Language of Roses
There are many associations made between the flowers and the range of human emotions. The "language" of flowers is thought to have originated in Persia in the fifteenth century, and was brought to Europe in the eighteenth. In the nineteenth century, this "floral code" became more elaborate, so that complex messages could be sent between people in bouquets. With each flower and colour having a specific meaning, conversations between courting couples could be carried out over extended periods of time without a single word being used.
Specific to roses, the colours can mean the following:
| Red |
Yellow |
Pink |
White |
Lavender |
True Love
Respect
Courage
Romantic Love
I Love You
Congratulations
Job Well Done |
Joy
Gladness
Freedom
Friendship
I Care
Welcome Back
Remember Me
Jealousy |
Perfect Happiness
Gentleness
Sweetness
Please Believe Me |
Reverence
Purity
Innocence
Secrecy
I Am Worthy Of You
Keep A Secret |
Enchantment |
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| Light Pink |
Dark Pink |
Peach Pink |
Peach |
Orange |
Grace
Joy |
Thankfulness |
Gratitude
Appreciation
Admiration
Sympathy |
Let's Get Together
Sincerity
Gratitude
Appreciation |
Fascination
Enthusiasm |
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| Coral |
Red & White |
Black |
Deep Burgundy |
Red and Yellow Blend |
| Desire |
Unity |
Farewell
Death |
Unconscious beauty |
Jovial and happy feelings |
Other meanings:
Austrian Rose (Rosa foetida): Thou art all that is lovely
Cabbage Rose: Ambassador of love
Carolina Rose: Love is dangerous
Crown of roses: Reward of virtue
Damask Rose: Beauty ever new
Faded rose: Beauty is fleeting
Hybrid tea roses: "I'll remember you always"
Leaves: I am never importunate, Hope
Moss bud: Confession of love
Pale colors: Sociability and friendship
Provence Rose: My heart is in flames
Red bud: You are young and beautiful
Rosa canina: Pleasure mixed with pain
Rosa multiflora: Grace
Rosa mundi (striped): Variety
Rose in a tuft of grass: There is everything to be gained by good company
Rose bloom over two buds: Secrecy
Single rose: Simplicity
Thorn: Danger
Two roses joined together: Engagement or coming marriage
White bud: Youthfulness, "Too young for love"
Withered white rose: You made no impression
Positioning:
Bent to the right - "I"
Bent to the left - "You"
Ribbon knotted on the left: Message from the giver
Ribbon knotted on the right: Message about the recipient
Accepted with right hand: Agreement, affirmative
Accepted with left hand: Disagreement, negative
Worn over heart: Love
Worn in hair: Caution
Worn in clevage: Frendship, Rememberance
This list was compiled from a variety of sources, and only touches the surface of the language of flowers. |
