The red rose whispers of passion, and the white rose breathes of love; O, the red rose is a falcon, And the white rose is a dove."
- John Boyle O’Reilly

No other object exudes purity, innocence and delicacy as does the white rose. Because they also connote true, untarnished love, white roses have traditionally been a popular choice for bridal bouquets. Along with these virtues, white roses also have a fascinating history and reflect many other significant meanings.

The white rose has historically been used by many groups and people looking for a symbol that can serve as a recognized symbol of their beliefs. The Virgin Mary, for example, has long been associated with the white rose. As a devout symbol of purity, she was often associated with the color white. She was called a rose, specifically, because it is a delicate, sweet smelling flower. As such, she came to be referred to as the “Mystical Rose of Heaven."

In the 14th century, the first Duke of York, Edmund of Langley, created the symbol the "White Rose of York” for the House of York. Again, he chose the white rose because the white reflected the virtues of purity and honesty and the rose reflected a delicate and untarnished nature. This became a very important symbol during a civil war in the 15th century. Specifically, the white rose became the symbol of Yorkist partisans while their opponent was dubbed the "Red Rose of Lancaster." The famous expression “War of the Roses” comes from this historic fight.

In more recent times, the white rose was the name of the WWII resistance group that fought against the Third Reich and their preachings. The group published a number of leaflets entitled “Leaflets of the White Rose” and worked to overthrow the oppressive government. Again, the color white was chosen to represent peace, innocence and purity, while the rose itself was used to symbolize peace and gentleness.

White roses have also come to mean peace, unity and secrecy. The Romans believed that the white rose indicated purity, and they would often plant a rose bush on the burial site of young women to indicate their wholesomeness. Although the reasoning behind the white rose's connection to secrecy is less well known, many people also associate the white rose with this quality. During Medieval times, talking under a white rose signified the occurrence of a private conversation. During the 16th century, the Pope declared that a rose should be carved into confessional booths to represent confidentiality and privacy. This idea and this meaning have been carried over into modern times.

White roses are a classic symbol of renewal and new beginnings. They represent young, undying love and endless possibilities for the future. These beautiful roses will be cherished by their recipients and will be appreciated for the many poignant messages they convey.