Rose Day: A celebration of love & affection (video)

KATHMANDU: Every year on Feb 7, people around the world celebrate Rose Day, marking the beginning of Valentine’s Week.

This special day is dedicated to expressing love and affection through the exchange of roses, with red roses symbolizing deep love and romance.

The Significance of Rose Day

Roses have long been associated with love and passion, making them an ideal gift for expressing emotions. On Rose Day, lovers present roses to their partners as a token of love and admiration.

Friends and family members also take this opportunity to share different colored roses, each carrying its own unique meaning.

The tradition of gifting roses dates back centuries, with historical references suggesting that Victorians and Romans used roses to convey their feelings.

One well-known story from history recounts how Mughal emperor Jahangir frequently gifted red roses to his beloved wife, Noor Jahan, as a symbol of his deep affection. It is believed that she adored the fragrance and beauty of red roses so much that he ensured fresh roses were delivered to her palace daily.

Similarly, during Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19th century, roses played a significant role in expressing emotions.

The Victorians used the language of flowers, known as ‘floriography,’ to communicate unsaid feelings, with red roses specifically symbolizing love and devotion.

How to Celebrate Rose Day

Rose Day is an occasion to make loved ones feel special. Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate:

• Gift a Rose: Present a beautiful rose to your partner, crush, or loved ones. Adding a heartfelt note or a romantic message can make the gesture even more meaningful.
• Share Love on Social Media: Many people celebrate by posting love-filled messages, pictures, and quotes about roses on social media.
• Plan a Romantic Gesture: Spending quality time with your partner, planning a surprise, or giving a bouquet of roses can add a special touch to the day.
• Express Love Beyond Romance: Rose Day is not just for couples; you can also gift roses to your friends, parents, or colleagues to appreciate their presence in your life.

Meaning of Different Rose Colors

Each rose color carries a special message, making it essential to choose the right one:

• Red Rose: Symbolizes love, passion, and romance.
• White Rose: Represents peace, purity, and new beginnings.
• Pink Rose: Denotes admiration, gratitude, and respect.
• Yellow Rose: Signifies friendship, happiness, and joy.
• Black Rose: Represents farewell, mystery, or the end of something.

Why is Rose Day Celebrated?

The tradition of celebrating Rose Day stems from the universal recognition of roses as a symbol of love and beauty. Roses have been featured in literature, movies, and songs as an emblem of romance.

The custom of giving roses continues to be popular as it provides an elegant yet simple way to express heartfelt emotions.

As the first day of Valentine’s Week, Rose Day sets the tone for the upcoming days leading up to Valentine’s Day.

It offers an opportunity for people to initiate love confessions, strengthen relationships, or simply spread happiness through the beauty of roses.

Whether it is a grand romantic gesture or a simple act of giving a flower, Rose Day reminds us that expressing love and appreciation for those around us is always meaningful.

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