When it comes to flowers, quantity does not necessarily correlate with quality. In fact, giving a single rose indicates the giver feels an intense, special connection with the receiver. 2 roses represents the mutual care of the giver and receiver, and 13 roses symbolizes eternal friendship. [2] X Research source
Their warm hue, evocative of sunshine, makes them the perfect flowers to give to someone in spring or summer months.
Give yellow roses to someone to encourage their religious or spiritual growth, and to remind them God is with them.
What’s more, yellow roses may signify infidelity or jealousy. It was far more common in bygone eras to associate these golden-hued flowers with unfaithfulness and envy, but this interpretation is not unheard of today. [5] X Research source
This interpretation is less common in the West, but there are still many in Western cultures who would hesitate before gifting their beloved a yellow rose. In Japan, yellow roses may also symbolize inner strength or courage.
This interpretation may have evolved from a legend about the prophet Mohammed. According to the legend, when Mohammed feared his wife was unfaithful, the Archangel Gabriel told him to ask his wife to drop the roses she was holding into some water. If they changed color, she was unfaithful. Sure enough, when she dropped her red roses into the water, they turned yellow![7] X Research source
While yellow roses are frequently used to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, yellow and orange chrysanthemums are more common.
Floriography has been around for thousands of years in the East, but rose to popularity in the West in the Victorian era. Though there is some crossover in Eastern and Western floriography, there are many plants interpreted completely differently.
Because of their scent, yellow rose petals make great potpourri. If you receive yellow roses, don’t dispose of them when they wilt: let them dry, and then use their fragrant petals to fill your home with fragrance.
When your coworker gets the promotion they’ve been after, or your sister breaks a leg on Broadway, yellow roses are a great way to express your affection and congratulations. [11] X Research source
Yellow roses may signify platonic love for the giver, but they are the perfect choice to celebrate someone else’s romance: they make a great present for a bride and groom on their wedding day. [12] X Research source
Yellow roses are a great gift for someone who has recently undergone surgery, divorce, or another hardship. [13] X Research source
Leave yellow roses at the graveside of a loved one, in memory of them.
As beautiful as yellow roses are, take care giving them to your romantic partner, lest they interpret your gift as a bad sign. If you want to give yellow roses to your partner to express joy and friendship without signifying loss of love, infidelity, or jealousy, add red roses to the bouquet to symbolize your romantic feelings. [16] X Research source
