How to Interpret Yellow Roses and When to Give Them to Someone

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Yellow roses are a bright and sunny alternative to classic red roses—but what do they signify? While red roses evoke romantic feelings and white roses symbolize innocence, yellow roses are often associated with friendship and platonic love. If you want to know more about the meaning of these sunny blooms, read on: we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the meaning and symbolism of yellow roses.

Things You Should Know

  • Give yellow roses to someone for whom you feel friendship or platonic love, such as a family member or coworker.
  • Present yellow roses to someone to give them spiritual encouragement.
  • Subtly show someone you are only interested in them as friends by giving them yellow roses.
  • Be careful giving yellow roses to a romantic partner, as they may interpret the flowers as signs of waning affection, jealousy, or infidelity.
Section 1 of 5:

Meaning of Yellow Roses in the West

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Though there are many ways to interpret yellow roses, today, they are most commonly associated with friendship and platonic love. Presenting someone with yellow roses is a way to show you care about them. [1]
    • When it comes to flowers, quantity does not necessarily correlate with quality. In fact, giving a single rose indicates the giver feels an intense, special connection with the receiver. 2 roses represents the mutual care of the giver and receiver, and 13 roses symbolizes eternal friendship.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Because of their bright hue, yellow roses are often used to express joy. Their spicy-sweet fragrance is sure to fill anyone who inhales the scent of a yellow rose with peace and gladness.
    • Their warm hue, evocative of sunshine, makes them the perfect flowers to give to someone in spring or summer months.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In Christianity, roses are symbols of God’s beauty and artistry, but yellow roses in particular represent spiritual enlightenment and wisdom. [2]
    • Give yellow roses to someone to encourage their religious or spiritual growth, and to remind them God is with them.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you want to politely let someone know you are not romantically interested in them but don’t want to say so directly, give them yellow roses. While red roses are used to convey passion, yellow roses are frequently used to connote platonic affection. [3]
    • What’s more, yellow roses may signify infidelity or jealousy. It was far more common in bygone eras to associate these golden-hued flowers with unfaithfulness and envy, but this interpretation is not unheard of today. [4]
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Meaning of Yellow Roses in Other Cultures

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your beloved gives you yellow roses, it could be a sign that they are not feeling very secure in their relationship with you.
    • This interpretation is less common in the West, but there are still many in Western cultures who would hesitate before gifting their beloved a yellow rose.
    • In Japan, yellow roses may also symbolize inner strength or courage.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are presented with yellow roses, it might be a subtle confession that your partner has been unfaithful to you. Give someone yellow roses if you wish to apologize for betraying them, or if you want to carefully hint that you have found someone else. [5]
    • This interpretation may have evolved from a legend about the prophet Mohammed. According to the legend, when Mohammed feared his wife was unfaithful, the Archangel Gabriel told him to ask his wife to drop the roses she was holding into some water. If they changed color, she was unfaithful. Sure enough, when she dropped her red roses into the water, they turned yellow! [6]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Bouquets of yellow flowers, including roses, are commonly used to decorate the graves of loved ones who have died, and to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. It is believed that yellow is the only color that will help deceased loved ones find their graves. [7]
    • While yellow roses are frequently used to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, yellow and orange chrysanthemums are more common.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

History of Yellow Roses

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    These rare blooms were first discovered growing in Southwest Asia and the Middle East in the 18th century, after which they were quickly adopted into floriography—that is, the use of flowers to express specific emotions and meanings. [8]
    • Floriography has been around for thousands of years in the East, but rose to popularity in the West in the Victorian era. Though there is some crossover in Eastern and Western floriography, there are many plants interpreted completely differently.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Back in the 1700s, when yellow roses were first discovered, they didn't really smell much like anything! But through lots of experimentation with various cultivation methods, yellow roses eventually achieved the spicy-sweet fragrance they have today. [9]
    • Because of their scent, yellow rose petals make great potpourri. If you receive yellow roses, don't dispose of them when they wilt: let them dry, and then use their fragrant petals to fill your home with fragrance.
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

