Rose Symbolism

Rose symbolism has been a huge part of many religions, governments, and historical figures. Find out more about what it means.

Of course, love and romance are big parts of the mythology of this lovely plant. But there are many other meanings and uses for this rose that are beyond just a message for Valentine’s Day.

In ancient times, this plant was the main flower for the goddess of love herself, Aphrodite. The ancient Romans use it as a marker of secrecy. Chrisitianity took the red colors of it to be associated with Mary Magdalene. The five petals were also said to be indicative of the injuries of the stigmata. The rose cross is a huge symbol of Christian principles and its also found in some Freemasons imagery.

For countries and governments, its become quite popular as well. In the UK, it’s a huge symbol of national pride and is the national flower. English roses are renowned the world over. Early English kings used different varieties as indicators of their territories, going all the way back to the 1400s with the Red Lancaster and the White Rose of York. Its also used with English Rugby as well. I’m not sure how good a match that is though! The Alberta province in Canada also uses the wild prairie at its official flower. Many European political parties also use this as part of their official insignia or shields to show democratic meanings. The Bulgarians have this as their official flower because of their heavy growth of damasks there.

In the United States, four states use this as their state flower. North Dakota and Iowa both use the Wild Prairie, and Georgia uses the Cherokee. New York just uses the basic name. Portland calls itself the city of roses, although Tyler and its rose festival might argue with that!