Meaning of Pink Roses: History and Symbolism - Spectrum of Roses (2024)

Welcome to the world of pink roses!

In this article, we’ll talk about the meaning of pink roses and why people have loved them for so long. We’ll look at their history, what they symbolize in different cultures, and how they’ve been used in art and stories.

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Pink roses symbolism

Pink roses symbolize feminine elegance and class. They are versatile roses that can be used to express gratitude, admiration, budding romance, or sympathy.

In ancient times, gifting someone pink roses meant purity and unselfishness because the flowers were said to be the prettiest in all of nature.

Light pink roses symbolism

Light pink roses represent femininity. Perhaps because of the delicate shade, light pink roses convey expressions of grace, admiration, innocence, youth, purity, sweetness, gentleness, and affection. Light pink roses can also express sympathy.

Hot pink roses symbolism

Hot pink roses convey passion, happiness, and appreciation. Hot pink roses send a stronger message to the receiver than light pink roses, due to their bolder color.

Dark pink roses symbolism

Dark pink roses symbolize elegance and grace. Giving someone dark pink roses could mean you are thankful or congratulating them, as they signify gratitude and honor.

History of pink roses

Pink roses have a fascinating history. They are believed to be the oldest rose species. Fossil evidence indicates that they were here 35-55 million years ago!

In those ancient times, pink roses looked different from today’s modern roses. They had a well-defined center surrounded by five petals, a bit like wild roses that you may find growing in wooded areas today.

Not only were pink roses the first rose species to exist, but they were also the first rose species to be cultivated and cross-bred. China began cultivating them as garden roses 5,000 years ago.

The first modern rose was also pink. Rosa ‘La France’ is a hybrid tea rose, bred in 1867 by Jean-Baptiste André Guillot.

Cross-breeding is responsible for the many unique and gorgeous blooms available today. Out of all the rose blooms grown throughout time, the largest rose on record was a pink rose in California measuring almost 33 inches in diameter!

Spiritual meaning of pink roses

According to some Hebrew texts, pink roses were the only flowers allowed in Jerusalem, the holy city. It is said that the rose’s spiraling petal design was symbolic of the journey toward perfection.

Pink roses in ancient myths

In Roman mythology, Flora was the goddess of flowers and springtime. One day, she was walking in the countryside, and she found the corpse of her favorite nymph. Flora was sad about the nymph and asked the other gods to transform the nymph into a flawless pink rose.

Another Roman myth about pink roses tells the story of Rhodanthe, a beautiful woman overwhelmed by too many suitors. She hid in the temple of Diana, hoping they wouldn’t find her. The Goddess Diana then turned Rhodanthe into a pink rose and her many suitors into thorns!

Venus gave the rose its beauty and its name. Bacchus gave it an intoxicating scent. Mars supplied thorns to protect it. The rose has since become a symbol of beauty and rebirth.

The Greeks had a similar myth about Chloris, the Greek equivalent of Flora. In Greek culture, pink roses represents female honor.

Pink roses in other cultures and countries

In Japan, Flowers have a language all their own. The Hanakotoba is the Japanese language of flowers, and lists pink roses as “Momirobara” or “Kiiroibara,” meaning trust, faith, confidence, and happiness. There is no romantic connection to pink roses in Japan. They are perfect for sending to friends, family, and anyone you trust or wish happiness for.

In the Republic of Maldives, bright pink roses called Rosa Polyantha is a sign of hope and resilience. It is also countries national flower. The people of Maldives’ have these beautiful roses in their gardens all over the islands.

Pink roses in art and literature

Artwork featuring pink roses spans the ages, from paintings of gods and goddesses to delicate femininity.

In Knossos, Greece, a pink rose was found on a painting dating back to about 1550 BCE. It was discovered at the House of the Frescoes and is the earliest painting of a rose ever found.

The Roman Empire marked a time before pink roses became connected with femininity. It was common for rose wreaths and garlands to be worn in ceremonies and to be included in all parts of religious, economic, and domestic life. Pink roses were awarded to men for great acts and virtues.

