Among the most culturally significant of all flowers, the rose has played an important role in art, poetry, literature and commerce. Indeed, its enduring popularity has given the rose many more meanings than most other flowers. In all major religions the rose is linked to the miracle of love, which has led to its main symbolic meaning in the language of flowers.
The rose’s exceptionally beautiful petals and the delicacy of its unfurling blooms suggest lips parting for a kiss, not to mention availability, sensuality and fertility. In addition to its more carnal connotations, the rose is symbolic of mystery, secrecy and tacit understandings, a meaning believed to have its origins in Greek mythology. Legend has it that Aphrodite gave a rose to her son, Eros, the deity of love, who in turn gave it to Harpocrates, the deity of silence, to induce him to keep quiet about the indiscretions of the gods. In the language of flowers a rose can therefore be used to signal an illicit tryst or the beginning of an affair. More innocently, the rose remains the perfect flower, particularly during difficult times, to send messages of tenderness and affection to loved ones near and far.
