WHITE ROSE MEANING: HISTORY OF THE WHITE ROSE

WHITE ROSE MEANING: HISTORY OF THE WHITE ROSE

White roses traditionally are often used at weddings. This is because they represent purity, making them a perfect option for marriage. They also represent youthfulness, innocence, young love, and loyalty.


Because of this, white roses are also viewed as a way to symbolize a new beginning and have come to represent love, much like the red roses we see so often. 


If you are looking for the perfect arrangement of white roses, PALATIAL PETALS® is sure to have a product that you will love. White roses can fit many occasions and make the perfect gift, so be sure that you check out our collection.


This is the history of the white rose.

 

Why You Should Know the Flower’s History

 

The color of a flower’s petal is important in choosing the right ones for a special occasion. Roses come in many colors, each representing a different emotion. White roses are often seen as the traditional flower for weddings, earning them the name the “bride’s flower.”


You should know the background of a flower before you give it to someone else. That way, you know exactly what message you are sending them, which can help you avoid awkward or uncomfortable situations. 


White roses make the perfect gift for a couple that is getting married or a student who just graduated. They also are a way to send your condolences to a grieving family at a funeral.

History of the White Rose

 

Ancient Times

 

In ancient Greece, the white rose was a symbol of the goddess Aphrodite, who was later renamed Venus by the Romans. She embodies the ideas of feminine beauty, love, and sexuality. She played an important role in the Iliad and was one of the three goddesses present at the wedding that eventually led to the Trojan War.


There is a myth that all roses were white, until Aphrodite pricked her foot on a thorn, dripping her blood onto the roses and causing them to turn red. This happened after Cupid, or Eros, accidentally shot the stems with an arrow, causing them to grow thorns.


In ancient Greece, offering flowers at the temples of the gods was a common practice. Since Aphrodite represented roses, she was often presented with them by her followers.


Because of this ancient tradition, giving flowers to a woman is another way to tell her that you view her as a goddess. If you want to tell your significant other that she means the world to you, white or red roses make a perfect present due to their connection to Aphrodite and love.

 

England’s Influence 

 

In 14th century England, the War of the Roses took place. This war was between the Duke of York and the Lancaster family. The Duke’s family symbol was the white rose, and the Lancaster family symbol was the red rose, giving the War of the Roses its name.


The white rose symbolizes purity, leading to its frequent appearances at weddings. Even after the War of the Roses, the white rose also continued to embody the main aspects of Aphrodite— true love and feminine beauty. 


Much later, the tradition of white roses being used in bridal bouquets became popular when Queen Victoria walked down the aisle in 1840 with her own set of white roses.

 

In Christianity 

 

The white rose is also a symbol in Christianity, as it often represents the Virgin Mary. She is sometimes called the “Mystical Rose of Heaven,” where the rose represents purity and joy. Because of her connection to the white rose, they often were popular in medieval gardens.

 

The Different Meanings of the White Rose

 

The white rose can mean many different things, depending on when it is received. Our classic arrangements can make the perfect gift in any setting, but you will still want to be sure that you know the message you are sending.


At Weddings 

 

White roses can symbolize the young love that the bride has for her soon-to-be spouse. These flowers can carry the message of purity, loyalty, and innocence. Because of this, they are often at the center of any wedding decoration theme.


White roses are also meant to form the foundation of a relationship, which is why they are often seen on a wedding day. When the couple has been together for a little while, red roses can then be given as a gift between them. This change in color shows the growth of love between the couple.


The white rose focuses on the relationship between the marrying couple and puts their love on display. A bouquet of these beautiful flowers is the perfect gift for an anniversary if you want to tell your partner that you love them as much as the day you first married.


White roses can also be gifted to the other important people in your life, not just your spouse. They can be given to your close family or others who support you. This is because the white rose can also represent your appreciation for another person’s support- it is a way of telling someone else that they are guiding you through your life.

 

At Funerals

 

You might also see white roses at a funeral. They are very common, along with chrysanthemums and carnations of the same color. This is because they represent purity and are seen as a way of telling others that the departed has gone to Heaven.


At an emotional time, white roses act as a way to bring peace to the grieving family. They might be at the funeral in a bouquet, wreath, or cross form. 

 

At Graduation Parties

 

The final place where you might encounter a white rose is at a graduation party. They are often gifted to the recent graduates as a way to tell them that they are on a journey to a new beginning and that you are there to support them if they need it.


Unlike with their meaning at funerals, a white rose in a graduating setting carries a lot of hope and positive energy. If you have anyone in your family graduating soon, you might consider sending them an arrangement of gorgeous white roses for good luck— they will be certain to love them.

 

Other Times to Gift White Roses

 

Aside from graduations and wedding anniversaries, there are other times when sending someone you care about a white rose is seen as polite. If you have a friend who is sick, a white rose can send them hope and be a symbol of good health in the future.


White flowers are also seen as a way to restore balance in your life. If you know of a family who is struggling, then sending them a bouquet of white roses to display in their home is said to help give them a prosperous future.


They also make a great gift for new neighbors or friends who are moving away, as they symbolize changes and new beginnings in life. This makes them a wonderful welcome present or a way to say farewell to a friend and wish them luck as they start a new chapter in their life.


Any white flower is simply and naturally beautiful, making it the perfect gift for anyone. If you want to show someone that you care about them and want to brighten up their day, then these flowers are the perfect option for doing just that.

Other Uses of Roses in History

 

Roses have appeared frequently throughout history. They were used as confetti at special events, used for medicinal purposes, and made into early perfumes. 


White roses would also be sent as a proposal method from suitors. This flower has a lot of history behind it, which is why the white rose can carry so many different meanings, depending on the context of when it is given as a gift.

Conclusion

 

That is the history of the white rose. It has many connections to the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite and connections to the War of the Roses. Over time, the meaning behind giving flowers has evolved into what it is today.


After Queen Victoria decided to walk down the aisle carrying a white bouquet, it became quite the popular flower for weddings, and it is no wonder why. The flower today represents purity, innocence, and hope for the future— something that suits a wedding ceremony very nicely.


Be sure that you know the meaning of the white rose when gifting it to another. They are common at weddings, funerals, and graduation parties, where the message behind the flower is different at every one of these events.


PALATIAL PETALS would love to help you find the perfect set of white roses to give to your loved one. Be sure to contact us if you need help or have any questions about our products or services.

 

PALATIAL PETALS WHITE ETERNITY ROSES

white eternity roses

 


Leave a comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.