The meaning of yellow roses
Like most flowers, the things that roses are associated with have changed over time and the story of the yellow rose has shifted pretty dramatically from one era to another. Now, the symbolic meaning of yellow roses is friendship, but that’s not all the sunny flower means. Here’s a guide to the meaning of yellow roses.
A short history of the yellow rose
The first yellow roses grew wild in the Middle East, but by the 18th century, they had grown popular all over the world. Used to decorate almost everything in the Victorian era, the yellow rose is so famous that they even have their own religious myth! But every rose has its thorn - unless you trim them (check out our rose care guide) - and yellow roses aren’t just a pretty flower. Even though they are most famous as a symbol of friendship, the yellow rose has been linked to jealousy in the early kingdoms of Japan and Korea, as well as greed and a sign of remembrance in traditional Mexican culture.
What do yellow roses mean?
Yellow roses are universally known as symbols of friendship, most people give them to each other for their birthdays or to celebrate the love between two good friends. Roses symbolise everything from “I love you” to “I care for our friendship” and colours vary from romantic red to energetic orange. But what exactly do yellow roses mean and do they mean different things in different settings?
1. Friendship
Usually people give each other yellow roses as a symbol of friendship. They’ve been used as a way of saying thank you to someone and yellow roses have long been seen as a sign of well wishes. Or see our full range of friendship flowers.
2. Happiness
Pretty much because yellow is the colour of happiness! Bright yellow roses are a sign of a smile.
Read: Floriography: Language and Meaning of Flowers
Who should you give yellow roses to?
So it appears to be a dangerous game, giving someone yellow roses. How do you know that they won’t mean your relationship is over? What does it mean if you give yellow roses to women? Well there’s no need to fret, here’s a short and handy guide to giving yellow roses to the people who will appreciate them most.
1. Friends
As the most traditional friendship flower, yellow roses are the ideal flowers to give a friend to let them know you care about them. The yellow will fill their lives with a little bit of sunshine and they can use the petals to make their own scrub after they’ve dried out a little, so they’re like two gifts in one.
Read: What to do with roses petals
2. Colleagues
Yellow roses make a great way to say congratulations. Be it a promotion, a new job, or a job well done, sharing yellow roses can truly uplift the workplace atmosphere. It's a thoughtful gesture that can foster positive relationships in the workplace and bring smiles all around.
Discover our congratulations flowers
3. Students on their graduation day
Yellow roses are a great choice to say congratulations to students when they graduate. They are like a happy and bright way to tell them, "Well done, you did it!"
Their symbolism of happiness and success is exactly how students feel when they graduate. So, if you want to make a graduate smile, give them a yellow rose. Discover our graduation flowers
4. Loved ones
Giving yellow roses to a family member or someone you’re very close to symbolises that you care about them. It’s traditional that on the Day of the Dead in Mexico, family members wear or carry yellow roses as a symbol of remembrance for their close ones who have passed away.
If you’re looking for a flower that symbolises platonic love, look no further than the yellow rose. If it’s just yellow you’re after, our yellow flower bouquets are ideal for someone of a sunny disposition. For roses that fit through the letterbox, check out our range of roses in a box - because there’s nothing better than coming home from work to surprise roses.
Summary
Yellow roses hold a diverse tapestry of meanings, evolving from cultural symbols of jealousy to modern emblems of friendship and joy. Originating from the Middle East, these vibrant blooms have captivated hearts globally, becoming a staple of diverse cultural traditions.
Today, they are most appreciated as an expression of friendship, bringing brightness and positivity to any occasion. Whether celebrating professional achievements, a student's graduation or honouring loved ones, yellow roses are a versatile and heartfelt gesture. Their rich history and varied symbolism make them more than just flowers: they are timeless messengers of human emotions.
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