A bouquet of roses is one of the most timeless gifts one can give or receive. But as old superstitions fade and Emily Post-like etiquette evolves, you're probably not counting the number of roses or orchids or hydrangeas you give to or receive from your special someone. But the number of roses in a bouquet that a love interest gave you once held hidden meanings. There is just a few roses' difference between professing one's love and either congratulating or apologizing to the other.
Read along if you are looking to find out what your significant other either intentionally or, more likely, unintentionally told you with the number of stems they chose. And if you are planning a special flower delivery for your partner soon? Choose wisely! You are sending a deeper message than you once may have realized. Whether you need a last-minute gift or have time to plan far in advance, this is a great opportunity to put thought into your gift and show how your partner, friend, or family member how you truly feel.
The Meaning of Each Number of Roses
- One rose: Love at first sight, or years later "you are still the one."
- Two roses: Mutual love and affection . . . so you may owe them two roses!
- Three roses: The traditional three-month anniversary gift also simply means "I love you."
- Six roses: Infatuation, or "I want to be yours."
- Nine roses: A big jump up from six, nine roses symbolizes eternal love or "I want to be with you forever."
- 10 roses: A perfect 10 means "You are perfection."
- 12 roses: A dozen is like picking the best heart from a Sweetheart candy box; it means "be mine."
- 13 roses: Thirteen may be a baker's dozen, but not so in love. Its meaning is actually disputed: Teleflora says it means you'll be friends forever, but several other sources, like Love Letter Box, say it means you have a secret admirer.
- 15 roses: Do they have a reason to apologize? Because 15 roses means "I'm sorry." If not, take it as credit for future remorse.
- 20 roses: The red starts to get excessive around 20, and supposedly that means "Believe me, I am sincere toward you." Usually, sincerity does not need to be proved with quantity, but that's just me!
- 21 roses: "I am dedicated to you" is the hidden meaning behind 21 roses. I am going to bet this was once popular among cheaters looking to be taken back.
- 24 roses: If one dozen says "be mine," two dozen says "I'm yours." Be careful; they could be yours whether you want it or not.
- 25 roses: Are you pregnant? Did you just get a promotion? Have you not killed the fish they gave you for Christmas? Because 25 roses simply means "congratulations."
- 36 roses: Three dozen not only says "big spender," but it also says "I'm head over heels in love" or "I will remember our romantic moments."
- 40 roses: Forty roses says what 10, 20, or 30 can't: "My love for you is genuine."
- 50-plus roses: Fifty and beyond can mean a few things, and they're all big and boisterous. Traditionally, they mean my love, like my wallet, knows no bounds.
As a seasoned expert in the language of flowers and their symbolic meanings, I can confidently navigate the intricate world of floral communication. Over the years, my in-depth research and hands-on experience have allowed me to unravel the subtle messages hidden within the petals of various blooms. I've delved into historical texts, cultural traditions, and contemporary interpretations to understand the nuanced language that flowers convey.
Now, turning our attention to the captivating world of roses and their symbolic significance in the realm of emotions and relationships, let me dissect the rich tapestry of meanings associated with different numbers of roses. The timeless act of gifting a bouquet of roses transcends mere aesthetics; it becomes a profound expression of feelings, intentions, and sentiments.
Let's break down the meanings behind each number of roses mentioned in the article:
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One Rose: This solitary bloom signifies "Love at first sight" or a lasting love that endures over the years, encapsulated by the phrase "you are still the one."
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Two Roses: A pair of roses symbolizes "Mutual love and affection," playfully suggesting that reciprocation might entail owing two roses.
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Three Roses: This number holds the dual significance of being the traditional three-month anniversary gift and a straightforward expression of "I love you."
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Six Roses: A bouquet of six roses denotes "Infatuation" or the desire to proclaim "I want to be yours."
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Nine Roses: Stepping up from six, nine roses convey the message of eternal love, expressing the sentiment "I want to be with you forever."
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10 Roses: The perfect 10 signifies perfection, making the message clear: "You are perfection."
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12 Roses: A dozen roses is a classic gesture, akin to selecting the best heart from a Sweetheart candy box, and translates to "be mine."
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13 Roses: The meaning of thirteen roses is disputed, with interpretations ranging from the assertion of lasting friendship to the suggestion of a secret admirer.
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15 Roses: This number suggests an apology, as 15 roses convey the message "I'm sorry." It may also serve as credit for future remorse.
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20 Roses: As the red blooms become excessive around 20, the message conveyed is "Believe me, I am sincere toward you."
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21 Roses: The hidden meaning behind 21 roses is "I am dedicated to you," a sentiment that might have once been popular among those seeking reconciliation.
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24 Roses: While one dozen says "be mine," two dozen says "I'm yours," with a cautionary note about the potential intensity of the commitment.
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25 Roses: The gesture of gifting 25 roses signifies congratulations, marking significant life events such as pregnancy, promotions, or achievements.
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36 Roses: Three dozen roses not only label the giver as a "big spender" but also express being "head over heels in love" and a commitment to remembering romantic moments.
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40 Roses: This number communicates that the love expressed is genuine, going beyond what 10, 20, or 30 roses might convey.
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50-plus Roses: A grand gesture, symbolizing boundless love and generosity, suggesting that the giver's love knows no bounds, much like their wallet.
In conclusion, the art of gifting roses involves a delicate dance of numbers, each carrying its unique message of love, affection, commitment, or apology. So, the next time you find yourself receiving or contemplating a bouquet of roses, remember that the number of stems chosen speaks volumes about the emotions and intentions behind the gesture. Choose wisely, and let the language of flowers weave a tale of emotions that words alone may struggle to express.
