What Is the Significance of Red Roses on Valentine's Day
10 Feb 2024
As we know, red roses have become synonymous with Valentine's Day. From beautiful bouquets to paths marked by rose petals to candle lit dinners and more red roses embody romance and love.
But was this always the case? What is the true significance of red roses, and where did this tradition stem from?
History of Red Roses
Flowers have represented fertility, love, marriage, and passion for several generations.
Red roses, for example, are commonly associated with love and romance and have served as a potent symbol of passion for many civilizations throughout history. The rose was also devoted to several deities, including Egypt's Isis. The ancient Greeks and Romans associated it with their goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus.
Did you know that during the Victorian era, sending secret messages with flowers became common? It was then that lovers used flowers as a way to express themselves.
Sending flowers, also known as floriography, became a popular way for lovers and admirers to share secrets that Victorian decorum regarded inappropriate to reveal publicly. The symbolic value of each flower was often derived from many stories, tales, or folklore.
With its diverse colours and timeless beauty, the rose naturally earned its status as the quintessential symbol of love. Its allure and rich symbolism made it the most cherished expression of love.
Roses Have Strong Symbolism
Aside from Valentine's Day, roses are popular for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic events. A rose can even be used to express "I'm sorry" to a loved one who has been hurt.
Their popularity stems in part from their profound emotional connotation. According to rose specialists at the University of Illinois Extension, red roses, in particular, have endured the test of time across civilizations as symbols of beauty, love, passion, and even politics.
Red Roses and Valentine's Day
The tradition of giving roses on Valentine's Day has several origin stories, all based on Greek mythology, as is the history of Cupid and Valentine's Day.
According to some narratives, the first red rose was formed when the Greek goddess Aphrodite was scratched by a white rose thorn, causing the rose to become red. Others claim that the first red rose bloomed when Adonis, Aphrodite's lover, died, and the goddess cried.
Historically, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the wife of a British ambassador to Turkey in the 1700s, is an early personality in the story of Valentine's Day roses. Lady Montagu wrote letters home gushing over a type of Turkish flower language or assigning numerous symbolic meanings to certain flowers.
However, the notion of 'flower languages' gained traction, notably in nineteenth-century England, and roses became more connected with passionate love during that century.
The Secret Meaning Behind the Number of Red Roses in a Bouquet
This is where the true meaning of red roses comes in. Giving one or twelve red roses has different connotations, and here, we will cover the distance so you can decide how many red roses to give on Valentine's Day.
A single red rose
A single rose, the embodiment of 'love at first sight,' carries the weight of initial emotions. Gifting two special red roses signifies a deeper connection, a gesture reserved for those deeply in love. Elevating the sentiment further, a trio of red roses communicates a profound 'I love you,' expressing the depth of affection.
A dozen red roses
I'm sure you've all heard the term "a dozen red roses," but do you know what it represents? A standard bouquet of roses will have twelve blossoms. This is because there are twelve months in an entire year, and this number has long been seen as a symbol of completion. If your loved one makes you feel whole, or you want the best Valentine's Day ever, give your partner a bouquet of a dozen red roses.
Two dozen red roses
Two dozen red roses capture the highest point of Valentine's Day traditions. The symbolism of 24 roses speaks volumes, representing an unsaid expression of love and commitment. Presenting a perfectly arranged bouquet of 24 single rose stems sends a powerful message that your special someone is always on your mind.
50 red roses
When expressing profound and unconditional love, the number 50 takes centre stage in the language of roses. A bouquet adorned with 50 red roses symbolises enduring and never-ending love. Each blossom promises loyalty, commitment, and an unwavering bond.
This grand gesture goes above and beyond, elevating the romantic narrative. With every rose, you convey an emotion that surpasses words—a celebration of an enduring connection that stands resilient against the tests of time. A gift of 50 red roses becomes a testament to a love that knows no bounds, a majestic proclamation of everlasting and boundless affection.
Wrapping up,
Roses have truly stood the test of time, and there's no better way to express your love than through a bouquet of roses.
You could celebrate a newly formed love or want to go above and beyond for your soul mate. Whatever the occasion, we have the perfect Valentine's Day gifts.
