The Real Reason Why We Give Red Roses on Valentine's Day (2024)

Valentine's Day is a holiday all about honoring the loved ones in your life. Many choose to show their appreciation by exchanging chocolates, cards, and roses—one of the holiday's biggest motifs. But have you ever wondered why the rose is such a popular Valentine's Day flower? As it turns out, there are a variety of reasons why it's a staple come February 14.

The Real Reason Why We Give Red Roses on Valentine's Day (2)

The History of Red Roses on Valentine's Day

Cultivation of this garden variety dates back to 5,000 years ago, when roses were grown in eastern Asia. The cultivar continued to grow in popularity during the Roman period; it was raised in the Middle East and used as perfume, party décor, and medicine. Most of the roses we see today, however, can be traced back to the late 1700s, when they began to trickle into Europe.

The flowers connection to Valentine's Day harkens back to the 19th century, when Victorians used floral bouquets to deliver a message to love interests. This system is called "floriography" and officially solidified the red rose's romantic status, says Kate Greenway, author of The Language of Flowers.

Roses Have Strong Symbolism

Beyond Valentine's Day, roses are popular choices for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic occasions. The cultivar is even a way of saying "I'm sorry" to a loved one who was wronged. Their popularity is due in part to their strong emotional symbolism, according to rose experts out of University of Illinois Extension. Red roses in particular have stood the test of time across cultures, representing ideals of beauty, love, romance, and even politics.

Each Rose Color Has a Different Meaning

Yes, this flower is an expression of love all on its own—but its color can convey different messages. The color of traditional roses (red!) represents passion. Interestingly, the pink rose stands for appreciation and grace, the yellow iteration conveys friendship and happiness, and the white one implies innocence. Whatever you're trying to communicate this Valentine's Day, the rose remains an ideal and timeless choice—just choose the shade that best represents how you feel about the recipient.

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The Real Reason Why We Give Red Roses on Valentine's Day (2024)

FAQs

The Real Reason Why We Give Red Roses on Valentine's Day? ›

Red roses, for instance, typically represent love and romance and have been a powerful symbol of passion for many cultures through the ages. The rose was sacred to a number of goddesses including Isis of Egypt, and the ancient Greeks and Romans identified the rose with their goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus.

Why are red roses given on Valentine's day? ›

The tradition of giving red roses on Valentine's Day dates back to the 15th century, when red roses symbolized passionate love and admiration. Over time, the red rose has become closely associated with Valentine's Day and the celebration of romantic love.

What is the story behind red roses? ›

In ancient Greek mythology, the red rose was said to have been created when the goddess of flowers, Chloris, went walking in the woods and stumbled across the body of a lifeless nymph. Saddened by its death, she transformed the creature's body into the most beautiful flower imaginable.

What is the secret meaning of red rose? ›

Red. The most classic of them all, a red rose is a perfect choice for a significant other. This stunning shade most popularly stands for passion and communicates love. It's the rose of romance and deep feelings, but can also relay desire, beauty, victory, harmony, joy, luck, pride, martyrdom, according to McCord Jones.

What is the reason for red roses? ›

A red rose is a gift primarily given to a love interest, symbolizing a marital or romantic relationship. Wedding bouquets often include white roses, symbolizing virtue. Red is traditionally seen as a symbol of passion, while white is a symbol of purity and innocence.

What is the history of the roses for Valentine's Day? ›

The famous red roses, you may have taken a guess, bespeak deep love and affection. But why red roses? Because in Greek mythology, these flowers were sacred to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. It is believed Aphrodite's tears and the blood of her lover, Adonis, watered the ground from where bushes of red roses grew.

What is the meaning of sending red roses? ›

Red Roses: Love and Passion

Red roses symbolize all those things that make a love story great: Passion, desire, true love, and romance. It's no wonder why the red rose has become a classic Valentine's Day flower!

What is the myth of red roses? ›

Legend has it that when Aphrodite discovered a murder plot against her mortal lover, Adonis, she dashed through a rose bush to warn him and cut her ankles on its thorns. Her blood turned the white petals red. Upon discovering that she was too late and he had been gored by a wild boar, she wept as he died in her arms.

What is the main message of a red red rose? ›

A Red, Red Rose - Key Takeaways

The poem explores the themes of youth and beauty and love and time. The poem conveys the meaning that love can withstand time and change.

What do roses symbolize? ›

Roses symbolize love, royalty, beauty, sensuality, secrecy, and mysticism. They are also associated with achievement and perfection. Roses are prized around the world, among the most beloved and popular flowers. Their fragrance is instantly recognized, but complex and distinct between varieties.

What does the 🌹 mean in texting? ›

unless it's a rose emoji, or🌹. The rose emoji can be used to express romantic and non-romantic love and affection, as the flower is commonly given on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. The emoji can also convey a sense of beauty or signal alliance with democratic socialism.

What do red roses symbolize spiritually? ›

What does a red rose mean spiritually? A. On a spiritual level, red roses symbolize passion and sacrifice. They have come to be associated with the Virgin Mary by Christianity and the search for divine love in Sufism.

What is the bad meaning of red roses? ›

Red Rose

A dark red, burgundy red, or maroon-colored rose means that your love is unrequited. Red roses often have a negative meaning because of the hatred that is connected to them as they are the most hated flower. This is most likely due to the feeling that they are overrated especially because of Valentine's Day.

Why do we give red roses on Valentine Day? ›

In Greek mythology, the red rose was connected to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Likewise, in Roman lore, the red rose had a connection to Venus, the deity of love and beauty. These early connections established the red rose as a symbol of love and desire, making it a natural choice for expressing romantic feelings.

What is the story of why roses are red? ›

Moving onto Roman mythology, the creation of red roses have been linked to Venus, the Goddess of Love. As Venus was running to warn her lover, Adonis, about a murder plot against him, she cut her ankles when she ran through a thorn bush. Her blood then turned into blooming red roses wherever it touched.

Why are red roses a symbol of love? ›

Among the Greeks and Romans

According to mythology, Aphrodite's beauty was so great that roses sprang up wherever she walked. As a result, red roses became a symbol of love and desire, and were often used in romantic gestures and rituals. Red roses were also associated with Adonis, the Greek god of beauty and desire.

Why is red associated with Valentines Day? ›

In a more literal sense, red is the color of blood that pumps through our hearts, which represents love and passion and romance. Additionally, red was the first color to be linked with Valentine's Day at Lupercalia in Rome, an ancient pagan festival held each year on February 15.

What is the meaning of Red Rose Day? ›

National Red Rose Day, celebrated every June 12th across the United States, is a special day dedicated to the beauty and symbolic significance of red roses. Known universally as the emblem of love, red roses also convey messages of respect and admiration, making them a perfect gift for various occasions.

Are you supposed to get roses for Valentine's Day? ›

Roses – Roses are a common go-to flower for Valentine's Day. People do not always realize that they come in an assortment of colors and each color has a very different meaning. Red – A bouquet of red roses represents love, romance, perfection, and beauty and says “I love you”.

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