Whilst the rose is a flower of beauty and often symbolizes love, the black rose has a more twisted version of romance. This flower oozes mystery, and symbolizes many different meanings. As the colour suggests, the meaning behind the black rose can be dark. However, there is also a hopeful side to this flower as well.
The myth of the black rose
Black roses are rare, but their individuality gives them an elegant look and pleasing visual. Actually, black roses aren’t really black, rather they are a very deep shade of purple or red with a black appearance.
This oddly beautiful flower is thought to have derived in Turkey, more specifically, in a small town called Halfeti. Reportedly, the black colour is created by the unique pH level in Halfeti’s water, fed to the water and soil by the Euphrates River.
In the 1990’s, the Birecik Dam was built and submerged Old Halfeti underwater. The residents were forced to move to higher ground. They built a ‘new’ Halfeti village around 8 miles away. Although the people tried to take the flower with them, the black rose did not thrive in the new climate.
Despite it only being a small move, the difference in the soil had a great impact on the flower. As the story goes, in order to stop the rose from going into extinction, they planted black rose seeds in greenhouses nearer their original location.
This story can become suspicious when you look up black roses from Halfeti, as the pictures look heavily edited and untrue – well, unfortunately, that’s because they are. It has since become known that this story is merely a myth and was created as a way of attracting tourists to the area.
In fact, black roses cannot bloom naturally. As said above, natural black roses are actually a dark version of red or purple.
What are the different meanings of black roses?
Whilst brighter colours are often used to celebrate love, decorate weddings, or to gift to your loved one; black roses have a slightly different meaning. Although some meanings can be mundane, there is also an uplifting side to it’s symbolism.
Death and mourning
The black rose is most commonly known for symbolising death, or mourning the loss of someone. The Black Baccara Tea Rose is the type most often used for these occasions.
This meaning stemmed from tarot cards, with the black rose symbolizing no return for those who have passed, and no hope or happiness for those who are left behind.
New beginnings
On the more optimistic side – a black rose can also mean rebirth or the start of a new chapter in your life. This rebirth is aimed to be positive and symbolizes the changes a person makes to their life or character.
The end of an event
Often black roses are also used to symbolize the ending of something. This can be portrayed in relationships, careers, friendships, or any other meaningful event.
This doesn’t necessarily need to be negative. In some ways endings are bittersweet; although the end of a relationship is difficult – you may find you are happier on your own or with someone else. The end of a career can be deflating – however, you may find something else that is more suited to you.
Hatred and love tragedies
To many people, a black rose can be a sign of a tragic love story and shows the end of devotion. However, to others, the rare colour of the flower can mean a one-of-a-kind love and signify the special bond the pair have with each other.
They can also mean hatred of your enemies – and if sent to them, it is a sign of revenge.
Conclusion
The black rose is a beautiful, unique blossom, and can mean different things depending on which way you look at it. Despite its well-known resemblance to death, the black rose meaning brings hope during change or at the start of a new beginning.
