Why Do We Give Red Roses on Valentine’s Day?10 February 2025Valentine’s Day is synonymous with love, romance, and heartfelt gestures—and nothing embodies these sentiments more than the timeless red rose. But have you ever wondered why red roses are the ultimate symbol of love? From ancient mythology to modern traditions, red roses have carried deep significance for centuries. In this article, we’ll explore the history behind red roses, their connection to love, and why they continue to be the go-to flower for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re looking to surprise a loved one with a beautiful bouquet or simply curious about the tradition, we’ve got all the answers. The History of Red Roses and Love Why Is the Rose a Symbol of Love? The Meaning of the Red Rose Red Roses and Valentine’s Day: A Perfect Match Key Takeaways: Red Roses and Love Valentine’s Day Flowers FAQs The History of Red Roses and Love The association between red roses and love dates back thousands of years. Different cultures and historical periods have contributed to the deep symbolism of this beloved flower. Greek and Roman Mythology In ancient Greece and Rome, red roses were closely linked to Aphrodite (Greek) and Venus (Roman), the goddesses of love and beauty. According to legend, Aphrodite’s lover, Adonis, was mortally wounded, and as she rushed to his side, her tears mixed with his blood, giving birth to the first red rose. This tragic yet passionate story cemented the rose as a symbol of eternal love and devotion. The Victorian Era and the Language of Flowers During the 19th century, the Victorians used flowers to convey emotions, a practice known as floriography. Red roses symbolised deep love and desire, making them a favourite choice for romantic gestures. A single red rose meant “I love you,” while a bouquet of red roses signified deep admiration and passion. Why Is the Rose a Symbol of Love? The red rose has been a powerful emblem of love and passion for centuries, deeply rooted in mythology, history, and cultural traditions. But what makes this flower so universally recognised as a symbol of romance? Several key factors contribute to its strong association with love: 1. Historical and Mythological Connections Red roses have been linked to love stories and legends across different civilisations. Some of the most notable examples include: Greek and Roman Mythology – In ancient Greece, red roses were believed to have originated from the blood of Adonis, the mortal lover of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The Romans adopted this legend, associating red roses with Venus, their goddess of love and beauty. Persian Folklore – One of the oldest love stories in Persian literature, Layla and Majnun, often references red roses as a symbol of undying love and longing. The flower frequently appears in Persian poetry as a metaphor for deep emotional connection. Christian Symbolism – In early Christianity, red roses were linked to the Virgin Mary, representing divine love and purity. Over time, they also became associated with romantic love, particularly in medieval chivalry. Knights and poets often used red roses to express admiration for their beloved. These myths and historical connections cemented the red rose as a universal representation of love, passion, and devotion. 2. Sensory Appeal: Beauty and Fragrance The red rose is not only meaningful but also visually and aromatically captivating, making it a natural choice for romantic gestures: Vibrant Colour – The deep red hue of the rose symbolises passion, desire, and intensity. Unlike other flowers, which may represent friendship, gratitude, or purity, red roses specifically convey romantic love. Soft, Velvety Petals – The luxurious texture of rose petals evokes a sense of elegance and sensuality, enhancing their appeal as a romantic gift. Enchanting Fragrance – The intoxicating scent of red roses has been scientifically proven to trigger feelings of relaxation and happiness, enhancing romantic experiences. Many perfumes incorporate rose essence for this very reason. Together, these sensory qualities create a multi-dimensional experience, making red roses the perfect symbol of love. 3. Cultural Significance in Literature, Art, and Film Throughout history, red roses have appeared in countless artistic works that celebrate love and romance: Literature – From Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to Pablo Neruda’s love poems, red roses frequently symbolise deep passion and devotion. Shakespeare famously wrote, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," further cementing its association with love. Art – Renaissance painters, such as Botticelli and Raphael, often depicted red roses in their romantic and religious artwork, reinforcing their symbolic meaning. Film and Media – In modern cinema, red roses are often used to represent love, whether it’s a romantic gesture in Beauty and the Beast or an iconic symbol in American Beauty. They continue to serve as a visual shorthand for passion and romance. Through these cultural references, red roses have maintained their timeless status as the ultimate flower of love. Why Red Roses Endure as the Symbol of Love The combination of historical connections, sensory appeal, cultural reinforcement, and floral traditions makes red roses the undisputed symbol of love. Their rich history, stunning beauty, and deep fragrance make them an irresistible choice for those wishing to express their deepest emotions. The Meaning of the Red Rose Red roses carry different meanings depending on their context and number: Single red rose – “I love you.” Three red roses – “I love you deeply.” Twelve red roses – The ultimate declaration of love. Fifty red roses – A sign of limitless love. Beyond numbers, the shade of red can also affect meaning: Deep red roses – Symbolise deep love and commitment. Bright red roses – Represent romantic passion and desire. Crimson roses – Express mourning and remembrance, often used to honour lost love. Red Roses and Valentine’s Day: A Perfect Match Valentine’s Day and red roses are inseparable. But how did this tradition begin? The Influence of St. Valentine St. Valentine, the patron saint of love, was believed to have given flowers to couples he secretly wed. Over time, this gesture evolved into a tradition of gifting flowers, particularly roses, to loved ones on 14th February. Commercialisation of Valentine’s Day By the early 20th century, florists began promoting red roses as the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift. Their availability, beauty, and deep-rooted symbolism made them the ideal expression of love, and the trend has only grown stronger. Why Red Roses Are the Top Choice Universally recognised symbol of love Perfect for expressing deep emotions Elegance and timeless beauty Fragrance that enhances romantic moments Key Takeaways: Red Roses and Love Red roses have symbolised love for centuries, dating back to Greek and Roman mythology. The Victorian language of flowers reinforced their romantic significance. Different numbers and shades of red roses carry unique meanings. Red roses became the most popular Valentine’s Day flower due to their deep emotional connections and beauty. Valentine’s Day Flowers FAQs Why do we give red roses on Valentine’s Day? Red roses are given on Valentine’s Day because they symbolise deep love, passion, and romance. Their historical connections to goddesses of love, cultural significance in literature and film, and their role in the Victorian language of flowers have cemented their place as the ultimate expression of love. Are red roses the only romantic flower? While red roses are the most popular romantic flower, other blooms also symbolise love: Tulips – Represent perfect love and elegance. Orchids – Symbolise exotic beauty and deep affection. Peonies – Associated with romance, prosperity, and a happy marriage. Lilies – Represent purity and devotion, often given in romantic settings. What do different colour roses mean? Each rose colour carries a different meaning, they can be ideal as valentines flowers depending on the message you want to send: Red Roses – Love, passion, and romance. White Roses – Purity, innocence, and new beginnings. Often used in weddings. Pink Roses – Admiration, gratitude, and sweetness. A softer alternative to red roses. Yellow Roses – Friendship, joy, and warmth. Not typically used for romantic occasions. Orange Roses – Enthusiasm, desire, and fascination. A fiery expression of love. Purple Roses – Enchantment and mystery, often associated with love at first sight. Find the Perfect Bouquet of Red Roses from Julie’s Flowers Red roses are more than just flowers; they are a timeless declaration of love. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply expressing affection, a bouquet of red roses conveys deep emotions in a way words cannot. At Julie’s Flowers, we offer a stunning range of fresh, hand-tied red roses perfect for any romantic occasion. Surprise your loved one with a classic bouquet and make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with our same-day delivery service in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Related Articles The History of Flower Gifts on Valentine’s Day The Most Romantic Flowers for Valentine’s Day