"Oh, my luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June;
Oh, my luve's like the melodie
That's sweetly played in tune."
-Robert Burns

While all roses are beautiful and significant, red roses are universally recognized demonstrations of passion and undying love. Along with these obvious symbolisms, however, red roses also have an interesting historical tradition and many additional intrinsic meanings.

In addition to their ability to express love, respect and courage, red roses take on different meanings when presented in differently-numbered arrangements. A single red rose, for example, shows that you love someone. A dozen such roses conveys gratitude, while twenty-five red roses express congratulations. Fifty red roses expresses unconditional love. Those looking to proclaim their promise of love for each other can do so articulately with two red roses tied together which, understandably, symbolizes an engagement.

In addition to the number of roses that is presented, different shades of red also convey different messages. Bright red roses symbolize love, while burgundy expresses unconsious love and dark crimson represents mourning. If anyone gives you a withered red rose - you know they are calling it quits. A red rosebud, however, shows youthful love and beauty.

In Greek and Roman mythology, the red rose was closely associated with the goddess of love. During the Victorian-era, roses were used as a way to communicate coded messages and express unspoken feelings. At the same time, red roses were used to express love and romance, and this idea has continued to this day. The modern day red rose came to Europe from China in the 1800's. Throughout history in many cultures, red roses have been used to decorate marriage ceremonies and are often included as a part of the traditional wedding clothes. Because of their strong symbolisms, red roses also appear more frequently than other rose colors or other flowers in works of art, poetry, modern day music and the media.

Red roses are a classic way to express love without uttering a single word. They can bring virtually anyone enjoyment on any occasion. Red roses are perfect for giving on Valentine's Day; they indicate thoughtfulness and love for a birthday; they are a beautiful way to mark an anniversary; and they are a touchingly sentimental way to say "just because" to that special person in your life. With so many meanings and implications, there truly is no better way to express yourself than with the timeless beauty of a red rose.