U.S. #4520
2011 44¢ Wedding Roses

Issue Date: April 21, 2011
City: Washington, DC

Quantity: 3,000,000
Printed By: Banknote Corporation of America, Sennett Security Products
Printing Method: Offset
Color: multicolored

Although modern couples plan weddings that reflect each person’s individuality, roses have remained a bridal tradition throughout many generations. Many people feel nothing conveys love better than a rose.

Suitors introduced the rose as a symbol of love in the Victorian Era. Strict rules of conduct made it impossible for smitten young men to express their emotions verbally. A “language of flowers” developed, which allowed lovers to communicate sentiments by the type, color, and number of flowers they gave one another.

The gift of red roses is a declaration of love, while pink roses convey sweetness, grace, and poetic romance. White roses carried on a bride’s wedding day signify eternal love, purity, and innocence.

According to tradition, long-stemmed roses are an expression of love and devotion. They represent love that is deep and long-lasting. Because the number twelve represents a complete cycle, a dozen roses are the symbol of complete love. Since there are 24 hours in a day, two dozen roses signify complete devotion each moment of every day.

Regardless of the color or number, a bouquet of roses is a special way to send a message of love.