Georgie Kennett
Major Project
Roses
Roses and in particular red roses are one of the most related flowers to love. The red rose began its illustrious symbolic history in Greek and Roman iconography, where it was tied to Aphrodite, or Venus, the goddess of love. Later, in early Christian times it became associated with the virtue of Virgin Mary. By the time Shakespeare rolled around it had already become a poetic standard that he, and later Gertrude Stein, both famously played with in their works. Throughout its long, storied history, the red rose still reigns as the ultimate symbol of passionate affection. The classic red rose is often seen as the best choice for expressing your deepest affection for that special someone.
It’s probably safe to say there’s no more prevalent or enduring symbol of love and beauty in Western culture than red roses. Red roses often appear in poetry, literature, classical artwork, contemporary films and everywhere in between. These fragrant blooms come in varying shades of red, which also carry different symbolic meanings. For example, a bright red rose signifies romance, while burgundy means a love that has yet to be realized.
Mythology
In mythology, rose meaning is associated with Aphrodite (Greek) goddess of love who was often depicted adorned with roses around her head, feet and or neck. In lore, we track down this association when we discover that a rose bush grew within the pool of blood spilled from Aphrodite's slain lover (Adonis). We can interpret the symbolism here several ways. The most common interpretation is that the rose symbolizes an immortal love or a union that will never fade - even through time or death.
Coloured Roses and Meanings
Red Roses
If you planned on delivering this classic choice to your significant other, you're in luck. It means "love."
Peach Roses
These bashful beauties signify "modesty."
Pink Roses
Deliver the gift of "grace" when you send a friend these sweet blooms.
Burgundy Roses
Though it may not be as striking as the classic red rose, this deeper shade is more subtle and represents "unconscious beauty
Orange Roses
An energetic, curious color comes with a meaning to match: "fascination."
Yellow Roses
You wouldn't think it cruel to gift someone a bouquet, but these sunny flowers imply "infidelity."
White Roses
But maybe save these babies for a melancholy moment. They mean "a heart unacquainted with love."
Purple Roses
A quirkier hue calls for a quirkier meaning; violet shades lend themselves to "enchantment."
References: Piro, L., Picard, C., Carter, M., Storey, K., Weiss, D., Matthews, L. and Cepeda, M. (2016) The meaning of every Rose Color. Available at: http://www.womansday.com/life/entertainment/g2128/rose-color-meanings/ (Accessed: 14 March 2016).
Russell, S.A. (2001) Anatomy of a rose: The secret life of flowers. William Heinemann.
The Meanings of Red
Red is the color of extremes. It’s the color of passionate love, seduction, violence, danger, anger, and adventure. Our prehistoric ancestors saw red as the color of fire and blood – energy and primal life forces – and most of red’s symbolism today arises from its powerful associations in the past.
Red is also a magical and religious color. It symbolized super-human heroism to the Greeks and is the color of the Christian crucifixion. Red was almost as rare and as expensive as purple in ancient days – a fact that may explain its magic and power. Paradoxically, today’s intense red dyes come from crushed insects (the lac beetle and the cochineal).
Global Meanings of Red
Red’s global similarities are significant:
Red is one of the top two favorite colors of all people.
Red is the most popular color used on flags in the world. Approximately 77% of all flags include red.
Red is the international color for stop.
Red districts sell sex and pornography in every European culture.
The history of languages reveals that red is the first color after black and white. (All languages have words for black and white. If a third hue exists, it is red.)
Unique Meanings of Red in Different Cultures
Red is the color of good luck in Asia and is the most popular color in China.
Most Japanese children draw the sun as a big red circle.
In East Asian stock markets, red is used to denote a rise in stock prices. (Note: In North American stock markets, red is used to denote a drop in stock prices.)
Red is an auspicious color for marriage. Brides in India and Nepal wear red saris; in Japan, a red kimono symbolizes happiness and good luck.