The Language of Roses


	Newsletter for the Kickstart the Knight Project • Jan–Mar 2004

The Language of Roses

When giving cut roses as Valentine gifts, we adhere to a time-honored formula that takes into account rose color meanings. The formula matches a rose's color to its intended meaning as a gift. Valentine's Day is primarily a lovers' holiday, and red roses are for lovers.

"Valentine roses" and "red roses" go hand in hand, even though other colors have their place on the holiday. Colors other than red just won't do when you're trying to tell your romantic interest, "I love you." Our close family members may also be treated to red roses for Valentine's Day, but we avoid giving roses of this color to friends on Valentine's Day -- that would simply convey the wrong meaning. The following are the meanings traditionally attached to the most popular roses, according to colors; use this list as a guide when selecting Valentine roses:

	Red roses show love, passion and respect. Red roses of any color say "I love you"; deep red roses imply unconscious beauty.
	Pink roses communicate happiness, appreciation, admiration, friendship and sympathy. Light pink roses denote grace, joy, gentility and admiration. Dark pink roses are to signify thankfulness.
	Lavender roses symbolize love at first sight and enchantment.
	White roses signify spiritual love and purity; but of the soul; bridal white means happy love. White roses can also signify secrecy, reverence, humility, innocence or charm.
	Yellow roses show "I care"—friendship, joy, gladness or freedom.
	Coral roses imply desire.
	Peach roses indicate modesty.
	Orange roses display a feeling of enthusiasm, desire and fascination.
	Burgundy roses mean unconscious beauty.
	Black roses mean farewell, or death.
	White and red roses mixed together signify unity.
	Red and yellow roses together say "Congratulations!"
	Yellow and orange roses in combination imply passionate thoughts.

Newsletter for the Kickstart the Knight Project • Jan–Mar 2004