Black Roses: Meaning, Symbolism, and Proper Occasions

Black roses are not natural flowers. You will not find any naturally black roses on a bush. However, these roses do have a solid place in popular culture.

You can purchase black roses, but they are created by dyeing, spraying, dipping, or burning other types of roses. Usually, the roses used have dark red, maroon, or purple hues.

Below, we’ll dive into the meaning of the black rose, as well as occasions where it’s appropriate to use them.

The Meaning of Black Roses

Black roses have several different meanings, but most of them are related to death or the end of something. It depends largely on the context of who is giving and receiving the rose:

Death and Mourning

The main meaning of a black rose is death and grief. They’re often used to express sorrow or condolences for the loss of a loved one. Therefore, you may see them at funerals or similar occasions.

They can also be a symbol of farewell or the end of a relationship. Many people choose to get tattoos of black roses as symbols of loved ones that are no longer in their lives.

End of a Romance

Black roses can also be utilized to represent the end of a romantic relationship. Though people often don’t give black roses as a way to end their relationship, they can be used to express condolences when someone has recently gone through a breakup.

In literature, black roses sometimes represent obsessive or unrequited love. In this way, they’re the opposite of a red rose.

Change and Transformation

Recently, they have been utilized to symbolize transformation. Many people see death as the ultimate transformation, and this thought process has been applied to the black rose’s underlying meaning.

Black roses can be used to indicate the beginning of one phase (and, therefore, the ending of another). They may represent hope and renewal to some extent, especially after a difficult period.

Lust and Vanity

Less commonly, they represent dark or forbidden desire or attraction. Often, this includes lust and vanity, as well as pride and arrogance. They may be a sign of manipulation or seduction, especially in literature and poetry.

In other words, black roses may represent unhealthy or one-sided love.

Power and Strength

Because they are associated with tougher periods of life, these roses may also represent strength. For instance, they may be used to represent the strength necessary to get through a grieving period.

However, they have also been utilized to represent anarchy and rebellion. They may be used as a way to challenge social norms and the status quo.

History of Black Roses

Black roses may not be natural, but they have a fairly long history.

They have been around since ancient Greece and Rome, when they symbolized power and dominance. At the time, they were also associated with Persophone, the goddess of the underworld. They may have been utilized for fallen warriors and heroes, too.

In the Victorian Era, they became popular in literature and art. They were part of the Language of Flowers, which people used to communicate hidden messages. In this context, they represent death and farewell.

During medieval times, they were used by several rebellious groups, including the Cathars, Hussites, and Jacobites. In some cases, they were used to signify loyalty to these groups – or even just loyalty in general.

In modern times, they’re often used to convey a sense of danger or represent death.

How Are Black Roses Made?

Black roses aren’t natural. However, they are created through artificial means. Several methods may be used.

• Dyeing: This method involves taking a white or light-colored rose and soaking it in black dye. The rose absorbs the color through its stems over time, resulting in black roses.
• Spraying: For a faster color, white or light-colored roses may be sprayed directly with paint. This results in a thin layer of color over the rose, though not a permanently black rose.
• Dipping: This method is very similar to spraying. However, instead of spraying the rose with paint, the creator dips the rose into a bunch of paint.
• Burning: As with most plants, roses turn black when burned. Therefore, some black roses may be created by burning a dark red or rose with purple undertones.

Proper Occasions for Using Black Roses

They are not common flowers, as they are only suitable for a few occasions. You probably won’t find them at a florist or garden center. Instead, you’ll probably need to order them specially made.

You should carefully consider the meaning of these flowers before sending one. Here are some of the most proper occasions for using them:

Funeral or Memorial Services

Black roses are appropriate for use at funerals and similar events as a way to pay your respects to someone who has passed away. They’re also suitable to carry or give at funerals, as they can symbolize grief. You can also use them to decorate a funeral or similar service.

Halloween or Gothic Event

Halloween parties and similar get-togethers are perfect for bringing out black roses. Black roses are often associated with death and despair, so using them at a gothic party makes sense.

These roses can be an interesting way to decorate the party, though they are often hard to find around Halloween due to the high demand.

Anniversary or Birthday

They can be a memorable gift for those that like gothic or alternative styles. While often not appropriate to give to someone alive, they can be if that person particularly likes black roses.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/iljacker