The meaning of white roses
White roses are beautiful flowers, but behind the beauty of the white rose lies a very beautiful meaning. The rose is powerful and full of symbolism, making it suitable for various occasions. These are the most important meanings of the white rose:
- Innocence and purity
- Purity
- Trust
- Loyalty
- Respect
This is why white roses are often used in weddings, christenings and funerals. When a single white rose is placed in the middle of a bouquet of other coloured roses, the white rose symbolises a new beginning: the new year of life for the birthday boy or girl, or the new year you are entering as a married couple on your anniversary.
The most beautiful white roses:
Occasions to order white roses
The meaning of white roses makes them suitable for a wide range of occasions. You can also send white roses to someone other than your partner, because the symbolism has so much to do with purity and respect. So if you receive a bouquet of white roses from your manager, there is no need to worry. Your loyalty is appreciated! White roses are most appropriate for the following occasions:
- A wedding: in bridal bouquets, table decorations and centerpieces or bridesmaids' bouquets.
- A christening: the purity and innocence of a baby symbolised by white roses.
- An anniversary: a single rose in the centre.
- Funerals: white roses express your respect for the deceased and their loved ones.
- An academic achievement: passing a foundation year or graduating.
- Celebrating a good friendship
- Business occasions: a new customer, birthdays or, for example, Secretaries' Day.
Origin of the white rose
The origin of the white rose can be divided into different eras. They even appear in the Bible. Here is a summary of what you really need to know about their origin:
- Ancient times: White roses originated in Asia, where they have been cultivated and admired for their beauty for thousands of years.
- Greek and Roman times: Trade brought the white rose to Europe. The rose is associated with sorrow, purity and divine beauty. It is therefore often associated with the goddess Aphrodite (Venus in Roman mythology), who is the goddess of love and beauty.
- Middle Ages: The white rose became the symbol of the Virgin Mary. The symbolism of purity and innocence is therefore further emphasised. The white rose is often seen in images and works of art depicting the Virgin Mary.
- Victorian era: The white rose became increasingly popular and was used to symbolise innocence and purity. It appeared more and more frequently in photography and art. The white rose has now become a rose with great significance!
Symbolic meaning of the white rose
The meaning of the white rose is a combination of different eras, centuries and religious ideas. Each era has added or emphasised a symbolism to the white rose. You can therefore divide the meaning of white roses and link them to different periods in history. How special is that? This is the fusion of symbolism:
- Ancient times: beauty and purity
- Greek and Roman times: divine love and beauty, peace and spirituality
- Middle Ages: purity and innocence
- Victorian era: beauty, purity, innocence and purity
The white rose is still often seen in rituals and meditation practices. It is used as a symbol of purification, calmness and pure energy.
Botanical origin of white roses
White roses originated from wild roses, also known as garden roses. The rose is also called Rosa Alba, and it is one of the original species with a white colour. It originated in parts of Asia and gradually spread to Europe. Over the centuries, growers have managed to create many different varieties of white roses. Surprose has the following white roses in its range:
- White Avalanche
- Snowstorm
- Moonstone
- Duchesse de Nemours peony
- Leonora - David Austin
Would you like to see all our rose varieties? You can find them all in our rose lexicon.
Conclusion
The white rose has a rich and diverse history dating back to ancient times, during which it played a prominent role in both mythology and religion. Throughout the centuries, the white rose has retained its status as a symbol of purity, innocence and new beginnings. It remains a beloved flower for many occasions.
