In medieval Christian Europe, Mary is represented by a white rose as a symbol of her purity. In Wales, white roses represent innocence and silence, and are often placed on the grave of a young child. In some native American cultures, the white rose symbolizes security and happiness and, hence, is traditionally worn at weddings. Red and white roses, arranged together or white roses edged in red, speak of unity. The Tudor Rose, a graphic design created by King Henry VII in 1485, is a red rose laid atop a white - symbolizing the unification of the Houses of York and Lancaster and thus ending the War of Roses.
Yellow roses signify joy, gladness and freedom in the modern rose lexicon.
In Islamic folklore, however, they symbolize deceit, treachery, and adultery. If red roses are arranged with yellow roses or blossoms contain both red and yellow coloration, they express gaiety, joviality and happiness. Some roses blend pinks and yellows into beautiful pale tones within the same bloom, signifying sociability and friendship. All things said, the rose is still the expressive choice of lovers around the world. Reprinted from 1998, LCS and Microsoft Network.