Learn the Hidden Meanings Behind Rose Colors

Do you see the world through rose-colored glasses? Traditionally this saying was used to someone who sees only good things around them, blissfully unaware of any problems to describe. Roses actually come in a variety of colors, so you could wear a set of yellow or blue rose colored glasses and experience a completely different set of emotions than with the traditional red or pink lenses.

Throughout history, roses have been given every conceivable opportunity, and this largely symbolic gesture has continued to evolve in meaning and tradition. Give the wrong color rose and you could socially ostracized, well, probably not, but it never hurts to be aware of the symbolic meaning of the roses you send.

Many of our ideas about the symbolic meaning behind plants and flower colors come from the Victorian era, when people do not feel free to verbally express certain feelings. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, first in Europe and later in America, language-of-flowers dictionaries flourished, giving a proper Victorian people a more socially acceptable way to deep, passionate feelings to communicate.

Red, at least on St. Valentine's Day, is the most given color of the rose, and usually symbolizes romantic love. It can also symbolize courage and passion, but giving red roses to someone unaware of this may lead to an uncomfortable misunderstanding. Be aware of the possible perception of your intended recipient.

While all roses symbolize desire, subtle variations in color may have different symbolic meanings. Amaranth red roses are a symbol of longstanding wish, and cardinal red means sublime desire. Carmine means false desire, and fiery red can represent the flames of passion. A deep red rose may indicate shy embarrassment. The burgundy rose has always been the symbol of unconscious beauty.

The white rose is often used in weddings, and in this context means happy love. It can also mean spiritual love and purity, humility, charm, or innocence. It can also mean: "I am worthy of you", or used as a gesture of platonic love.

Lavender roses symbolize love at first sight and enchantment, and can also be used to say "congratulations" to a graduate. Any shade of purple rose exudes a sense of majestic beauty.

A pink rose can hold many meanings. A dark pink rose can symbolize gratitude and appreciation, while a lighter shade of pink was admiration, sympathy, or joy to show. Orange roses can signify enthusiasm or desire, or a feeling of warmth, whereas coral usually implies only desire.

The final two colors of roses are interwoven with the world of fantasy and mythology. While neither black nor blue roses occur naturally, both are tried by florists by drying and dyeing. Black is traditionally the symbol of death. Consequently, the black rose  is seen as a bad omen, but can also signal rejuvenation. The black rose is most probably only used as a gag gift, but its meaning is likely to be misinterpreted and you can liquidate scare someone. The blue rose is considered the "holy grail" of the roses. While scientists are currently working on genetic engineering of this elusive flower, are the only ones now commercially available with the help of blue dye. The blue rose symbolizes fantasy, impossibility, and the search for miracles.

Sending roses is always a way to feelings difficult to express in words. By carefully choosing the color, add a touch of class to a gift and a message steeped in history and emotion across. Even though you are no longer ignorant about the meaning behind the colors of roses, at least you can find the pink glasses that best suit you.