A garden’s most captivating blossoms, roses come in an array of hues and unleash an enchanting fragrance that fills the air. Every February 7th, these magnificent flowers take center stage on Rose Day—a day dedicated to expressing love, admiration, and affection through one of nature’s most celebrated blooms.
Quick Facts
- When is it?
Every February 7th - Tags:
Love • People & Relationships • Plants & Flowers - Hashtag:
#RoseDay - Page Published:
October 17th, 2022 - Last Updated:
September 21st, 2023
The Timeless Allure of Roses
Throughout history, roses have symbolized the most intimate and passionate types of love. During the Victorian era, an age renowned for its obsession with the language of flowers, every petal and color conveyed a specific sentiment. Today, Rose Day continues this beautiful tradition, offering a chance to articulate feelings that words sometimes cannot capture.
Whether it’s a single, long-stemmed rose or a bouquet bursting with various colors, the rose remains a universal emblem of love. Its rich history—from ancient Chinese gardens to Roman mythology—only deepens its meaning. In many cultures, roses are cherished not only for their beauty and fragrance but also as tokens of romance and secrecy, associated with goddesses like Venus, the Roman symbol of beauty and desire.
History of Rose Day
The cultivation of roses dates back thousands of years. Historical records suggest that as early as 500 BC, in China, the great philosopher and statesman Confucius was so captivated by roses that he cultivated them in the Imperial Gardens. The emperor’s library even housed numerous texts dedicated solely to these stunning flowers.
In Roman mythology, the rose was much more than a pretty bloom. It symbolized secrecy and desire, often intertwined with the legends of Venus. Eastern cultures, too, have long associated roses with expressions of deep love and passion.
Fast forward to modern times, Rose Day has taken on a special role during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day—a holiday celebrated for over 1500 years. Once an isolated day of affection, Valentine’s Day now kicks off a week-long celebration of love. Rose Day marks the beginning of this romantic countdown, setting the tone for subsequent days filled with proposals, chocolates, teddy bears, promises, hugs, kisses, and, ultimately, Valentine’s Day.
How to Celebrate Rose Day
Rose Day is the perfect opportunity to express your love in creative and heartfelt ways. Here are some inspiring ideas to help you make the most of this special day:
1. Gift a Rose to Your Love
Keep it simple yet significant by offering a single, long-stemmed red rose to that special someone. Feeling bold? Consider giving a bouquet—a dozen or more roses in your partner’s favorite hue—to make an even grander statement of your affection.
2. Discover the Language of Rose Colors
Each rose color carries its own unique symbolism:
- Red Roses:
A timeless symbol of true love, passion, and intensity. They say “I love you” without uttering a single word. - Pink Roses:
Represent admiration, gratitude, and gentleness—perfect for expressing heartfelt appreciation. - Yellow Roses:
Embody friendship, joy, and optimism, making them a great choice to celebrate both love and cheer. - White Roses:
Signify purity, peace, and innocence. Often seen at weddings, they reflect loyalty and new beginnings.
3. Spread the Love Beyond Your Circle
For a truly generous twist, purchase a bouquet and hand out roses to random strangers. This act of kindness not only brightens someone’s day but also serves as a lovely nod to the spirit of giving and love.
4. Create a Rose Day Playlist
Compile a playlist of romantic songs that celebrate the beauty of roses and love. Consider these timeless tracks:
- “The Rose” by Bette Midler (1980):
A classic ballad that speaks to the enduring beauty of love. - “Love is a Rose” by Linda Ronstadt (1975):
A soulful tune that gently reminds us of the delicate nature of love. - “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal (1994):
A modern classic that perfectly encapsulates mystery and romance. - “Desert Rose” by Sting (1999):
Infused with ethnic rhythms, this song captures the bittersweet essence of lost love.
5. Grow Some Roses
Although winter may still be lingering in many parts of the northern hemisphere, Rose Day can also be a great time to plan your own rose garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, consider planting a rose bush or two. For expert guidance, check out these books:
- The Kew Gardener’s Guide to Growing Roses: The Art and Science to Grow with Confidence (2021) by Kew Royal Botanic Gardens
- A Rose to the Occasion: An Easy-Growing Guide to Rose Gardening (2016) by Rosefiend Cordell
- Roses: An Inspirational Guide to Choosing and Growing the Best Roses (2022) by Michael V Marriott
Rose Day FAQs
Q: What should I do on Rose Day?
A: Celebrating Rose Day can be as simple as giving a beautiful rose to someone you love or as creative as organizing a themed gathering that explores the language of flowers.
Q: What comes after Rose Day?
A: Rose Day kicks off a week-long celebration of love. Following it are Propose Day on February 8th, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Hug Day, Kiss Day, and finally, Valentine’s Day.
Q: Are roses edible?
A: Yes, all varieties of roses are edible. Generally, the sweetest-smelling varieties are the most flavorful and make a delightful addition to salads, desserts, or as a garnish.
Q: Do roses prefer full sun?
A: Most roses thrive in direct sunlight. For best results, plant them in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Q: Should roses be deadheaded?
A: Absolutely. Deadheading—removing spent blooms—encourages roses to produce new, vibrant flowers and helps maintain the overall health of the plant.
Final Thoughts
Rose Day is more than just a day on the calendar—it’s a celebration of beauty, passion, and the enduring power of love. Whether you’re gifting a single red rose, learning the nuanced meanings behind each color, or even starting your own rose garden, this day invites you to share your affection in the most elegant way possible.
So, this February 7th, embrace the romance and let a rose speak the words your heart feels. Happy Rose Day!
