The Meaning of Different Colored Roses

If you just received some roses, and you want to know exactly what they symbolize, or you are searching for the right rose to give that special someone to say exactly how you feel, then you should first know the meanings behind different colored roses. Every color means something different, and even slight variations in hue can change a message.

Red roses can have several meanings, but the strongest and most common meaning behind a red rose is love. They can signify romantic love or sincere love, and a single red rose can simply mean "I love you." By giving red roses, it can also mean congratulations, or the roses can be a compliment of beauty, courage or passion. A single red rosebud is symbolic of purity and loveliness. You can also look at how open the rosebuds are. If the roses are still close to bud form, they can symbolize a new and emerging love, while if they are fully open they can symbolize a strong, everlasting love.

Yellow roses are more often a gift given between two very close friends. They symbolize joy, gladness, delight and friendship. Yellow roses can also mean that the gift giver is promising a new beginning, welcoming someone back or asking to be remembered. If yellow roses are given with red roses, then you can either extract meaning from each of them separately, or they can symbolize happy feelings. Also, a yellow rose with red tips means that the rose giver is falling in love.

White roses are typically associated with weddings. White roses can symbolize innocence, purity, youthfulness, reverence or humility. If white roses are given with red roses, then again, you can either extract meaning from each of them separately, or they can symbolize unity between the giver and recipient.

The meaning of pink roses can change depending on the shade of pink. If it is a dark pink rose, then it is a way of saying thank you. The dark pink rose symbolizes appreciation or gratitude, which can also be expressed by giving peach roses. If it is a light pink rose, on the other hand, it symbolizes gentleness, sympathy, admiration or happiness. In some situations, pink roses can also mean "please believe me."

An orange or a coral rose can both symbolize desire. Orange roses can also mean that the giver is enthusiastic about something or fascinated with the receiver. Orange roses can also be given to congratulate someone for a great achievement in their life such as a promotion or graduation. These roses are great for a celebration.

Purple roses can be given to express love at first sight, or to let the person know that they are enchanting. Purple roses can also be given to symbolize eternal love. Typically the lighter the shade of purple, the newer the love is. Darker purple roses are often given for high-number anniversaries, intimate personal situations, or as a memorial for a spouse who has recently passed.