ALT-5 The Significance of different Rose Colors
When it comes to roses, just about everyone knows the most popular (and traditional) color sent to someone you love, is red. It's no coincidence that around Valentine's Day it's the color most advertised and sets sales records.
However; do you know exactly what other roses symbolize? What if you want to send roses to someone, but don't feel red is appropriate? Here is a look at some other colors of roses that you can find at just about any flower shop, along with the meaning they represent:
Red roses
Red roses are the way to say "I love you", and they signify the most deep and passionate way to say so. This probably dates back to Greek and Roman mythology, when red was the color of the Goddess of Love. Red roses were also used in early marriage ceremonies, and hence are known to tie love and fidelity together.
Pink roses
While pink roses were likely among the first colors to evolve and speak of love as well, they give a subtler meaning than their red counterparts. Even different shades of pink have different meanings. Dark pink speaks of gratitude and admiration, while lighter pink is associated with gentleness, and can also express sympathy. Pink roses are elegant, and because of their long history very timeless.
Yellow roses
In the scheme of things, yellow roses are relatively new and were not discovered in nature until the 18th century. While yellow is a warm and sunny color, different cultures looked at them in different lights. In Europe at one time they stood for jealousy and dying love, while in the Eastern parts of the world they symbolized joy and wisdom. Nowadays, yellow roses are universally perfect to give to someone that you consider a deep, true friend.
White roses
It is no coincidence that white roses are found at weddings and in bridal bouquets. There is an innocence and purity to a white rose that is not matched by a rose of any color. Since they are also used traditionally at funerals because of the innocence white can represent, white roses seem to be the color that has the most versatility. They can signify beginnings or endings. White roses are good to send if you don't know what color to go with.
Orange roses
Orange roses are one of the most passionate symbols you can send. They would be perfect to send to someone of interest to make yourself understood that you want to be known as more than just a friend. Orange is a new color dating to around the turn of the 20th century.
Lavender roses
If you fall in love at first sight, this is the color rose to send to that special person. Just like pink roses, different shades of lavender can have different meanings. Darker shades (like purple) speak of royalty and splendor, and lighter shades of enchantment and romance. If you want to convey feelings of mystery, find the bluest shade you can.
These simple explanations should have you well on your way to send the perfect bouquet to someone you care about. If you want, you can find a more in-depth look at the meaning of roses of different colors on many websites; some of the material above was located at proflowers.com.
