Symbolism and Meaning of Black Rose
Black roses has mutiple meaning inside it. Black rose is actually a darker shade of purple, maroon or red. It can also be a dyed white rose, made to look black by placing it in black ink or by burning a rose under controlled circumstances. Black rose is also called black beauty, Tuscany superb, baccarat, black jade and black magic.
Meaning of Black Rose
It is believed that black rose exists in Tibet but it has not been verified until now.
According to the Language of Flowers or floriography in the 19th Century, a black rose implies hatred, death, and despair. It can also signify rebirth or farewell for good, in certain situations. Since a true black rose is impossible to find in nature, it emphasizes on utmost devotion and exclusivity in a relationship. One can also see endless mentions of black rose in Gothic literature.
Peter Carey’s Fragrance of Roses discusses in detail about the symbolism of black roses.
Black Rose Meaning in Romance
Black roses represent tragic romance. A black rose doesn’t stand for happiness, but the sadness, a relationship would bring along.
Black Rose Meaning in Tarot Cards
A fan theory on the Internet also suggests that in Tarotology, a black rose stands for everything opposite of a white rose. It represents revenge, ugliness, immorality, disrespect and a state of despair. Just to let you know, tarot cards don’t feature black rose at all.
Black Rose Meaning in Anarchy
One of the anarchist bookstores in Montreal and Sydney was called Black Rose Books. The anarchist lecture series by Murray Bookchin and Noam Chomsky in the year 1990 were also titled, Black Rose. In Nazism, a black rose was the symbol of winning over the traitors and ‘all is well.’
Black Rose in Fiction
Black rose was featured in the vampire series of Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. Lisa Jane Smith had used it to represent mayhem and non-humans, who went on to become the prey of vampires in her novel. In Dragonlance, it stands for dishonor.
Black Rose in Anime
Revolutionary Girl Utena, the anime series, which relies heavily on roses and their symbolism, describes black roses to depict dark soul or the dark side of a person. Black roses are used to describe selfish interests and ignorance of the protagonists in the Black Rose Duelists series. The black roses are called Piranha Roses in Saint Seiva series, to symbolize the killing and attack.
Black Rose in Video Games
In the video game, Fable, black rose represents the evil love between two anti-heroes. Black roses represent deep romance and ferocious beauty in the Elder Scrolls universe. The Great Fairy’s Sword in the Legend of Zelda is decorated with black roses.
Black Rose Meaning in Art and Literature
Despite its tragic connotation with love and romance, black rose finds a place in the titles of many romantic novels by eminent authors such as Nora Roberts, Christina Skye, Debra Mullins and Harlequin.
Black Rose in Music
‘Black Roses’ happens to be the title of a song performed by Clear Light and Barrington Levy. Ireland’s most famous as well as, outrageous political song is titled ‘Róisín Dubh’, which means ‘little black rose.’
