ROSES

Long a symbol of love and passion, the ancient Greeks and Romans associated roses with Aphrodite and Venus, goddesses of love. Used for hundreds of years to convey messages without words, they also represent confidentiality. In fact, the Latin expression "sub rosa"(literally, "under the rose") means something told in secret, and in ancient Rome, a wild rose was placed on the door to a room where confidential matters were being discussed. The ceiling rose in rooms symbolises the same.

Each colour offers a distinct meaning: Red, the lover's rose, signifies enduring passion; white, humility and innocence; yellow, expressing friendship and joy; pink, gratitude, appreciation and admiration; orange, enthusiasm and desire; lilac and purple roses represent enchantment and love at first sight.

The number of stems in a rose bouquet can also express specific sentiments:
One rose: Is meant for early in a relationship, and means love at first sight;
Three roses: Represents a shared love, and should be a one-month anniversary gift;
Six roses: Symbolises passion and infatuation;
Ten roses: Says you believe your love is perfect;
Twelve roses: Is perfect for Valentine's Day, and means "be mine.";
Thirteen roses: Means you just want to be friends;
Fifteen roses: Means you're "sorry";
Twenty-four roses: Is like shouting "I'm yours";
Forty roses: Means your love is truly genuine.

The rose is the June birth month flower and the 15th wedding anniversary flower. The rose is the national flower of the United States, United Kingdom and the Maldives. It is the state flower of Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Dakota and the District of Columbia. And, not surprisingly, June – the month so often associated with weddings – is National Rose Month.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.