Meaning of White Roses: Love, Dreams, Occasions, and More

Roses of any kind of great to look at and most have a wonderful scent. So what does it matter what the color is? Well, different colored roses do have their specific meanings. In this article, I’m going through the meaning of white roses.

Let’s start with a summary…

White roses represent purity, innocence, and new beginnings. They are often given as a symbol of love, appreciation, or sympathy. White roses can also be used to convey respect or remembrance. The number of white roses also holds meaning.

The white rose typically has some fundamental meanings, but context and cultural or occasional circumstances can make a difference. So read on to find out more about the meaning of white roses.


Meaning of white roses in history

In history, white roses have often been associated with purity, innocence, and elegance. White roses were also symbols of true love in the Victorian era, but their meanings have varied throughout history.

In more modern times, white roses are still associated with purity and innocence, but they also symbolize new beginnings and eternal love.

What do white roses mean to women?

To many women, white roses are seen as a symbol of true love. A white rose can also be given as a way to apologize for a mistake.

In many cases, a woman is likely to appreciate a white rose as much for the gesture as the meaning behind it. There is something special about giving a rose of almost any kind.

What do white roses mean to men?

To many men, white roses are seen as a symbol of respect and admiration. A white rose can also be given as a way of showing thanks for a favor or act of kindness.

A warrior going to battle was sometimes known to wear a white rose in his helmet as a sign of peace.

Incidentally, a white rose is also the state flower of New York.

What do white roses mean in a relationship?

In a relationship, a white rose can represent several things. It can represent new beginnings, true love, or even forgiveness. A white rose is often seen as a sign of life-long love.

White roses are a popular choice for bridal bouquets and other wedding flowers, as they symbolize new beginnings and everlasting love. A bride typically wears a white dress on her wedding day. For the same reason, a white rose signifies a new beginning, a pure and innocent love for eternity.

While white roses may not be as popular as red roses, they are still associated with many of the same romantic meanings.

White roses can symbolize new beginnings, purity, and chastity. They are often seen as a symbol of young love. White roses are also associated with honor and respect.

white roses for a wedding

White rose meanings for special occasions

White roses are often given on special occasions like anniversaries or as a way to show support during difficult times.

They can simply be offered as warm gifts on special occasions like weddings, graduations, and first dates.

Meaning of white roses in culture

In many cultures, white roses are seen as a symbol of purity, innocence, and new beginnings.

White roses represent purity, innocence, and reverence. They are often used to express condolences and show sympathy.

In some cultures, white roses are seen as a symbol of death like in Mexico.

In Greek mythology, the white rose was created by Aphrodite, the goddess of love. And during Roman times, white roses were associated with silence. While during medieval times, white roses were associated with purity and innocence.

In the Victorian era, white roses symbolized silence and meant “I am worthy of you.” But also in Victorian times, white roses were often given as a symbol of true love.

The white rose has also been used as a symbol of mourning. In the Victorian era, and in China, white roses were often used in funerals to represent the loss of a young life.

In the United States, white roses are often given as a symbol of love and appreciation. They are also given as a way to show sympathy or condolences.

meaning of white roses

The lore surrounding the meaning of white roses

There is a popular story that says if you give a white rose to someone, it means you are secretly in love with them. Clearly, it’s not then going to be a secret any longer!

Or one lore says that if you dream of white roses, it means you will soon be married.

However, the meaning of white roses has changed over time and now they are more commonly seen as a symbol of purity and innocence.

White roses meaning in dreams

In our dreams, white roses may appear either as a central focus or in the background.

