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The Meaning of White Roses

Whether it's to express love, pay respect to the departed, or you simply want to say you care; white roses are as versatile as they are timeless.

By: THURSD. | 23-04-2025 | 6 min read
Roses
Meaning of White Rose header image

Coveted through the ages for its simple beauty and often intoxicating fragrance, there is no better way to send a heartfelt message than with a classic rose. Roses make great tokens of affection, and depending on their color, they can have different meanings. The meaning of white roses differs depending on the occasion they are used, but they are always a great way to send a message using no words at all.

The Meaning of White Roses

Regardless of their meanings, white roses are universally seen as a beautiful flower and a timeless gift to show care and brighten someone's day.

 

Girl with white roses by surproseme
Girl with white roses by @surproseme

 

The Meaning of White Roses and Their Historical Significance

Traditionally, white roses are a popular choice for weddings. Because they represent purity, the flower is a wonderful option for marriage celebrations. Besides purity, white roses also represent youthfulness, innocence, young love, and loyalty. Because of this, white roses are often also viewed as a way to symbolize new beginnings and have come to represent love, much like red roses have done for ages.

The History Behind the Flower

A long time ago, all the way back in ancient Greece, the white rose was a symbol of the goddess Aphrodite (who was later renamed Venus by the Romans). Aphrodite embodies the ideal of feminine beauty, love, and sexuality. There is a myth that all roses used to be white, until the goddess pricked her foot on a thorn, dripping her blood onto the roses and causing them to turn red. Allegedly, this happened after Cupid (or Eros) accidentally shot the stems with an arrow, resulting in the flower growing thorns. Offering flowers at the temples of the gods was a common practice in ancient Greek times. Seeing as Aphrodite represented roses, she was often honored with them by her followers. Because of this ancient myth, giving flowers has become a way of expressing that you view your loved one as a goddess. It is the perfect way to tell your significant other that they mean the world to you.

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 were often prevalent in medieval gardens.

 

lady clip white rose in hair
White rose as a hair decoration by @shaik.reshma.756

 

Political Significance of These Blooms

Throughout history, white roses have had a significant cultural role not just in religion, but in politics as well. For instance, the white rose was the official symbol of House of York supporters in the War of the Roses, which took place in England during King Henry VII's reign during the 15th century. In Germany, there was a non-violent opposition group of students who opposed Adolf Hitler, and they used the name 'die Weiße Rose' or 'the White Rose'. It symbolized the youth and the pure intentions of the participants.

 

someone holding a bunch of white roses

 

The Meaning of White Roses at Weddings

The white rose is one of the most traditional wedding flowers, and it makes sense. The fact that these blossoms represent purity makes them a fitting flower for celebrating a new romantic and marital bond. Because of its popularity at weddings, the white rose is often dubbed 'the bridal rose'. Check out how Nicole + Felicia Couture set out to redefine modern luxury brides covered at Thursd.com.

 

Table wedding design with white roses by insideweddings
Table wedding design with white roses by @insideweddings

 

Additionally, white roses have been associated with young love, making them the perfect option for a classic bridal bouquet. Considering that these blooms often convey a feeling of hope, they can symbolize other new beginnings besides marriage as well.

 

The Meaning of White Roses Bouquet
Image via @caroscollection

 

The Meaning of White Roses at Funerals

White roses are also often spotted at funerals. They are a very common flower for this occasion, along with flowers like chrysants and carnations in the same color. As the white rose can also indicate honor and reverence, and often a feeling of spirituality, they are regularly present in sympathy arrangements at funerals. They are used to symbolize remembrance, love, and respect for the departed person, and a way of telling others that the departed has gone to heaven. In these emotional times, white roses act as a way to bring a little bit of peace to the grieving family.

 

White Roses Centerpiece
Image via @yamilebulos_floraldesigner

Other Occasions for White Roses

White roses don't only lend themselves to weddings and funerals. Because the meaning of white roses is so versatile, you can gift them to other important people in your life. 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. You might also encounter white roses at a graduation party. They are often gifted to recent graduates as a way to tell them they are on a journey to a new beginning and that you are there to support them if they need it. White roses are also seen as a way to restore balance in life, so you can send them to a sick friend as a symbol of good health, to your new neighbors or friends that are moving away as they convey changes and new beginnings in life, or to someone who is struggling, as white roses can also stand for wishing someone a prosperous future.

