Rose as Symbol

Rose meaning and rose symbolism is known by almost everyone on some level - otherwise it wouldn't be the most popularly sent flower on Valentine's Day!

This page honors the upcoming event, and explores the richness of rose meanings and its lush symbolism.

Hands-down, the rose is a symbol of some very powerful elements. And it's no wonder. Roses are heart-stoppingly beautiful to the eye, and their aroma is equally show-stopping.
With such an impressive presence, the rose is bound to stir up attention in human culture, and thus has ancient symbolic meanings throughout human history.
Some helpful keywords pertaining to symbolic rose meaning...

Symbolic Rose Meanings

Love

Honor

Faith

Beauty

Balance

Passion

Wisdom

Intrigue

Devotion

Sensuality

Timelessness

I particularly enjoy how numerology partners with the symbolism of the rose.

For example, in art of the renaissance, a rose with eight petals is a message of rebirth and renewal.
In alchemical texts and art, a rose with seven petals is a symbol of inclusion, universal understanding and order.
Presumably, because in Pythagorean numerology the number seven is iconic of the perfection in the specific unfolding the universe as well as human understanding.
We see a partnership between the rose and numbers in Freemasonry too where three roses are symbolic of a guiding principle .
Each of the three roses seen in Freemason symbology indicates abiding 1) Love, 2) Life, and 3) Light.
In mythology, rose meaning is associated with Aphrodite (Greek) goddess of love who was often depicted adorned with roses around her head, feet and or neck.
In lore, we track down this association when we discover that a rose bush grew within the pool of blood spilled from Aphrodite's slain lover (Adonis).
We can interpret the symbolism here several ways. The most common interpretation is that the rose symbolizes an immortal love or a union that will never fade - even through time or death.

Similarly in Christian lore, a rose bush was said to have grown at the site of Christ's death. His blood serving is often associated with a red rose, combined with its thorns is thus symbolized the ultimate sacrifice.

In addition to being a symbol of love , the rose is also symbolic carrier of secrets or tacit understanding.
The term “sub rosa” means under the rose and comes from the practice of Romans hanging roses above meeting tables.
Here it was understood that anything said at this table, beneath the hanging roses, was forbidden to be repeated elsewhere.
Seeking symbolic meaning of the rose from an esoteric perspective, we can look at the Tarot , in which the rose is considered a symbol of balance . Here the beauty of the rose expresses promise, new beginnings, hope.
This beauty is contrasted with its thorns which represents defense, physicality, loss, thoughtlessness. The rose is seen in the major arcana as: Magician , Strength, Death and Fool cards. All of these cards hold strong meanings of balance and equilibrium.

Meaning of Rose Colors The color of a rose is also associated with symbolic meanings.
Each rose color, and even the rose blossom shape and age (ie rose buds as opposed to fully bloomed roses), conveys a different meaning or silent message from the giver to the recipient.

The red rose symbolizes romance, love, beauty, and courage. A red rosebud signifies beauty and purity. A thornless red rose means love at first sight.

Yellow roses symbolize friendship and joy, and
new beginnings.
Orange roses symbolize fascination, desire, and sensuality.
Pink roses indicate appreciation and gratitude, especially dark pink roses.

Light pink roses are usually indicative of admiration and/or sympathy.
The white rose stands for innocence and purity; also silence, secrecy, and reverence. White rosebuds are symbolic of girlhood.