Roses are one of the most popular tattoos. They are timeless, bold, and can be customized in a multitude of ways to become unique to each different person. There is a vast history of roses in all different countries and cultures each with specific meaning.
The first fossil of a rose dates back 3.5 billion years. They are the largest and longest cultivated European plant in North America. Roses were first mentioned in written record in 3000BC in what is now known as Iraq. The rose was named as the “Queen of the flowers” in 600BC by a greek poetess.
The most common symbolism of a rose is the concept of romance and love. This symbolism comes from Greek mythology of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. There is the myth of a rose bush growing from the pool of blood left by her killed lover. The meaning of the rose has become tied with eternal love and death.
The color of the rose is also just as important in indicating its meaning. White has become most often tied with innocence, purity, divine, fragile, eternal and angelic. Yellow has meanings tied to joy, celebration, positivity, luck, warmth and happiness. Blue has been associated with sensitivity and unrequited love and longing. Black has associations with death, loss, pain, but can also be seen as powerful. Pink is tied with sweetness, femininity, happiness, and satisfaction. Red is tied to deep love, passion, grace, elegance, romance, it is seen as the universal symbol of love.
Roses can also convey many different meanings and it is up to you to do your research and see what emotion, symbolism, or message you are wanting to convey. Depending on color, type, location, or in correlation with another object, the meanings of the rose can change. That can allow you to create a deep and meaningful piece of art that will showcase your choice of symbolism. Or you can just get a rose because you like them. They are popular for a reason! It’s your tattoo so get what makes you happy!