Symbolism in Numbers

As well as the different colors of roses all have their own meaning (which you can read about in our article The Different Colors of Roses and Their Meaning), and the other numbers of roses all represent a different facet of love. Here’s a quick overview:

 

white roses giving a typical bohemic feeling with farm's light brown background
Bouquet via @laceandlilies

 

But besides all of the different meanings of white roses, it is simply a beautiful flower to gift to anyone. If you want to show someone that you care, or even just want to brighten up their day, you can never go wrong with picking white roses. Both its beauty and significance are timeless. 

Looking for the meanings of other popular flowers? Discover the meaning of red roses and the meaning of yellow roses.

FAQ

What are the top rose color meanings and the main meanings you should know?

Among the most noteworthy rose hues, each carries a unique symbolic depth. White roses represent purity and innocence - often linked to new beginnings. Red roses embody passion, enduring love, and romance. Pink roses convey elegance, gratitude, and sweetness, while yellow roses stand for friendship, joy, and warmth. Vibrant orange roses highlight enthusiasm and desire, and lavender roses hint at enchantment and wonder. Together, these shades transcend mere aesthetic appeal, revealing deep emotional significance that has resonated for centuries.

Why are white roses often chosen as wedding flowers, and how do they differ from other shades?

White roses are a wedding favorite because they embody purity, sincerity, and new beginnings - qualities couples often wish to symbolize on their special day. Their understated elegance sets them apart from bolder hues like red roses, which emphasize passion, or pink roses, which express gratitude and affection. In many arrangements, ivory roses may appear as a more subdued variant of white, perfect for refined or minimalist themes. Ultimately, white roses provide a graceful foundation that can be easily paired with other colored blooms, creating a balanced and romantic atmosphere.

How do I create meaningful bouquets with mixed rose colors, and what rose meanings should I consider?

To craft a bouquet with emotional resonance, select colors that align with the sentiment you wish to convey. White roses lend a sense of purity and classical charm, while pink roses add warmth and appreciation. Bright yellow roses evoke friendship and delight, and soft ivory roses impart a quiet sophistication. If you want extra flair, incorporate orange roses for energy and enthusiasm or lavender roses for a hint of mystique. Blue roses, though rare, symbolize intrigue, and green roses represent renewal and courage. By thoughtfully blending these hues, you can create a bouquet that reflects multiple layers of meaning.

What do white roses convey at funerals, and how do they honor loved ones?

At funerals, white roses offer a gentle and peaceful tribute, symbolizing reverence, remembrance, and spiritual grace. Their serene beauty communicates respect and heartfelt sympathy, providing comfort during a time of loss. Often, a single red rose is paired with white blooms to represent enduring love even after passing. Whether presented alone or alongside other soft-colored flowers, white roses serve as a tender final farewell that encapsulates compassion, gratitude, and an enduring connection with the departed.

Which unique rose hues carry special symbolism beyond the usual palette?

Outside the more familiar colors, hot pink roses speak to bold admiration, while peach roses represent sincerity and genuine bonds. Rainbow roses, featuring multiple colors, exude a magical quality with their vibrant display of layered sentiments. Burgundy or deep red roses signify profound devotion, echoing the heartfelt depth of classic red roses. Green roses symbolize growth, renewal, and prosperity—ideal for marking fresh starts or celebrating life’s new chapters. These varied shades underscore how roses can convey an extensive array of emotions and messages.

Are white roses also suitable for personal milestones or achievements?

Absolutely. White roses can lend an air of refinement and celebration to personal milestones such as graduations, promotions, or birthdays. Their symbolic purity highlights a fresh start or the achievement of a significant goal. Including a single red rose alongside white roses can represent enduring love or unwavering support, and adding pink or yellow roses introduces warmth, affection, or camaraderie. For more energetic occasions, orange roses can spark excitement, while lavender roses add an element of wonder—making any bouquet a multifaceted reflection of life’s triumphs.

Why do people consider roses a classic Valentine’s Day flower, and how do white roses compare to a red rose for romantic gifts?

Roses have long been synonymous with Valentine’s Day due to their enduring association with love and devotion. Red roses, in particular, are viewed as the quintessential emblem of passion and romance. White roses, by contrast, offer a softer expression of admiration and sincerity, appealing to those who prefer a subtle gesture over a bold display. Some opt to blend white and red roses for a gift that balances heartfelt intensity with gentle elegance. This combination underscores the multifaceted nature of love, pairing unwavering devotion (red) with genuine respect and purity (white).

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