Floriography, the language of flowers, is a form of cryptological communication that uses the meaning and arrangement of flowers to convey emotions, messages and sentiments.
For centuries, people expressed feelings that words alone could not capture in this way. Within floriography, roses stand out as one of the most symbolic and versatile flowers, each color having a distinct meaning representing love in its many romantic, platonic and familial forms.
Understanding the meanings behind these flowers allows us to appreciate the depth and beauty they convey. Different roses symbolize various forms of love, with their colors carrying deep and cultural significant meanings. And sometimes, the meaning has changed over the years.
Yellow roses, once associated with jealousy, have evolved to represent friendship, warmth and joy.
White roses symbolize purity, innocence, and new beginning, often used in weddings and christenings
Pink rose, with their soft and gentle hue, convey gratitude, admiration and joy.
Red roses are ultimate symbols of true love, passion and devotion. In United States, June 12 is recognized as National Red Rose Day, celebrating this universal emblem of romance. In Mexico, red roses play an important role in Day of the Dead festivities, symbolizing enduring love and remembrance. 
Blue roses, though rare and often artificially created, are linked to peace, serenity, and a sense of mystery. In Chinese culture, they symbolize good fortune, protection, honesty and the pursuit of the unattainable. Across Europe, the blue roses represent endless love, devotion and loyalty.
Purple roses are frequently associated with enchantment, luxury, and majesty in Western culture, as the color purple was historically reserved for royalty due to its rarity and the expense in creating purple fabrics. During the Victorian era, purple roses convey fascination and love at first sight, often given as token of admiration. Today, they are also seen as symbols of uniqueness, creativity and individuality, representing a person’s originality and distant qualities.
Orange roses in Western cultures often convey feelings of excitement, enthusiasm and passion. They symbolize intense desire and self-assurance. In Eastern cultures, often less prevalent, they also represent enthusiasm and desire, but they also represent fascination. While Asian cultures link the orange roses to happiness, love and good health.
Through the language of flowers, roses continue to be a powerful means of expressing emotions and strengthen connections. Their diverse meanings allow people to communicate sentiments ranging from friendship and gratitude to passion and devotion.
The Current and TIN, The Innovation Club, will be celebrating all types of love and relationships on Thursday, March 27 during college hours (11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.). At the event, TIN will have students and other speakers briefly share these stories before we kick off into some fun activities like a bingo icebreaker (with prizes!), origami and paper flower making.
You are also able to share your own love stories or poems that are submitted online and will be shared anonymously. Join in sharing your own story and gift a rose to someone you love.
