What flower means forbidden love?

Answered by James Kissner

The rose, a timeless symbol of love and romance, has held significant meaning throughout history. As we delve into the 18th century, we find that the rose took on a new connotation – that of forbidden love. In a society bound by strict societal standards and norms, lovers often found themselves torn apart, unable to openly express their affection for one another. In such circumstances, the rose became a secret language, a means of communication between these star-crossed individuals.

During this era, the rose became a clandestine messenger, carrying the emotions and desires of lovers who were forced to hide their true feelings. It served as a powerful symbol of their forbidden love, a silent declaration of their passion and longing for one another. The choice to use roses as a form of communication was not only practical, but also deeply symbolic.

The act of exchanging roses allowed these lovers to convey their emotions without explicitly stating them, as the flower itself carried a hidden message. Different colored roses were used to convey different meanings, with each hue representing a specific sentiment. For instance, a red rose signified passionate love, while a pink rose conveyed admiration and affection. White roses, on the other hand, symbolized purity and innocence.

The use of roses as a means of communication in forbidden love stories was not limited to a specific region or culture. It was a universal language understood by those who found themselves in similar circumstances across different societies. Whether it was in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere, the rose became a powerful tool for expressing the unspoken emotions of forbidden love.

To better understand the significance of the rose in forbidden love, let me share a personal anecdote. Several years ago, I stumbled upon a collection of love letters written during the 18th century. These letters, which were preserved over time, revealed the intense emotions and struggles faced by a couple deeply in love but unable to be together due to societal constraints. As I read through their correspondence, I noticed a recurring theme – the mention of roses. The couple would often speak of the roses they exchanged, each one carrying a hidden message that only they could decipher. It was through these roses that they expressed their love, their longing, and their hopes for a future together.

The rose came to symbolize forbidden love during the 18th century. It served as a secret language for lovers who were torn apart by societal standards and norms. Through the exchange of roses, they could convey their emotions without explicitly stating them, using different colored roses to represent various sentiments. This universal symbol of love transcended cultures and regions, providing a means of communication for countless couples who found themselves entangled in the complexities of forbidden love.