World Rose Day: Why gifting roses is considered synonymous with affirming love & adoration

“Only a rose I give you.
Only a song dying away,
Only a smile to keep in memory
Until we meet another day.”
(Lyrics from song ‘Only A Rose’ from the 1930 movie ‘The Vagabond King’)



World Rose Day is here, and this marks the beginning of the countdown for Valentine’s Day!

You may have come across mentions of ‘Rose Day’ in Bollywood rom-coms. Now get to know the history and significance of this day.

What Is Rose Day?
As the name implies, Rose Day is dedicated to expressing your love to your near and dear ones (they don’t necessarily have to be a significant other) through the language of flowers, specifically roses. Throughout history, the flower has been associated with love, romance, and everlasting passion. Each year, it is celebrated on February 7.

A Brief History
It is widely believed that the practice of gifting rose to loved ones was started in the Victorian Age to express love and affection.

Significance
While the red rose is commonly associated with romance, not all roses signify amourous love. For example, the pink coloured rose symbolise gratitude and admiration. Orange roses represent enthusiasm and drive. The yellow rose represents friendship, and the white rose symbolises purity and naiveté. So depending on who you are gifting a rose to, be mindful of the colour!

How Red Roses Became A Symbol Of Passion

Ever since we were old enough to be familiar with pop culture, a crimson rose has always been the ultimate symbol of undying love and overwhelming passion. The association of this crimson flower with romantic love has its roots in Greek and Roman mythology.

In ancient Greece, the red rose was believed to have been created by Aphrodite, the goddess of love. According to a popular myth, a white anemone blossomed on the spot where Adonis, her human lover, breathed his last. As Aphrodite mourned for her paramour, her tears led to the creation of the red rose. Hence the flower became an embodiment of love that lasts till death.