The Best Colors of Roses for a Death

Roses are often a symbol of romantic love or even friendship, but the flowers are also fitting to give in times of mourning. If you want to bring flowers to the funeral service of a loved one, or extend your condolences to a friend who has just had a death in the family, give rose gifts in the appropriate colors.

Red roses mean "I love you," making them a fitting bloom to bring to a loved one in mourning or as a flower arrangement at a funeral. The flower symbolizes the love you will always feel for the departed as well as the abiding love in your heart for those who are grieving the loss of a family member. Roses given in a group of six represent mothers, grandmothers or wives, so if you're presenting the flowers to someone who has lost one of these individuals, half a dozen roses is appropriate.

White roses represent purity; a gift of white roses also says "You're heavenly." When a loved one passes away, a spray of white roses at the memorial ceremony serves as a sign of the pureness of the person's soul and memory. A bouquet that consists of nine or more roses is an outright declaration of the giver's love for the recipient, making the bouquet appropriate to give to a bereaved loved one as well.

Pink roses, particularly light pink blooms, are appropriate to give when there is a death. The color pink in terms of flowers means appreciation or admiration and can also be a symbol of grace. When roses in this color are displayed at funerals, it signifies your appreciation for the departed or the gracefulness of the departed's character. Light pink roses are also correct to present to those who are ailing or deathly ill.

A color that symbolizes mourning, remorse, sorrow and death, black is often included in funerals in the West; black roses convey these sentiments as well. The roses are not actually black but a deep shade of burgundy. Even though the flowers are right to give to those who are bereaved, they can also symbolize breaking a detrimental habit or the death of an old lifestyle.