Rose Day (February 7)
Rose Day, celebrated on February 7, is all about the simple joy of sharing roses and the meanings behind them.
While it kicks off Valentine’s Week, it also stands on its own as one of February’s quirky holidays, offering thoughtful ways to celebrate love, friendship, and connection.
When is the Holiday?
It’s celebrated annually on February 7th.
Who Invented It?
The exact origin of the holiday isn’t known. It likely developed in the late 20th century as a modern celebration influenced by gift-giving culture and the long-standing symbolism of roses.
There’s no single creator behind the day, but its popularity grew through florists and retailers who embraced roses as a universal way to express emotion.
History of the Day
While the holiday itself is relatively modern, the meaning behind it is ancient. Roses have symbolized love and emotion for centuries.
In ancient Rome, roses were associated with Venus, the goddess of love. During the Victorian era, floriography, the language of flowers, became popular, allowing people to send coded messages through blooms.
Each color carried a meaning:
- Red – romantic love
- Yellow – friendship
- Pink – admiration
- White – purity
- Orange – enthusiasm
- Lavender – enchantment
More than 90 books about flower symbolism were published between 1827 and 1923, showing just how important this tradition once was.
Today, Rose Day builds on that history by encouraging people to share roses as a simple way to express how they feel, whether romantic or platonic.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Floriography once played a serious role in society — people used flower arrangements to send secret messages when open communication wasn’t socially acceptable.
- Red roses dominate sales around this time of year, with millions purchased globally to express love, admiration, and passion.
- Ancient Romans scattered rose petals at celebrations and linked the flower to Venus, making roses a long-standing symbol of romance.
- In Japanese culture, roses are often associated with privacy and discretion, which is why they sometimes appear in formal or symbolic settings.
- February 7 unofficially launches “romance season,” with rose sales kicking off weeks of gift-giving and themed celebrations.
Coloring Page
This free Rose Day coloring page is a relaxing way to celebrate, letting kids and adults enjoy the beauty of roses while getting creative with color.
Activities to Celebrate
- Host a rose-themed tea party with floral treats like rose shortbread, rosewater cupcakes, and lightly scented teas. Scatter a few petals on the table for an extra special touch.
- Give a bouquet with intention by choosing colors that match your message, red for romance, yellow for friendship, pink for admiration, and add a handwritten note to make it personal.
- Get creative with rose crafts by making paper blooms, fabric flowers, or vintage map roses for keepsakes and decorations. It’s an easy activity for all ages.
- Create a DIY spa moment using rose-scented homemade rose bath bombs, sugar scrubs, or face masks. A petal-filled bath instantly upgrades the experience.
- Refresh your space with rose-inspired décor, from simple centerpieces to wreaths or framed floral art. Even a few stems in a vase can set the mood.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
- Rose Water Cupcakes. These light and fragrant cupcakes are infused with rose water, offering a subtly sweet flavor and an elegant touch.
- Rose Scented Shortbread Cookies. A delicate blend of buttery richness and a hint of rose makes these cookies an irresistible treat for teatime or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Air Fryer Apple Roses. Beautifully crafted apple slices wrapped in puff pastry create a stunning dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.
- Rose Latte. This creamy, aromatic drink combines the subtle floral essence of rose water with a hint of vanilla, making it a delightful and cozy choice for the holiday.
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Links to Resources
- DIY Rose Crafts – Learn how to make paper roses, map roses, and even fabric softener sheet flowers for creative keepsakes.
- Rose Meaning Guides – Explore what different rose colors and numbers symbolize, plus tips for keeping fresh roses looking their best.
- Floriography: The Victorian Language of Flowers – Discover how people used flowers to send secret messages, with a focus on the symbolism of roses.
Related Holidays
- Valentine’s Day (February 14) – The biggest celebration of love, romance, and flowers.
- National Proposal Day (March 20) – A popular day for popping the question with roses in hand.
- National Red Rose Day (June 12) – Honors the classic symbol of love and passion.
- Global Love Day (May 1) – Focuses on spreading kindness and compassion worldwide.
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