Roses have been used to convey messages and meaning for centuries. The symbolism behind rose colors can vary slightly across cultures, but some colors tend to have universal associations. When selecting roses to honor loved ones who have passed away or to remember important events and people from the past, the color you choose can hold special significance.
Meaning of Different Rose Colors
Here are some of the most common rose color meanings:
- Red roses symbolize love, romance, and passion.
- White roses represent purity, innocence, reverence, and humility.
- Pink roses convey gentleness, joy, and happiness.
- Yellow roses stand for friendship and care.
- Orange roses signify enthusiasm and desire.
- Lavender roses mean love at first sight or enchantment.
- Blue roses, though rare in nature, represent mystery and longing to attain the impossible.
- Black roses signify farewell and mortality.
When selecting roses for remembering someone or commemorating an event, both the color and number of roses can carry symbolism about the meaning you want to convey.
Rose Colors for Remembrance
If you want to choose roses to honor someone who has passed away or remember an important time, here are some of the most fitting colors:
White Roses
White roses are one of the most traditional and obvious choices for remembrance. Their pure color symbolizes reverence and pays tribute to the innocence of the soul. They work to honor someone at any stage of life.
Pink Roses
Pink roses express gentle sentiment, making them appropriate for remembering a joyful time or celebrating sweet memories with someone who has passed. Their soft color reminds us of happy moments.
Yellow Roses
Yellow roses evoke warm feelings of friendship and care, so they can work nicely for remembering someone dear to your heart. Yellow symbolizes the joy shared in that relationship.
Lavender Roses
With their enchanting color, lavender roses commemorate love at first sight or a feeling of magic. They can memorialize a deep connection formed in an instant.
Blue Roses
Blue roses represent aspiring to achieve the impossible, so they can celebrate someone who pursued lofty goals or a time when you strived to do something challenging and meaningful.
Black Roses
Black roses clearly acknowledge grief and bereavement, making them an poignant way to remember someone who passed away or a tragic event.
| Rose Color | Meaning | Appropriateness for Remembrance |
|---|---|---|
| White | Purity, innocence, reverence | Honoring the soul |
| Pink | Gentleness, joy | Celebrating sweet memories |
| Yellow | Friendship, care | Remembering someone dear |
| Lavender | Enchantment, love at first sight | Recalling a deep connection |
| Blue | Mystery, achieving the impossible | Honoring lofty pursuits |
| Black | Grief, bereavement | Acknowledging loss |
As you can see, rose colors carry layered meaning that makes them perfect for commemorating all kinds of memories and feelings of both joy and sorrow. Selecting the right hue can help express your sentiments.
Number of Roses for Remembrance
In addition to color, the number of roses given can also be symbolic. Here are some of the common meanings behind rose number:
- 1 rose – undying love, devotion
- 3 roses – “I love you”
- 6 roses – infatuation, fleeting emotion
- 11 roses – signifying a particular moment
- 13 roses – secret admirer, friendship
- 25 roses – congratulations
- 50 roses – unconditional love
- 99 roses – forever, eternal love
- 100 roses – devotion, marriage
For remembering someone, rose numbers that are symbolic include:
- 1 rose – honoring undying love or devotion for that person
- 3 roses – simple message of love
- 11 roses – marking a particular moment with them
- 13 roses – treasuring the friendship you shared
Sometimes single roses given on multiple occasions can be meaningful. For example, leaving a single rose once a week on the grave of someone you lost keeps their memory fresh.
Single Rose
A single rose alone can relay a powerful message of undying love and loyalty. It speaks to the deepest bonds of the heart. Laying a solitary rose shows your unwavering affection.
3 Roses
Three roses together naturally express the phrase “I love you,” making this a fitting way to honor someone’s life and what they meant to you. It is direct while still elegant in its simplicity.
11 Roses
Eleven roses are often used to represent a particular moment in time, such as a birthdate, anniversary, or the day a loved one passed away. Offering 11 roses commemorates their significance.
13 Roses
Thirteen roses convey appreciation and friendship. They can celebrate the positive regard you held for someone and the moments you shared.
| Number of Roses | Meaning | Significance for Remembrance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Undying love | Unwavering devotion |
| 3 | “I love you” | What they meant to you |
| 11 | Particular moment | Marking a significant time |
| 13 | Friendship | Honoring shared memories |
When selecting the number of roses for remembrance, stick to more symbolic quantities that thoughtfully reflect the spirit of your message.
Combining Color and Number
For the most personalized message, you can combine color and number symbolism when choosing your roses. Here are some examples:
- 3 lavender roses – remembering love at first sight
- 11 yellow roses – marking a happy time with a friend
- 13 white roses – honoring a pure soul and your friendship
- Single pink rose – celebrating sweet memories
- 36 pink roses – honoring a joyful lifetime together
Think about what you want the roses to express in tribute to the recipient or occasion. Select hues that reflect the emotions you associate with those memories and pair them with numbers that reinforce the symbolism. This thoughtful gesture will remind you and others of the beauty and meaning you want the roses to represent.
Conclusion
Roses beautifully honor those we love and want to remember. Both the color and number can relay significant messages. White, pink, yellow, lavender, and blue roses in single or small quantities like 3, 11, or 13 can commemorate a life, friendship, or poignant moment in time. The symbolism and elegance of roses make them a fitting tribute to memories and people who touch our hearts. Keeping the meanings associated with colors and numbers in mind can help make your floral remembrance even more personally meaningful.
