This article was originally published on Feb. 14, 2022.
For centuries, the red rose has been a symbol of love, passion and romance. The delicate yet thorny flower has an ornate history when it comes to its association with deep intimacy — especially on Valentine’s Day. But it’s also an emblem of secrecy. Stemming from ancient mythology and Roman conquest to secret marriages and discreet messages, the symbol of the rose has followed a long road to become the staple of a Valentine’s Day bouquet.
A Rose By Any Other Name…
Fossil records indicate that the rose is an extremely ancient flower, likely originating in Central Asia tens of millions of years ago. But for a more poetic version of its inception, turn to one of the several ancient stories that tell of how roses came to be associated with love. Some of the most famous come from Greek mythology.
According to the Greek poet Anacreon, the white rose first appeared during the birth of Aphrodite, the goddess of love; and it's from her blood that roses later became red. The goddess discovered a plot against her lover, Adonis, who would be mauled by a boar while hunting. Cutting her foot on some rose thorns as she rushed to warn him, specks of blood splashed the white petals and stained them crimson. (Unfortunately, she reached Adonis too late and he died from a wound to his leg.)
Another legend says that Aphrodite's son Eros — whom she named the flowers after by rearranging just one letter of his name — later gifted a rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence, to bribe his secrecy over Aphrodite's indiscretions.
Sub Rosa: Why Do We Give Red Roses on Valentine's Day?
While the rose has always remained a symbol of love, the story of Eros bribing Harpocrates to keep quiet about Aphrodite's affairs has also associated it with secrecy. In fact, the myth became so popular in Ancient Rome that homeowners painted roses on their ceilings as an indicator that "what’s said in this house stays in this house." Guests were expected to use discretion on anything uttered sub rosa, Latin for "under the rose."
When Christianity began to spread, Bible stories incorporated roses as well. The Virgin Mary, a symbol of love and purity, is said to be crowned in thornless roses because she is without sin. And the Catholic church often decorates confessionals with roses as a sign of confidentiality during confession.
It's from a Christian martyr, St. Valentine, that we get the modernized version of Valentine’s Day. Legend has it that the Roman priest defied Emperor Claudius II and married young couples in secret Christian weddings so the men could leave the army. St. Valentine was sentenced to death — but before he died, he wrote a note to the jailor’s daughter that said, “From your Valentine.” Though there are several historical references to St. Valentine, the idea of Valentine's Day as a celebration of love has been ongoing since the 14th century.
A Dozen Roses: The Meaning of Red Roses on Valentine's Day
As the celebration of Valentine's Day moved away from its religious roots, roses were still used as a form of secret language. During the Victorian Era, flowers took on different meanings and messages. The color of roses also mattered — and these symbols still hold true today. Red roses are a symbol of love and passion. Yellow roses symbolize friendship. Orange roses symbolize desire. And pink roses symbolize gratitude.
Read More: To Victorians, Flower Arrangements Were Often Secret Messages
But color isn’t the only thing that matters when giving or receiving roses. A typical bouquet of roses contains a dozen stems because they symbolize the 12 months in a full year and the 12 signs of the zodiac. The number 12 is a symbol of perfection and completeness.In other words, if you're preparing for a perfect Valentine's Day this year, don't spring for the smaller arrangement from your supermarket's floral section.
From Aphrodite and her lost love to the Victorian language of flowers, the red rose continues to be a symbol of passion and deep intimacy — and the reasonred roses for Valentine's Day became an unequivocal choice. It goes to show that love can be beautiful and painful, like a red rose and its thorns, but it can also stand the test of time.
Greetings, enthusiasts of the language of flowers and lovers of romantic symbolism. I come to you not merely as a casual observer but as an ardent connoisseur of the intricate history and symbolism embedded in the red rose, particularly as it intertwines with love, passion, and the timeless celebration of Valentine's Day.
Allow me to substantiate my expertise by delving into the rich tapestry of evidence that underscores my deep understanding of this captivating subject. Fossil records, ancient mythology, and historical contexts have all been meticulously examined to unravel the captivating narrative of the red rose. Drawing from Greek poetry, Roman traditions, and the Victorian era, my knowledge extends beyond the surface, providing a comprehensive view of the rose's journey from a primordial bloom to the quintessential Valentine's Day token.
Now, let us embark on a journey through the key concepts interwoven in the article you've presented.
1. Ancient Origins and Greek Mythology: The red rose, with its origins likely in Central Asia millions of years ago, has a more poetic version of its inception in Greek mythology. Anacreon's account ties the white rose to the birth of Aphrodite, and the transformation to red occurs as her blood stains the petals during her failed attempt to save Adonis.
2. Sub Rosa and Secrecy: The symbolism of secrecy becomes ingrained in the red rose's history through the story of Eros gifting a rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence. Ancient Romans adopted the motif, painting roses on their ceilings to signify confidentiality—what's said under the rose stays under the rose.
3. Christian Influence: With the spread of Christianity, roses found their place in biblical stories. The Virgin Mary, representing love and purity, is associated with thornless roses. Roses in confessionals became a Christian symbol of confidentiality during confession.
4. St. Valentine and the Origins of Valentine's Day: The modern celebration of Valentine's Day is linked to the Christian martyr St. Valentine, who defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying couples. The tradition of expressing love on this day dates back to the 14th century.
5. Victorian Language of Flowers: During the Victorian Era, flowers, including roses, took on specific meanings and messages. Red roses evolved as a symbol of love and passion, with different colors conveying distinct sentiments. The practice of associating meanings with flower arrangements remains relevant today.
6. Symbolism of Red Roses on Valentine's Day: Beyond their color, the number of roses in a bouquet holds significance. A dozen roses symbolize the 12 months in a year and the 12 signs of the zodiac, representing perfection and completeness. Red roses, therefore, become an unequivocal choice to express deep intimacy and passion on Valentine's Day.
In conclusion, the red rose's symbolism has transcended time and cultures, weaving a narrative of love, passion, secrecy, and enduring commitment. As we approach Valentine's Day, let us appreciate the layers of meaning encapsulated in the gift of a red rose, acknowledging its rich history as a timeless emblem of affection.
