A Rose Is Still A Rose

The rose is a universal symbol of love; whether it is for friends or lovers, there’s a specific rose color for it. Roses symbolize beauty, purity, emotional depth and spiritual growth and has been thought to be associated with the goddesses of beauty and love Aphrodite/Greece and Venus/Rome. In modern cultures we use roses for weddings, to show love and appreciation, anniversaries and ways to show affection or admiration. Roses have been used in art, paintings and sculptures and no matter where you see it a rose is just something to be admired for its beauty. And, if you are like me, you admire the rose for an entirely different reason. Rose is the flower of the month of June so if you were born in that month, rose is the flower just for you!

Rose Color Symbolism

Different rose colors carry distinct meanings so depending on who they are for or from is how you would interpret the thought. The darker the rose the more serious the thought. Light colored roses tend to be thought of as light and fancy free, not to be taken too seriously.

Burgundy: Deep passion, unconscious beauty, mystery, and maturity 

This dark, rich colored rose offers a sense of intensity, sophistication and admiration making it perfect for a more mature romance. Burgundy represents a deeper passion than the traditional red rose and a sense of elegancy, mystery and beauty. These roses can signify change, growth, or a passage from one stage of life to another suggesting a more mature beauty. These bouquets are ideal for anniversaries, milestone celebrations and romantic gestures.

Red: Romantic love, passion, courage, and sometimes sacrifice 

Red roses are used to represent love and romance and when you think of rose scents, this is usually the color you think of isn’t it? Red roses the most popular color to get around Valentine’s day. If someone gives you these, they are either super romantic or trying to communicate a desire to connect deeper.

Light Pink: Gratitude & admiration and Grace & joy
Gentler than red, light pink roses signify gratitude and admiration. These are especially great for budding and new romantic relationships with all of their elegance and beauty they are sure to please. But they would be wonderful to give to someone not romantic such as your brand new professor or colleague. Pink roses also represent femininity so they are also ideal for engagement parties and baby showers and quinceaneras.
Dark Pink: Deep appreciation and gratitude
Meaning similar to light pink but deeper. Still friendly and not quite romantic, this deeper pink signifies deeper appreciation which could signal to a platonic friend you might wish to take things to the next step.

White: Purity, innocence, grace and new beginnings

White roses are notorious at weddings because this color symbolizes grace and new beginnings. Who wouldn’t want to start their marriage off with grace? They also make a great gift if you are invited and can’t make it as a sign of respect or rememberance so, unfortunately you also see white roses at funerals as well.

• Ivory: Thoughtfulness, elegance, charm, purity, and devotion z
• The ivory rose is often associated with purity and innocence with NO romance behind it. These are great gifts to give to celebrate the arrival of a newborn or to convey the honoring of someone you see as faultless. Ivory roses are also used frequently in weddings as they convey elegance and sophistication in such a refined way. These roses add a touch of class and luxury that is unmatched.
• Yellow: Friendship and joy 
  Yellow roses are a beauty to see because they are so bright and joyful and worthy! These roses represent long lasting happiness and aren’t usually the most romantic and are most often exchanged between friends. So, it’s no wonder they have also come to mean “friendship” in spite of having a past of representing jealousy and infidelity.
• Blue: Mystery and the unattainable 
• The blue rose does not occur naturally in nature which is why they are considered so special, so mysterious, and so unattainable. They are eye catching and iconic like the one who has caught your eye. These are an extraordinary gift for that extraordinary someone. It took scientists years to come up with the blue rose so it symbolizes the impossible that has finally been done. Often, blue roses are linked to unrequited love so if you receive these you may want to look at the giver a bit different.
  Peach Roses: Sincerity, gratitude, and appreciation
  Peach roses are popular gifts to give at cocktail or dinner parties as they are the perfect rose to convey friendship and are not as formal as white roses. They symbolize sincerity and gratitude. In literature peach roses are used to symbolize beauty and femininity as well as love, grace and elegance.
  Coral Roses: Happiness, enthusiasm and excitement
  Coral roses symbolize warm and positive feelings mixed with excitement. They make for a wonderful gift that can be seen as a great gesture or way to say I am proud or happy for you. These are great just because gifts because they are a little less romantic but still have a way of making someone feel special. This bouquet is vibrant and mood boosting.
  Cherry Brandy Roses: Passionate, warm, and romantic
  This vibrant hybrid rose is the epitome of elegance, romance and beauty often chosen for their in depth color blend that lend a timeless but elegant appeal. This rose is a popular autumn wedding choice due to its hints of wine and burgundy in its petals.
  Orange: Enthusiasm, desire, fascination and energy
• The orange rose is as delightful and exudes energy. These are great gifts to give for life’s little celebrations such as graduations or promotions or anything exciting but friendly, as orange isn’t the color mood of romance nor does it carry that intensity. Orange roses are all about friendship and support.
  Lavender Roses: Enchantment, gentle admiration, peace, and love at first sight
  The best time to give or receive a lavender rose is in the beginning because it symbolizes love at first sight so let the splendor and romance unfold. They also represent subtle admiration and meaningful moments making them suitable for non-romantic gestures. Lavender roses are also used to indicate inner growth and transformation.
  Deep Purple Roses: Royalty, grandeur, and elegance
  Purple roses are not naturally occuring and reflect the historical significance and rarity of purple dye which was once reserved for the nobility and the elite. They convey a real sense of sophistication and luxury and are given to those that you hold in high esteem or high regard. Romantically, these roses signify deep passion and long term love and lasting commitment and can carry an aura of mystery, fascination and enchantment.
• Black: Death or farewell, Rebirth and a new beginning
  Black roses are dyed by florists to get their deep, dark appearance and symbolize mystery, transformation, and the duality of endings and new beginnings depending on how you look at these rare beauties. Black roses are considered dignified in the acknowledgement of life’s impermanence and symbolize courage, strength, and the ability to embrace change in the wake of mourning or loss. When considering romance these unique roses signify unrequited love or an unconventional romance as well as complex emotions.