Rose Day (February 7)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

Rose Day, celebrated on February 7, is a charming tribute to the timeless beauty and symbolism of roses.

It’s a part of Valentine’s Week, but it also stands out as one of the weird February holidays, offering unique ways to celebrate love and friendship.

When is the Holiday?

Rose Day is observed annually on February 7th, kicking off Valentine’s Week and setting the tone for a week of love and affection.

Who Invented It?

The exact origin of Rose Day is unknown, but it likely emerged in the late 20th century as part of Valentine’s Week celebrations.

The holiday gained popularity through marketing campaigns by florists and gift companies, leveraging the timeless symbolism of roses.

While its roots aren’t tied to a specific person, the use of roses to convey emotions has a long history, making it a natural fit for a day celebrating love and affection.

pink and white roses

History of the Day

The holiday aligns with modern expressions of love and affection, offering a lighthearted way to kick off the romantic season.

While its exact origins remain unclear, it is believed to have emerged as a commercial and cultural celebration, emphasizing the universal appeal of roses as symbols of emotion.

The tradition of using roses to convey feelings, however, has much deeper roots. In ancient Rome, roses were associated with Venus, the goddess of love, making them a longstanding emblem of romance.

During the Victorian era, the practice of floriography—using flowers to send coded messages—reached its peak. Each rose color conveyed a specific sentiment:

  • Red: Passionate love and romance
  • Yellow: Cheer and friendship
  • Pink: Grace, admiration, and sweetness
  • White: Purity, innocence, and new beginnings
  • Orange: Enthusiasm and desire
  • Lavender: Enchantment and love at first sight

Books dedicated to the “language of flowers” flourished during this time, with over 90 guides published between 1827 and 1923. These texts not only detailed the meanings of flowers but also the significance of the number of roses gifted, adding layers of symbolism.

Rose Day continues this rich legacy by encouraging people to exchange roses to express their feelings, whether romantic, platonic, or familial, while marking the start of a week dedicated to love.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  • Floriography, the language of flowers, gained popularity during the Victorian era.
  • Red roses are the most gifted flowers on this day.
  • The tradition of using roses dates back to ancient Rome.
  • In Japan, roses symbolize confidentiality and harmony.
  • It marks the start of Valentine’s Week.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Host a Tea Party with Rose-Infused Treats: Gather friends or family for a charming tea party featuring rose-scented shortbread, rose water cupcakes, and floral teas. Add rose petals to your table settings for an elegant touch.
  • Gift a Bouquet of Roses in Meaningful Colors: Choose roses in colors that match the sentiment you want to express—like red for romance, yellow for friendship, or pink for admiration—and pair them with a handwritten note.
  • Create DIY rose-themed crafts: Try making paper roses, fabric flowers, or even map roses for unique decorations or keepsakes. These crafts are great for kids and adults alike.
  • Enjoy a Rose-Scented Spa Day: Pamper yourself or a loved one with homemade rose bath bombs, sugar scrubs, or face masks. Add rose petals to your bath for a luxurious experience.
  • Decorate Your Home with Rose-Inspired Art and Floral Arrangements: Use fresh or artificial roses to create beautiful centerpieces, wreaths, or garlands. You can also incorporate rose-themed wallpaper or framed floral prints to set the mood.
rose cupcakes

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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