, please forgive me.
Twenty - Believe me I am sincere towards you.
Twenty One - I am devoted to you.
Twenty Four - Can't stop thinking about you 24 hours a day.
Thirty Three - Saying I love you with great affection.
Thirty Six - I will remember our romantic moments.
Forty - My love for you is genuine.
Fifty - Regret-less love this is.
Ninety Nine - I will love you as long as I live.
One Hundred - Harmoniously together in a century - remaining devoted as a couple until ripe old age.
One Hundred & One - You are my one and only love.
One Hundred & Eight - Please marry me.
Three Hundred & Sixty Five - Can't stop thinking about you each and every day.
Nine Hundred & Ninety Nine - Everlasting and Eternal Love.

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Moreover, because of the different meanings of roses, they are a perfect gift for any occasion. It has the superb aesthetic appeal and charm which spell bound a person with its magical touch. Roses also add a pleasant effect to any home or office décor. They are blessed with amazing beauty and fragrance which fills the place with beauty and life.

When giving roses select specific colours to convey your feelings. Have fun with rose meaning and symbolism. Share the beauty and rich historical symbolism of this timeless flower today!

Information was gathered from http://www.whats-your-sign.com/rose-meaning.html, http://www.squidoo.com/meaning-of-roses and http://www.loveletterbox.com/meaning_of_roses.htm