The Color of Roses: Uncover Their Hidden Meanings & Symbolism

Last Updated on September 1, 2023

Discover the hidden meanings and symbolism behind different colors of roses, from passionate red to vibrant yellow and everything in between!

roses in multiple colors

Roses have always been admired for their beauty and symbolism. Throughout history, roses have represented many emotions, including joy, passion, and sorrow.

The different colors each convey a unique meaning. Here’s a list of what the most popular colors of roses mean.

Rose ColorSymbolismMythology
RedLove, passion, romanceIn Greek mythology, the red rose is associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. It symbolizes eternal love.
PinkGrace, gratitude, admirationAccording to Roman mythology, pink roses were created by Chloris, the goddess of flowers, and symbolize happiness and joy.
WhitePurity, innocence, new beginningsIn Christian mythology, white roses are associated with the Virgin Mary and symbolize purity and divine love.
YellowFriendship, joy, new beginningsIn Chinese mythology, yellow roses are associated with the goddess of fertility, Chang’e, and symbolize happiness and harmony.
OrangeEnthusiasm, excitement, desireNo specific mythology is associated with orange roses, but they are often associated with energy and enthusiasm.
LavenderEnchantment, love at first sightGreen roses do not occur naturally but are often associated with renewal, fertility, and good fortune.
BlueMystery, the unattainableBlue roses do not exist naturally, so their symbolism is often associated with something mysterious or unattainable.
BlackFarewell, death, the end of a relationshipThere is no specific mythology associated with black roses, but they are often used to symbolize the end of a relationship.
GreenRenewal, fertility, good fortuneTeal roses do not occur naturally but symbolize uniqueness, creativity, and unconventional love.
PeachGratitude, appreciation, modestyPeach roses symbolize gratitude and appreciation, conveying a sense of modesty and sincerity.
PurpleRoyalty, majesty, enchantmentIn Roman and Greek mythology, purple roses were associated with royalty and were believed to represent majesty and enchantment.
CoralDesire, passion, enthusiasmCoral roses symbolize desire and passion, representing intense enthusiasm and excitement.
TealUniqueness, creativity, unconventional loveTeal roses do not occur naturally, but they symbolize uniqueness, creativity, and unconventional love.

Red Roses: Love and Romance

red roses

Red is a color that has always been a symbol of love, passion, and romance, making red roses the perfect flower for expressing those emotions. Red roses symbolize your love that will live well beyond any special occasion or holiday.

Pink Roses: Admiration and Appreciation

pink roses

Pink roses symbolize admiration, appreciation, perfect happiness, and grace, while dark pink roses show gratitude. From simple blooms to big bouquets, pink roses are a universal sign of joy, so why not include them in your next special occasion?

White Roses: Innocence and Purity

white roses

White roses represent innocence, purity, and new beginnings. They have been a traditional choice in bridal bouquets because they symbolize the start of a new chapter in the bride’s life. They also signify remembrance, respect, peace, and serenity, bringing elegance and charm to any occasion.

Yellow Roses: Friendship and Joy

yellow roses

Yellow roses symbolize friendship and joy. They represent happy memories and congratulations, and to tell friends how much you appreciate them. The vibrant color of yellow is distinctive and stands out among other colors of flowers, making them the perfect way to brighten someone’s day.

Ivory Roses: Thoughtfulness and Grace

ivory roses

Ivory roses convey thoughtfulness, grace, and charm. They are a staple at weddings and a timeless gift for special occasions. They convey a feeling of tenderness and appreciation with subtlety — a perfect way to show how much you care about someone.

Green Roses: Abundance and Renewal

green roses

Green roses symbolize abundance and renewal. They convey optimism and hope for a fruitful future in a powerful way.

Peach Roses: Sincerity and Genuineness

peach roses

Peach roses represent sincerity, genuineness, modesty, and gratitude. Their soft color and grace are perfect for expressing tender feelings when you’re sending them to someone special. If you want to show someone you care, peach roses are an ideal choice.

Orange Roses: Passion and Desire

orange roses

In addition to passion and desire, orange roses can also represent fascination and excitement. They are a great gift when you want to express a sincere interest in someone.

Lavender Roses: Mysterious and Extraordinary

lavender roses

Lavender roses convey a sense of mystery and the extraordinary. Despite their mystique, lavender roses symbolize traditional charm, grace, and elegance – aptly representing spiritual love and respect.

Red and White Roses: Unity

red and white roses

White roses represent purity and innocence, while red roses signify passion and strength. When combined, these two colors symbolize unity, loyalty, togetherness, and harmony, which is why they are often used to celebrate life’s happiest moments, such as weddings or anniversaries.

So There You Have It

That’s a quick guide to the meaning behind different rose colors.

Of course, whenever you give roses, whether one, a dozen, or even more, remember that the real meaning that roses convey is your thoughtfulness and caring spirit.

That’s why giving roses is a timeless expression that will never miss its mark when it comes to gift-giving for any occasion.

Whether you’re expressing love, gratitude, or friendship, giving a bouquet of roses will make anyone feel truly loved and appreciated.

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