How Did Roses Become a Symbol of Love?

Everyone knows that one of the most traditional ways to say “I love you” is with bright red roses, but how did this combination of color and flower become the romantic floral choice?

In Greek mythology, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, was often depicted with roses around her head, neck or feet, as Whats-Your-Sign.com notes. Later, upon the death of her lover, Adonis, his spilled blood created a pool from which a rosebush grew, with the crimson red of the blood combining with the immortality of love in the form of a rose.

In later times, the association continued. Shakespeare integrated red roses into his works as symbols of love and desire, and in the 18th century, lovers used red roses to communicate with one another. Scottish poet Robert Burns – whose is celebrated today, Jan. 25, on his birthday, as RobertBurns.org reports – famously wrote the poem A Red, Red Rose, which opens by comparing his love to a red rose. It is concerned to be one of the more romantic pieces of the centuries, and one of the many times throughout the ages when roses and the color red flourished to life as a symbol of love.

With Valentine’s Day just a few short weeks away, it is not too soon to start looking into floral gifts for your special someone. From a single red rose to a whole bouquet, at Cole’s Flowers we have a full selection of roses to suit your needs for the romantic holiday. We also carry a variety of other arrangement carefully put together to help you celebrate love this Valentine’s Day. Let us help you find the perfect way to show that special someone in your life how much you care by calling Cole’s Flowers today at 802-388-4003.