  • If you see a white rose in a dream it means that you are about to get married or be engaged. It also suggests that love and purity are important to you.
  • If the white rose is in the background of a dream, it may symbolize your innocence or purity. Alternatively, it may represent a reminder of someone who has passed away.
  • If a white rose is given to you in a dream, it suggests that you need to pay more attention to your personal relationships. Alternatively, this may be a sign of new beginnings.
  • If you see someone else giving a white rose in a dream, it means that you are about to receive some good news.
  • When a white rose is bought as a gift, it means that the person cares about you and wants to make a gesture of kindness. It may also represent new beginnings or a fresh start.
  • Seeing a wilted white rose means that you are going through a period of sadness. This may be due to the loss of someone close to you.
  • If you smell a white rose, it means that you are longing for something or someone. Alternatively, this may be a sign that someone is thinking about you.
  • A white rose bush in full bloom signifies happiness, purity, and innocence. It is also a symbol of youthfulness.
white roses meaning

The spiritual meaning of white roses

White roses often have a spiritual meaning as well. They can represent the purity of the soul, sincerity, and spiritual awakening. White roses also symbolize protection and safety.

The meaning of white roses can be traced back to ancient times when they were associated with goddesses and other ethereal beings.

In the Christian religion, white roses are often used at weddings because they represent the Virgin Mary.

spiritual meaning of white roses

The white rose meaning in death

A white rose given after death represents the purity of the soul, and implies they are a heavenly being. Pure of heart and spirit, everlasting in memory and without sin or malice in their passing. Rebirth and a new beginning. Commonly portrayed as a spray of white roses in funeral services.

White roses in art and literature

The meaning of white roses has been portrayed in many different ways throughout history.

In literature, white roses are often used as a symbol of love and purity. They have also been used to symbolize innocence and young love.

Artists have also used white roses as a way to express these same ideas. Used in such works as the “Rose of Sharon” in the Bible, and in the play “Romeo and Juliet”, white roses represent young love.

In “The White Rose”, a play by J.M. Barrie, two young lovers use a white rose as a symbol of their pure innocence.

In the painting “The White Rose” by Jules-Elie Delaunay, a white rose is used to represent the young love between two people.

In the poem “White Rose” by Langston Hughes, a white rose is used to symbolize the purity of love.

white rose meaning in literature

Meaning of white roses in music

The meaning of white roses can also be found in music.

Many songs have been written about white roses, and their meaning is often one of love and purity.

One such song is “The White Rose” by country music singer Blake Shelton. In this song, the rose is used as a symbol of true love. Another is “White Roses” by indie folk singer Passenger. This song is about the purity and innocence of young love.

In both of these songs, the meaning of white roses is clear: they represent the purity and innocence of love.

white rose meaning in music

Meaning of white roses with pink tips

The meaning of white roses with pink tips or a similar combination of white and pink signifies innocence, purity, and new beginnings, from the part of the white rose. While the pink tips mean gentle affection and are the element of love in the rose.

White roses with red tips are a symbol of new starts, purity, and innocence given the white element of the rose. While the red tips mean a deeper sense of love, a kiss, or a growing affection from the giver. Often used when given to young love.

white rose with pink tips

A single white rose meaning

A single white rose is a mark of respect, and a symbol of hope, admiration, and affection. From one true love to another, it is the purity of lifelong honor and everlasting devotion. To a friend it conveys respect, and loyalty, through hard times and with support and protection.

single white rose meaning

Three white roses meaning, or more

While a single white rose indicates respect and affection. 3 white roses typically mean I love you. While 5 white roses or more, imply an abundance of love, “I am eternally and purely, in love with you”.

white roses meaning

What is the meaning of a white rose tattoo?

White rose tattoos can have a variety of meanings, depending on the person’s individual interpretation.

For some, it may be a symbol of innocence or purity. For others, it could represent new beginnings or hope. And for others still, it may be a reminder of a lost loved one.

Sometimes, people get white rose tattoos to show their support for a cause, like cancer awareness.

Meaning of white roses ~ More roses help! 🌹

I hope this has given you some thoughts and guidance on the meaning of white roses. In truth, to give someone a white rose is a respectful act, one of honor and care for someone who is in your thoughts.

Be sure to check out the links below to other rose articles. And if you’re looking to grow your own white roses then be sure to check my tools and resources page.

michael - rosehow

Hi, I’m Michael. My passion for roses was sparked a few years ago after visiting a dedicated community rose garden. So Rosehow.com represents my take, my learnings, and my help for anyone looking to grow, be proud of, and harvest roses.