This February 14th, make sure you send the right signals to your loved one by ordering the perfect Valentine's Day bouquet from noon gifts. We deliver flowers and Valentine's Day bouquets across the UAE.
But was this always the case? What is the true significance of red roses, and where did this tradition stem from?
History of Red Roses
Flowers have represented fertility, love, marriage, and passion for several generations.
Red roses, for example, are commonly associated with love and romance and have served as a potent symbol of passion for many civilizations throughout history. The rose was also devoted to several deities, including Egypt's Isis. The ancient Greeks and Romans associated it with their goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus.
Did you know that during the Victorian era, sending secret messages with flowers became common? It was then that lovers used flowers as a way to express themselves.
Sending flowers, also known as floriography, became a popular way for lovers and admirers to share secrets that Victorian decorum regarded inappropriate to reveal publicly. The symbolic value of each flower was often derived from many stories, tales, or folklore.
With its diverse colours and timeless beauty, the rose naturally earned its status as the quintessential symbol of love. Its allure and rich symbolism made it the most cherished expression of love.
Roses Have Strong Symbolism
Aside from Valentine's Day, roses are popular for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic events. A rose can even be used to express "I'm sorry" to a loved one who has been hurt.
Their popularity stems in part from their profound emotional connotation. According to rose specialists at the University of Illinois Extension, red roses, in particular, have endured the test of time across civilizations as symbols of beauty, love, passion, and even politics.
Red Roses and Valentine's Day
The tradition of giving roses on Valentine's Day has several origin stories, all based on Greek mythology, as is the history of Cupid and Valentine's Day.
According to some narratives, the first red rose was formed when the Greek goddess Aphrodite was scratched by a white rose thorn, causing the rose to become red. Others claim that the first red rose bloomed when Adonis, Aphrodite's lover, died, and the goddess cried.
Historically, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the wife of a British ambassador to Turkey in the 1700s, is an early personality in the story of Valentine's Day roses. Lady Montagu wrote letters home gushing over a type of Turkish flower language or assigning numerous symbolic meanings to certain flowers.
However, the notion of 'flower languages' gained traction, notably in nineteenth-century England, and roses became more connected with passionate love during that century.
The Secret Meaning Behind the Number of Red Roses in a Bouquet
This is where the true meaning of red roses comes in. Giving one or twelve red roses has different connotations, and here, we will cover the distance so you can decide how many red roses to give on Valentine's Day.
A single red rose
A single rose, the embodiment of 'love at first sight,' carries the weight of initial emotions. Gifting two special red roses signifies a deeper connection, a gesture reserved for those deeply in love. Elevating the sentiment further, a trio of red roses communicates a profound 'I love you,' expressing the depth of affection.
A dozen red roses
I'm sure you've all heard the term "a dozen red roses," but do you know what it represents? A standard bouquet of roses will have twelve blossoms. This is because there are twelve months in an entire year, and this number has long been seen as a symbol of completion. If your loved one makes you feel whole, or you want the best Valentine's Day ever, give your partner a bouquet of a dozen red roses.
Two dozen red roses
Two dozen red roses capture the highest point of Valentine's Day traditions. The symbolism of 24 roses speaks volumes, representing an unsaid expression of love and commitment. Presenting a perfectly arranged bouquet of 24 single rose stems sends a powerful message that your special someone is always on your mind.
50 red roses
When expressing profound and unconditional love, the number 50 takes centre stage in the language of roses. A bouquet adorned with 50 red roses symbolises enduring and never-ending love. Each blossom promises loyalty, commitment, and an unwavering bond.
This grand gesture goes above and beyond, elevating the romantic narrative. With every rose, you convey an emotion that surpasses words—a celebration of an enduring connection that stands resilient against the tests of time. A gift of 50 red roses becomes a testament to a love that knows no bounds, a majestic proclamation of everlasting and boundless affection.
Wrapping up,
Roses have truly stood the test of time, and there's no better way to express your love than through a bouquet of roses.
You could celebrate a newly formed love or want to go above and beyond for your soul mate. Whatever the occasion, we have the perfect Valentine's Day gifts.
This February 14th, make sure you send the right signals to your loved one by ordering the perfect Valentine's Day bouquet from noon gifts. We deliver flowers and Valentine's Day bouquets across the UAE.