When to Give Someone Yellow Roses

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Yellow roses are a great way to show you are rooting someone on and are proud of their accomplishments.
    • When your coworker gets the promotion they’ve been after, or your sister breaks a leg on Broadway, yellow roses are a great way to express your affection and congratulations. [10]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Yellow roses are perfect for birthdays, Easter, Mother's Day—any holiday where you might present a gift to a non-romantic loved one to show your care and affection.
    • Yellow roses may signify platonic love for the giver, but they are the perfect choice to celebrate someone else’s romance: they make a great present for a bride and groom on their wedding day. [11]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A bouquet of yellow roses will let them know you are thinking of them. While black roses also signify solidarity during a time of loss, the sunny hue of yellow roses encourages the receiver to hang on and see the bright side in a situation.
    • Yellow roses are a great gift for someone who has recently undergone surgery, divorce, or another hardship. [12]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Present a bouquet of yellow roses to a friend to celebrate their baptism, or to a church member undergoing a crisis of faith. [13]
    • Leave yellow roses at the graveside of a loved one, in memory of them.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Yellow-Roses-Meaning-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the spark is no longer there, switch from red roses to yellow to discreetly let someone know that your interest has waned, or that you have found somebody else. [14]
    • As beautiful as yellow roses are, take care giving them to your romantic partner, lest they interpret your gift as a bad sign. If you want to give yellow roses to your partner to express joy and friendship without signifying loss of love, infidelity, or jealousy, add red roses to the bouquet to symbolize your romantic feelings. [15]
    6. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

Other Flower Meanings

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re interested in flower symbolism, yellow roses are just the start. Here are a few more flower meanings to explore, whether you’re hoping to build a custom bouquet, or you’re just looking for a beautiful, symbolically significant flower to display in your home.
    • Red roses : Represent romantic love, passion, respect, and admiration.
    • Pink roses : Represent gratitude, appreciation, joy, and femininity.
    • Blue roses : Symbolize rarity, uniqueness, achieving the impossible, mystery, and hidden desire.
    • Daisies : Symbolize innocence, purity, and youth. Also associated with hope, happiness, and new beginnings.
    • Daffodils: Represent hope, resilience, rebirth, and new beginnings.
    • Magnolias : Associated with femininity, purity, nobility, and perseverance.
    • Lily of the Valley : Symbolize motherhood, humility, and virtue, as well as a return to happiness after a period of sadness.
    • Carnations : Represent devotion, distinction, love, and fascination.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Prune Oleander
      How to
      Build a Japanese Garden
      How to
      Make a Kokedama
      How to
      Preserve Boxwood Cuttings
      How to
      Develop a Kitchen Garden
      How to
      Clean a Pond
      How to
      Make a Living Wall
      How to
      Design a Garden
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ftd.com/blog/give/rose-color-meanings
      2. ↑ https://www.learnreligions.com/sacred-roses-spiritual-symbolism-rose-123989
      3. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers?ref=organicgglunkwn&prid=pfseogglunkwn
      4. ↑ https://www.theconcordinsider.com/2020/02/13/the-meaning-of-different-flowers/
      5. ↑ https://gardenerdy.com/meaning-of-yellow-roses/
      6. ↑ https://www.antherflowers.com/blogs/news/what-do-my-flowers-mean
      7. ↑ https://www.bloomandwild.com/yellow-rose-meaning
      8. ↑ https://bouqs.com/blog/yellow-rose-meaning-the-best-buds-for-your-best-buds/
      9. ↑ https://infomory.com/culture/meaning-yellow-roses/
      1. ↑ https://bouqs.com/blog/yellow-rose-meaning-the-best-buds-for-your-best-buds/
      2. ↑ https://bouqs.com/blog/yellow-rose-meaning-the-best-buds-for-your-best-buds/
      3. ↑ https://bouqs.com/blog/yellow-rose-meaning-the-best-buds-for-your-best-buds/
      4. ↑ https://www.learnreligions.com/sacred-roses-spiritual-symbolism-rose-123989
      5. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers?ref=organicgglunkwn&prid=pfseogglunkwn
      6. ↑ https://www.snapblooms.com/blog/yellow-rose-meaning/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,057 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Ema

        Jul 11, 2023

        "I wanted to know the dark meanings of yellow roses. With help of this article now I know everything I wanted to ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement