The Meaning of the Rose

Roses have symbolically marked many periods throughout history; with its velvet petals and spectrum of colours and scents, the rose was a revered symbol in daily life.

The Importance of Roses Throughout History

Fossilised roses have been found around the world, proving the existence of this flower in pre-historic times. Petrified rose wreaths were discovered in the tombs of the ancient Egyptians signifying the importance of spiritual well-being that they attributed to the rose.

The Romans and Greeks worshipped this aromatic flower, using it to fragrance themselves and their homes. Rose petals were strewn over the floors on special occasions and sprinkled in their bathwater. Believing the rose to be an aphrodisiac, they also sprinkled the petals in their wine and beer.

The Crusaders brought many species of rose to Europe from the East. Some believe the early tea roses took their name from the tea clippers that transported them from India, while others maintain the scent describes their name. The Damask rose is named for the ancient city of Damascus.

In France, Napoleon’s wife Josephine built up one of the most impressive collections of roses from flowers brought from every destination by her husband’s army. Meanwhile, in England, the rose was chosen as the national emblem.

The rose also forms the centrepiece of certain heraldic emblems; most noteworthy, the Red Rose of the House of Lancaster and the White Rose of the House of York who fought each other between the years 1455 to 1487, a time known historically as the Wars of the Roses.

Roses Used as Medical Remedies

Roses have been used as a therapy down the ages for such diverse illnesses as gout and stomach upsets. The rose hip, with its high Vitamin C content, is still used today in its various forms for its health giving properties.

The Rose as a Religious Symbol

The Catholic Rosary was originally a string of 150 dried roses. In Christianity the white rose is associated with the Virgin Mary and the red rose represents the blood of Christ, spilled on the cross for the love of mankind.

The Rose is Linked to Perfume Manufacture

The Persians were the first people to find a way of extracting pure rose oil from varieties of the Damask rose, amongst others. The method, developed through thousands of years, still uses rose oil in soaps and toiletries. Indeed, rose oil remains a key element of the many fragrances manufactured by the perfume houses around the world.

Today, with over 30,000 vareties, the rose counts as one of the most popular flowers chosen by gardeners throughout the world. Wine growers in the Luberon area of Provence, use roses as an early warning signal for diseases and pests, such as green fly, by planting rose bushes at the end of the rows of vines. Roses of all types and colours are used extensively by florists to create bouquets that are given as gifts of friendship, love and respect. But what do the colour of the roses in the bouquets actually mean?

The Message Depends on the Colour of the Rose

• Red Roses – Love. They convey deep emotions from respect to devotion.
• White Roses – Chastity and innocence.
• Pink Roses – Gentle emotions, joy, gratitude and appreciation.
• Orange Roses – Togetherness, passion and energy.
• Peach Roses – Anticipation and hope for the future.
• Purple Roses – Light shades – Love at first sight. Darker shades – Splendour and regal majesty.
• Yellow Roses – Exuberance, friendship and caring.

If the message the sender wants to convey is none of these things, but more than one emotion, according to the flower expert, “online flowers encyclopaedia”, a bouquet of different roses symbolises mixed emotions. For example,a bouquet made with red and white roses, signifies, ‘I love you intensely and my intentions are honourable.’

One thing is certain, whatever the meaning, roses make an attractive addition to any garden and a pleasing gift which most people would be pleased to recieve, regardless of the occasion or message the sender is trying to convey.