The rose as a language
Why did the rose become the flower of love?
1. A very ancient association with love and desire
Since ancient times, the rose has been linked to the deities of love:
In ancient Greece, the rose was associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love and desire.
Among the Romans, she is linked to Venus, the equivalent of Aphrodite.
This association is not decorative: the rose already symbolizes attraction, ephemeral beauty and emotional intensity.
2. A flower that expresses what words cannot say
In the Middle Ages and especially in the Victorian era (19th century), what is called the language of flowers (floriography) developed.
In a time when expressing feelings openly was socially restricted, flowers were used as a tool for emotional communication.
In this language:
🌹 The red rose = passionate love, deep desire
🌸 The pink rose = tenderness, affection, gentleness
🤍 The white rose = pure love, sincerity
Giving a rose was a way of saying "I love you" without saying it.
3. A symbolism consistent with the human experience of love
The rose did not become the flower of love by chance:
Its very structure speaks of human relationships.
She is beautiful but fragile
It may have thorns.
It requires care to thrive.
It doesn't last forever → it reminds us that love is precious and alive
This metaphor has been widely used in literature, poetry and art for centuries.
4. Why specifically on Valentine's Day?
Valentine's Day, as we know it today, was mainly structured from the 14th-15th century in Europe, when this date began to be associated with romantic love.
When symbolic gestures become important:
the rose is already full of meaning
it is universally recognized
It transcends Western cultures
She therefore becomes the dominant symbol, not because she is “pretty”, but because she is emotionally understandable to everyone.
It is no coincidence that the rose has been associated with love for centuries.
It has long been used to express deep emotions, in a time when words were lacking.
Even today, it symbolizes gentleness, vulnerability, and attentiveness. Reaching out to others, presence, and increasingly self-love, care, and sensitivity are the essential pillars of any relationship, including the one we have with ourselves.
For us, the rose is the Quartz Ritual 🥀 🥀
Written by
Sarah LarocheFondatrice de Selv
Ambassadrice du slow living. D'abord styliste, puis photographe, Sarah a été inspirée par ses voyages, qui lui ont fait découvrir un mode de vie plus lent, où l'on prend soin de soi et des autres. De cette envie, et de sa passion pour le rituel du bain, est né Selv.