National Red Rose Day (June 12)
Every June 12th, National Red Rose Day honors the timeless symbol of love, passion, and beauty, the red rose.
Known for its velvety petals and rich fragrance, this flower has captured human hearts for centuries through poetry, art, and tradition.
Whether gifted as a token of affection or admired in full bloom, the red rose reminds us of how simple gestures can carry deep meaning. One of the most interesting holidays in June.
When is the Holiday?
National Red Rose Day is celebrated each year on June 12.
Who Invented It?
The origins of the holiday are unclear. It likely began with florists or rose enthusiasts seeking to spotlight the beauty and symbolism of red roses.
Like many unofficial observance days, it grew in popularity through social sharing and seasonal promotions without a confirmed founding source.
The History of the Holiday
Red roses have deep roots in mythology, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Associated with Aphrodite and Venus, the flower became a symbol of love and sacrifice.
Over time, it appeared in royal crests, literature, and religious rites. In England, it even played a political role during the Wars of the Roses.
From the Victorian language of flowers to modern weddings and anniversaries, the red rose has remained a universal symbol of emotion, respected across cultures for its beauty and depth.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
Victorian floriography gave the red rose its enduring association with romantic love.
The red rose is the national flower of the United States, designated in 1986.
Red roses appear in more poetry than any other flower, from Shakespeare to Burns.
June is peak bloom time, making it the perfect month for this celebration.
Different numbers of red roses send different messages—one for love at first sight, a dozen for lasting affection.
Activities to Celebrate
Gift a Bouquet – Share red roses with someone special.
Visit a Rose Garden – Stroll through nature’s best displays of red blooms.
Create Rose Crafts – Try paper roses, pressed petal bookmarks, or rose-themed art.
Start a Rose Journal – Note bloom times, colors, and quotes about roses.
Learn the Language of Flowers – Explore what red and other colored roses represent.
Host a Rose-Inspired Tea Party – Include rose tea and rosewater treats.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
Sugar Cookie Roses – Twist dough to form delicate rose-shaped cookies.
Rose-Scented Shortbread – Use dried rose petals and extract for a floral twist.
Rose Cordial – A fragrant syrup perfect for cocktails or mocktails.
Salami Roses – For savory lovers, add edible roses to charcuterie boards.
Links to Resources
DIY Red Roses Centerpiece – Create a simple yet elegant red rose centerpiece using fresh or artificial blooms, a clear vase, and floral foam. Perfect for dinner tables or as a thoughtful gift.
How to Make Easy Felt Roses – Learn how to cut and roll felt into beautiful handmade roses. These long-lasting, no-wilt alternatives are ideal for crafts, wreaths, or romantic decorations.
Homemade Rose Petal Sugar Scrub – Combine dried rose petals, sugar, and coconut oil for a gentle exfoliant that smells amazing and leaves your skin silky smooth—great for self-care or gifting.
How To Dry Roses in Silica Crystals – Preserve red roses in their full shape and color using silica gel crystals. This method keeps petals vibrant and makes them perfect for keepsakes or shadow boxes.
How to Make a Paper Rose – Follow step-by-step instructions to fold and curl paper into a realistic rose. Great for cards, gifts, or creating a forever bouquet that never fades.
Related Holidays
- National Plant a Flower Day (March 12) – encourages people to get their hands dirty and add beauty to their surroundings, red roses are a perfect pick to plant.
- Valentine’s Day (February 14) – is the most popular day for gifting red roses, symbolizing deep affection, romance, and heartfelt connections.
- Rose Day (February 7) – kicks off Valentine’s Week with a tradition of exchanging roses, especially red ones, to express love and admiration.
- National Floral Design Day (February 28) – celebrates the art of arranging flowers—an ideal moment to spotlight the red rose in stunning bouquets and centerpieces.
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