Americans embrace the timeless symbol of love and passion with flowers, messages, and social media tributes
By: Heather Stone, Senior Correspondent
On June 12, 2025, Americans across the country came together to celebrate National Red Rose Day, an occasion that honors the red rose as a timeless symbol of love, passion, and beauty. From coast to coast, individuals exchanged red roses, posted heartfelt messages, and took to social media to express their admiration for loved ones, rekindling the age-old association between the flower and romance.
Red Roses: A Timeless Symbol of Love
The red rose, long regarded as the flower of love, has held a deep cultural significance for centuries. Its association with romance can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used to symbolize various emotions. The red rose was particularly revered by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who linked it to the goddess of love, Aphrodite (Venus in Roman mythology). In China, the red rose has been a symbol of enduring love and devotion for centuries.
Today, its meaning continues to resonate across cultures, making it an appropriate symbol for the day dedicated to love and admiration. From weddings to anniversaries, Valentine’s Day to spontaneous gestures of affection, the red rose has firmly entrenched itself as the quintessential gift to convey deep emotional sentiment.
The Growing Tradition of National Red Rose Day
While National Red Rose Day might not hold the same widespread recognition as other more established holidays, it has steadily gained traction in the U.S., particularly in the digital age, as people increasingly turn to social media to express their feelings. On June 12, millions of posts flooded platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, with people sharing photos of bouquets, arrangements, and the iconic red rose in various forms.
Individuals took to their feeds with messages of love and appreciation for partners, family members, and even friends, reinforcing the role that red roses continue to play in the expression of affection.
“Red roses are not just for romantic relationships,” said Lisa Richards, a floral designer from New York. “They represent a deep, enduring connection, whether you’re showing appreciation for a friend or someone you love in a different way.”
This growing trend has led to greater recognition of National Red Rose Day, with florists and local businesses joining the celebration by offering special discounts and promotions on red rose bouquets.
The Cultural Significance and Impact of Red Roses
The significance of red roses as symbols of love and passion goes beyond their use in modern-day gifts. The flower’s symbolism has deep historical roots, carrying rich meaning through literature, art, and even religion. In Christian iconography, the red rose often represents the blood of Christ, and its use in religious rituals and ceremonies dates back centuries.
The red rose has also been featured in countless poems, songs, and works of art throughout history, further cementing its place as a cultural icon. Perhaps one of the most famous literary references to the red rose is William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” where the rose is used to explore themes of love and identity: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
Local Celebrations and Community Events
Across the U.S., the day was marked by local events, including flower arranging workshops, romantic dinners, and community initiatives. In cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, florists hosted events where customers could create their own red rose bouquets while learning about the flower’s cultural and historical significance.
In Phoenix, a public display at a local park allowed community members to gather and gift red roses to their neighbors, enhancing the communal aspect of National Red Rose Day. “It’s all about fostering kindness and connection,” said Sarah Gomez, an event coordinator involved in the celebration. “We wanted people to share a moment of joy with others, whether it’s a stranger or a lifelong friend.”
Red Roses and the Future of National Red Rose Day
Though National Red Rose Day is still finding its place among other well-known holidays, its impact continues to grow. In a time when people seek meaningful and simple ways to express their feelings, the red rose remains an enduring symbol that cuts across generational and cultural lines.
Florists are seeing a steady increase in sales during this time of year, and many are already preparing for even bigger celebrations in 2026. “It’s not just about selling flowers,” said florist and entrepreneur Carla Bennett. “It’s about offering people a chance to convey something that words alone might not express.”
As the day becomes more widely recognized, it could evolve into a key celebration for all types of love, further solidifying the red rose’s role as the emblem of love, passion, and devotion. Whether given on June 12 or any other day of the year, the red rose remains a powerful expression of affection that connects people and cultures across the globe.
