The rose became a traditional flower symbol of Father’s Day in the United States.
Early Father’s Day observances used roses to represent family affection and remembrance. A red rose was commonly associated with a living father, while a white rose could honor a father who had died. These color meanings are part of the holiday’s older symbolic customs rather than a universal rule followed by every family today.
The rose tradition parallels the use of flowers on Mother’s Day, although carnations became especially associated with that holiday. Because both celebrations use flowers, the two customs are sometimes incorrectly merged.
Modern Father’s Day gifts vary widely and may include meals, clothing, books, tools or experiences. Even so, the rose remains an important historical symbol in accounts of how the American observance developed.