Glass vase with red roses - meaning of a red rose

Why Are Red Roses Considered Romantic? Symbol of Love

Why Are Red Roses Considered Romantic? Symbol of Love

Are you wondering why the flowers of Roses are considered as the most enduring symbol of love and romance? Red Roses are the most romantic flowers of all. In fact, even Shakespeare used this romantic flower to complete his classic Romeo and Juliet. Many notable and popular poets and writers also used the romantic significance of Red Roses in their writings. After all these years, the same Red Roses are viewed and associated with love. Learn these facts according to the florist behind the reasons why red Roses are classified and symbolized for romance and love:

Based on History

Greek and Roman Mythology

The Roses of Heliogabalus

It is best to learn the history of why red Roses are the symbol of romance and love. From the Western culture, it has been believed that this type of flower was created by the goddess of love, Aphrodite. According to the legend, her tears and her lover, Adonis’, blood watered the ground from where the red Roses grew. It was then a symbol of love until death.



In Roman Mythology, it was reported and observed that wealthy Romans prefer the flowers of red Roses to associate beauty and love. The goddesses love to pamper their body with a bath filled with Roses while some of them filled their bedchambers and bedrooms with flowers and petals of red Roses because of the pleasant smell and for soft skin.
Another legend for its romantic significance was the belief of the early Christians that this flower was the virtue of the Virgin Mary. Because of the beliefs and mythology, it became the ultimate symbol of passionate love and romance.

Eastern Cultural Beliefs

Melody & Mist Portrait Of A Lady, By Etienne Adolphe Piot 1850
Melody & Mist Portrait Of A Lady, By Etienne Adolphe Piot 1850

There are also many Eastern cultural beliefs and tradition that link red Roses with love and romance. Roses were cultivated largely in China for thousands of years ago. Aside from that, they also have their own legends and beliefs regarding the red Roses as linked to love and romance. According to the Hindu legends, their goddess Laxmi, the goddess of fortune and prosperity and also the wife of Vishnu, was created using 1008 small Red Rose petals and 108 large Roses. Since then, the Hindus linked to romance and love to red Roses.

For the ancient Arabs, red Roses also implied love and romance. They also believed that this type of flower yielded a literal effect on their heart. In one of their Arabic tales, a nightingale saw a white Rose and fell in love with that it caused the bird to sing. Because of overwhelming love to the flower, the nightingale pressed its body hardly to the Rose that its thorn pierced through its heart. Its blood flowed to the Rose and it turned red. This tale was considered symbolic of the intense love and romance and the flower of red Roses was the symbol of it.

Victorian-Age Beliefs

Flowers were very significant to the Victorians. They use flowers to express their feelings. They give flowers as gift to celebrants on birthdays and occasions. They were deeply obsessed and affected of the language of flowers, especially with reference to romance and love. Because of their tradition and beliefs that flowers, especially Roses were meant to express emotions and feelings. This associated the red Roses as a symbol and representation of a passionate and intimate kind of love.

Modern Age Symbolism

In the modern age era, flowers continued to be used for courtship and dating and for the expression of emotions, especially love and romance. The practice of sending Roses, depending on color and designs, had been used to convey messages. For lovers, red Roses in beautiful hand bouquets were meant and intended for intimacy.

Based on Symbolism

Meaning of the Red Color of a Rose

A close up of a red rose with morning dew - meaning of a red roseThe relation and association of red Roses to romance and love go beyond tradition, cultures, and beliefs. Red Roses are also linked to intimacy and passionate emotions because of their deeper meaning and symbolism. According to the professional florist, the color of red and the flower of Roses both refer to affection, love, and admiration. Bright red Roses symbolize romance while burgundy and crimson red Roses mean undying love. A budding red Rose, on the other hand, refers to a type of love that is still blooming or at a young stage.

Meaning of the Number of Red Roses

The number of red Roses in a bouquet also signifies and symbolizes a special meaning. You can send or give a bouquet of Roses from a single bloom to large flower bouquets that contain a hundred stems. Love and romance are symbolized in different meaning depending on different numbers or count of red Roses in a bouquet.


  • 1 Red Rose – A single stem of red Rose symbolizes love at first sight. For couples and lovers who stayed in love through the years, a single bloom simply means “You are still the one I love.”
  • 2 Red Roses – A pair of red Roses symbolizes mutual affection and love.
  • 3 Red Roses – For the first month anniversary, a bouquet of three red Roses is a perfect gift. It also says “I Love You” in a romantic way.
  • 6 Red Roses – This bouquet represents infatuation or desire.
  • 10 Red Roses – A bouquet of 10 red Roses conveys perfect love and romance.
  • 11 Red Roses – A bouquet of 11 red Roses signifies true and deep love.
  • 12 Red Roses – A bouquet of a dozen red Roses means “Be Mine.”
  • 15 Red Roses – A bouquet of 15 red Roses conveys your message of apology, especially when you can’t find the right words to say it.
  • 24 Red Roses – A bouquet of 2 dozens of red Roses conveys your respond of “I’m yours.”
  • 36 Red Roses – A bouquet of 3 dozens of red Roses signifies your head-over-heels love and affection to someone.
  • 50 Red roses – A bouquet of 50 red Roses symbolizes love without boundary.
  • 100 Red Roses – A bouquet of 100 red Roses symbolizes devotion.


This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Pingback: Hannah

  2. Rebeca Flores

    The classic red rose is often the best choice to express your deepest affection for that special person.

    If you send a large bouquet of reds, it will surely surprise you on your romantic occasion, especially if it is your first date.

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