This is demonstrated in The Roses of Heliogabalus, an 1888 painting by artist Alma-Tadema. The painting depicts a young Roman emperor hosting a banquet, where guests are drowning in drifts of pink rose petals falling from a false ceiling above.

A painting in the Italian Renaissance by artist Angelo Bronzino shows Folly, or perhaps Pleasure, stepping on a thorn and throwing handfuls of pink China roses at Cupid, who is kissing Venus.

Annie French’s artwork The Pink Rose was most likely created in the early 1900s. The picture shows a woman in a dress holding a lush bouquet, with light pink roses adorning the dress and the picture. The dress and background are so elaborate it is difficult to tell the difference between the woman and the florals, the feminine and nature.

Pink roses are also connected to the senses, emotions, and the brevity of time on earth. Poet Christina Rosetti mentions pink roses in her poem entitled Colors.

John William Waterhouse painted The Soul of the Rose in 1908, inspired by poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. The oil painting shows a woman leaning against a walled garden with a pink rosebush near her, pink roses scattered all over it. She is inhaling the lovely aroma of one rose.

Dutch and Flemish painters often included roses in their still-life paintings, reminding viewers of their own mortality. One example is Jan Davidsz de Heem’s Still-Life with a Skull, a Book and Roses which features two pink roses that symbolize fleeting time and sensual pleasures.

Vincent van Gogh painted two still lifes of pink roses in 1890 before leaving Saint-Remy. He expressed his optimism and enthusiasm through his “great bouquets of roses,” as he referred to them while writing to his sister. They are called Vase with Pink Roses and Pink Roses.

Pink roses in the Victorian era

Pink roses stood for first love, new love, childhood, innocence, and healing from illness in the Victorian era. Pink roses were chosen over red to symbolize romance during the Victorian era. Pink flowers were used to decorate everything from greeting cards to romantic gifts and even wallpaper.

In the Victorian era, emotions were not easy to convey aloud. Rose floriography, or the language of roses, became a beautiful way to express feelings and thoughts without words. Roses were cultivated throughout Victorian England, so each of the beautiful colors was given its own meaning in the language of roses.

Pink roses as a gift

A bouquet of pink roses is perfect for your mother, wife, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt, teacher, mentor, or friend.

Read more about roses as gifts.

Pink roses in relationships

Pink roses are suitable for a new, young romance or a first love that hasn’t quite reached the level of “passionate.” It is more like a sweet romance or a shy declaration of love or attraction.

If your relationship is a bit older, pink roses can instead symbolize the joy you feel with your partner.

Pink roses meaning in friendships

Pink roses reflect caring, friendship and gratitude – so they are great to give to friends.

Read more aboutroses in friendships.

Events and occasions for pink roses

• Mother’s Day,
• birthdays,
• anniversaries,
• baby showers,
• flowers for new moms,
• weddings,
• bridal showers,
• prom,
• graduations, and
• any other joyful occasions would be appropriate for having pink roses.

Pink roses for weddings

Pink roses are an excellent choice for a wedding. They symbolize elegance, grace, sweetness, and refinement. Pink roses also mean happiness, and some people consider them to be good luck! Blush pink is perfect for creating a romantic wedding.

Pink roses for funerals

Yes, pink roses are ideal for a funeral or memorial service unless the religion or culture has special funeral etiquette. They reflect grace, appreciation, gratitude, gentleness, and admiration.

Many people choose more muted colors, like light pink roses, for a funeral. But it is also appropriate to have a more lively colored arrangement with bright pinks to celebrate the person’s life. Pink roses are a nice choice if the deceased is a friend, co-worker, teacher, neighbor, or relative.

Pink roses with other rose colors

• Light pink roses with white roses suggest joy and appreciation, and new beginnings.
• Pink roses with red roses mean appreciation and happiness in a romantic relationship.
• Dark pink roses with yellow roses show joy and optimism.

Popular varieties of pink roses

• Pink Majolica is a spray rose of delicate pink flowers with a strong, delightful citrus floral scent.
• Rosalinds are light pink roses with lavender undertones and a strong, fruity fragrance.
• Pink Mondials are soft, dusty pink roses with lightly greened, ruffled edges.
• Ballerina Rose is a modern shrub rose with unusual blossoms resembling apple blooms. It has an outstanding musky rose fragrance.

