“By Any Other Name”

Roses. Through the ages, they have been the subjects of poets and songs, worn as adornments, carried by brides and beauty contest winners, prized by growers, given as gifts, used as a form of legal tender,  named after a war, and perhaps most significantly in modern times, a symbol of love.

Fossils of roses have been dated as far back as 40 million years ago, and cultivation of roses is believed to have begun in Asia  5000 years ago.  Roses are the national flower of both England and the United States, and are the state flower of New York, North Dakota, Georgia and Iowa. Today, florists sell more of them than any other flower.

Roses have been used to convey messages to their recipients, and colors have been used to convey special meanings. For example, a red rose, which is the most popular color, represents romantic love and enduring passion. Red is also a symbol of heroism, courage and respect, and can have meaning in the form of a congratulatory message, such as saying “a job well done”

Pink roses generally convey femininity, youthfulness, and happiness. Purple has been associated with passion, and conveys a message of desire and love at first sight. White is a symbol of purity, and is often used in bridal bouquets. White can also symbolize young or new love. In the Victorian era, a yellow rose conveyed jealousy, but in modern times has come to be a symbol of caring and friendship. A combination of different colors can create custom sentiments. Red and yellow roses in a single bouquet would, for example, symbolize happiness.

Even budding and open roses have specific meanings. A red rose bud means “budding desire.” Open white roses beg the question, “Do you love me? An open red rose says, “I’m full of love and desire.”

No matter the color–be it bud, or open, or by the bouquet, or even a single red rose–you really can’t go wrong with a gift of roses.