Roses have been used to convey emotions for centuries. The color of a rose can have very different meanings. While red roses symbolize love and desire, roses of other colors can signify very different sentiments. When you want to express sadness or sympathy, choosing the right color rose is important.
Meaning of Rose Colors
Though rose colors may vary slightly by hue, the general meanings behind rose colors are:
- Red – Love, romance, beauty
- White – Purity, innocence, sympathy
- Pink – Gratitude, appreciation
- Yellow – Friendship, joy
- Orange – Enthusiasm, passion
- Lavender – Enchantment
- Blue – Unattainable, mysterious
- Green – Harmony, peace
- Black – Farewell, sorrow
When selecting a rose color to express sadness, your best choices are white, blue or black roses. Let’s explore what each of these colors represents.
White Roses
White roses symbolize innocence and purity. They also express sympathy, humility and spirituality. White flowers are appropriate for memorial services and funerals, or as an expression of condolence. White roses would be an appropriate choice when expressing sadness over a loss or tragic event.
Blue Roses
Blue roses are often used to symbolize mystery and longing for the unattainable. They can also represent the desire for the impossible. Blue roses would be fitting for expressing the sadness associated with losing someone that can’t be replaced, such as a close friend that has passed away.
Black Roses
Black roses are the closest florist’s rose color to convey sadness and sorrow. Black roses symbolize farewell and mortality. They can express grief, bereavement and sadness. Black roses are appropriate for funerals and memorial services. When you need to convey your deepest sympathies, choosing black roses would be a very fitting choice.
Sadness Flower Color Meanings
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Sympathy, innocence |
| Blue | Unattainable, longing |
| Black | Farewell, sorrow |
This table summarizes the symbolic meaning behind white, blue and black roses when expressing sadness:
Selecting the Right Color
When selecting a rose color to express sorrow and sadness, consider the meaning behind the color and the context. Here are some recommendations:
- White roses are appropriate for expressing sympathy over a loss or tragic event.
- Blue roses can symbolize longing for someone or something unattainable that was lost.
- Black roses convey the deepest sense of grief and bereavement.
Choose white roses for sympathy or condolences when the loss is more recent. Select blue roses when reminiscing over losing someone or something that can’t be replaced. Use black roses to convey your deepest sorrows at a funeral or memorial service.
Rose Color Combinations
You can also combine rose colors to create a bouquet that expresses different dimensions of sadness:
- White and blue rose bouquet – expresses sympathy over the loss of someone deeply special
- Blue and black rose arrangement – conveys grief over the death of someone irreplaceable
- White, blue and black mixed bouquet – expresses condolences, longing and sorrow
Combining colors allows you to mix multiple symbolic meanings to reflect the nuances of your sadness. Make sure to pick an even number of roses in each color.
Alternative Flower Color Meanings
While roses are traditional, other flower colors also carry sadness symbolism:
- White lilies – express sympathy, innocence after loss
- Purple hyacinth – convey sorrow, forgiveness
- Blue iris – represent faith, hope
These non-rose flower colors can provide additional options for sympathetic floral gifts.
Flower Color Combinations
Some flower color combinations that could express condolences include:
- White lilies and purple hyacinths – sympathy and sorrow
- Blue and purple irises – hope and forgiveness
- White roses, lilies and purple hyacinths – innocence and forgiveness
Mixing white and blue or purple blossoms can create a elegant bouquet to express sadness over a loss.
Flower Arrangements
The style of flower arrangement can also impact the meaning conveyed:
| Arrangement Style | Sadness Expression Meaning |
|---|---|
| Round bouquet | Unity, wholeness, sympathy |
| Asymmetrical design | Freshness, innocence, spirituality |
| Weeping style cascading down | Grief, mourning, bereavement |
| Bunch or loose wildflower look | Natural, simple condolences |
A round bouquet expresses unity and sympathy, while a cascading weeping style arrangement conveys mourning. The presentation of the flowers can add an extra dimension to your message.
Flower Color Meanings in Different Cultures
While flower colors tend to share common meanings, some associations are culture or region specific:
- In Mexico, purple flowers signify grief, loss and bereavement
- In China, white blossoms are associated with death and funerals
- In Egypt, blue flowers represent virtue and tranquility
- In Morocco, yellow roses signify sadness and jealous
Consider cultural interpretations of flower colors if sending condolences for a service held overseas or to foreign friends and families. Research culture-specific meanings to ensure your bouquet expresses the sentiment you intend.
Cross-Cultural Color Combinations
Some flower color combinations have shared meaning across cultures:
- White lilies and blue irises – innocence and spirituality
- Blue and purple roses – impossible longing, grief
- Black roses and purple hyacinths – farewell, forgiveness
Sticking with these universal cross-cultural color combinations can ensure your condolence bouquet translates properly when sending overseas.
Conclusion
The color of roses and other flowers can convey distinct emotions and messages. When expressing sadness, sympathy or bereavement, opt for white, blue or black roses, or white lilies and purple hyacinths. Combine colors in bouquets or arrangements for a nuanced expression of sadness. With the right selection, flowers can beautifully communicate the difficult feelings that accompany loss and grief.