Pink rose tattoo symbolism

Pink roses are a popular choice for tattoos for their feminine appearance and symbolism, just like other floral designs.

The meaning is different depending on the person. Some choose a pink rose tattoo to represent someone young, possibly a child, in their family that passed away. Others may use it to represent a lost love, a first love, and even the caring, loving nature of a mother or grandmother. It could be that the mother or grandmother grew roses or simply that the grace and femininity of the pink rose remind them of her.

Conclusion

The meaning of pink roses spans a vast array of symbols, from grace, elegance, and appreciation to first love and happiness, depending on their shades. They have a fascinating history embedded in various cultures and have been prominently featured in art and literature. Pink roses are versatile gifts suitable for many relationships and occasions, and their symbolism is further enriched when combined with other rose colors. Pink roses remain a timeless representation of beauty, love, and appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions – Meaning of Pink Roses

What do pink roses symbolize?

Pink roses symbolize feminine elegance and class. They can be used to express gratitude, admiration, budding romance, or sympathy.

What is the meaning of light pink roses?

Light pink roses represent femininity and convey expressions of grace, admiration, innocence, youth, purity, sweetness, gentleness, and affection. They can also express sympathy.

What do hot pink roses mean?

Hot pink roses convey passion, happiness, and appreciation. They send a stronger message than light pink roses due to their bolder color.

What do dark pink roses mean?

Dark pink roses symbolize elegance and grace. They can be given to express gratitude or congratulations, as they signify gratitude and honor.

What is the history of pink roses?

Pink roses are believed to be the oldest rose species, dating back 35-55 million years. They were the first rose species to be cultivated and cross-bred, with China beginning their cultivation as garden roses 5,000 years ago.

What is the spiritual meaning of pink roses?

According to some Hebrew texts, pink roses were the only flowers allowed in Jerusalem, symbolizing the journey toward perfection.

How do pink roses feature in ancient myths?

In Roman mythology, pink roses are associated with Flora, the goddess of flowers and springtime. Other myths involve the transformation of individuals into pink roses, symbolizing beauty and rebirth.

What do pink roses mean in other cultures and countries?

In Japan, pink roses represent trust, faith, confidence, and happiness. In the Republic of Maldives, bright pink roses symbolize hope and resilience.

How do pink roses feature in art and literature?

Pink roses have been depicted in various artworks and literature throughout history, representing beauty, femininity, and the brevity of life.

What did pink roses mean in the Victorian era?

In the Victorian era, pink roses stood for first love, new love, childhood, innocence, and healing. They were commonly used to express romantic sentiments.

Who should you give pink roses to as a gift?

Pink roses are suitable for gifting to your mother, wife, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt, teacher, mentor, or friend.

What do pink roses mean in a relationship?

Pink roses are suitable for new or young romances, expressing a sweet and shy declaration of love or attraction. In established relationships, they can symbolize joy and happiness.

What do pink roses mean in a friendship?

Pink roses reflect caring, friendship, and gratitude, making them a great choice to give to friends.

On what occasions should you use pink roses?

Pink roses are appropriate for occasions such as Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, weddings, prom, graduations, and other joyful events.

Should you use pink roses at a funeral?

Pink roses are ideal for funerals or memorial services, reflecting grace, appreciation, gratitude, gentleness, and admiration. They are suitable for honoring friends, co-workers, teachers, neighbors, or relatives.

What do pink roses mean when combined with other rose colors?

Combining pink roses with other colors can convey different meanings. For example, combining light pink roses with white roses suggests joy, appreciation, and new beginnings.

What are some popular varieties of pink roses?

Popular varieties of pink roses include Pink Majolica, Rosalinds, Pink Mondials, and Ballerina Rose, each having unique characteristics and fragrances.

What does a pink rose tattoo mean?

Pink roses are a popular choice for tattoos for their feminine appearance and symbolism. The meaning may vary, representing a lost loved one, a first love, or the loving nature of a mother or grandmother.