ALT-9 The Significance of different Rose Colors
Everyone knows that roses are a Valentine's Day staple. However, roses come in a variety of different colors and not everyone knows the significance that has been attached to these colors. Because women are typically more likely to be the recipient of a floral bouquet, they are more likely to know what different rose colors symbolizes and are thus more likely to become upset or disappointed if you show up with a less-than-romantic hue. Men, on the other hand, are often clueless of these color associations and will grab whatever they see first on their way out of the grocery store.
Most of us at least know that RED roses signify love, romance and passion, thus their close association with Valentine's Day. Nearly every woman desires to receive at least one bouquet of a dozen red roses in her lifetime. However, because of this association, save the red ones for your significant other; sending them to your mother or boss could be considered creepy or inappropriate. Also, while red is the color of love and passion, most women like a little variety when it comes to floral bouquets. So, if you've been with your partner for more than a few Valentine's Days, try another appropriate color choice or even another flower all together. Ask your local florist for other romantic ideas if you're not sure what to choose.
Roses in various shades of PINK have also been increasingly popular in recent years. Darker pink roses are commonly seen as a message of thanks, while lighter pink can express admiration or a more timid and innocent proclamation of love. Because of the feminine association that the color pink carries, pink flowers are often chosen as gifts for female relatives, such as a mother or sister. All that said, the color pink has enjoyed a great deal of popularity over the past few years and many have considered pink roses to be a more trendy and modern alternative to the deep red variety when it comes to expressing your undying love.
YELLOW is another color of roses that you are likely to see at the local flower stand. Unlike pink, yellow should typically not be used as an appropriate substitute for red on Valentine's Day. It is fairly well known that yellow roses signify friendship and happiness. While they are a wonderful choice to brighten the day of your ailing aunt or recently laid-off friend, they are not meant to express romance.
Some might think that WHITE roses are romantic because they are often displayed at weddings and within bridal bouquets. Some even refer to the white rose as the "bridal rose". However, these symbols of purity and innocence and typically reserved solely for weddings and funerals. They are often displayed at weddings because, like the traditional wedding dress, they are meant to convey purity, not because they are a symbol of love.
ORANGE roses may seem like an odd, or even ugly choice to many, but they actually are said to symbolize desire and passion, making them an ideal choice for the object of your affection. Obviously, you may also see orange used in bouquets during the fall season, when rich, earthy colors may be more appropriate than traditional pastels.
Another color of rose that is becoming more commonly seen as a romantic gesture is the LAVENDER rose. This light purple rose symbolizes both dignity and enchantment and thus are ideal for expressing admiration of beauty. Purple is also often associated with regality or royalty, so what better way to tell your partner that she's "the queen of your heart".
Finally, there are BLACK roses, which symbolize death, evil and hatred. So, unless your girlfriend is a gothic chick or into dark magic, a bouquet of black roses will most definitely not be met with a smile. While you will never find a black rose in nature, they are somewhat common at floral shops and are seen as a message of bad wishes and anger.
If none of these colors seem to express the sentiment that you have in mind, why not have white roses dyed in your loved one's favorite color or in accordance with the occasion. For a congratulatory graduation bouquet, consider having roses dyed to match the school colors.
Mixing and matching colors to make a more creative bouquet is also an option, although beware that this may send mixed messages. A popular mix for Valentine's Day is a combination of red, various pinks and white, the colors that have come to be associated with the holiday.
Finally, remember that while some women (and men) find roses to be the ultimate romantic gesture, many see them as a lazy and impersonal choice for a Valentine's bouquet. Find out what your partner's favorite flowers and colors are and have a personalized arrangement created. You will earn points for creativity and your partner will be touched at your thoughtfulness.
