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Rose: A Brief History & Meanings.

Aug 14, 2021

Image: Rose bouquet - clipartpanda.com
 
Shakespeare once wrote: “Of all flowers, methinks rose is best”. Such sentiment is quite common and throughout history this elegant, symbolic flower has occupied a special place in the hearts and minds of people everywhere according to missouri.edu. Americans show their reverence for rose by purchasing 1.2 billion cut roses annually. Additionally, it is estimated that 150 million rose plants will be purchased by gardeners worldwide during the coming growing season. Perhaps there is no better time to explore rose history than February and Valentine’s Day, the season of the year when, in the United States alone, an estimated 214 million roses will find their way into the lives of “significant others” everywhere.
 
Rose belongs to the family Rosaceae and genus Rosa; the latter contains about 150 species. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite, goddess of beauty, gave the rose its name in honor of her son Eros by rearranging just one letter in his name. In time Eros gave the rose to Harpocrates, god of silence, as a bribe to conceal the weakness of the gods. From there, rose became symbolic of secrecy, silence and love.
 
Fossil records show rose to be one of the most ancient of flowers. It probably originated in Central Asia but spread and grew wild over nearly the entire northern hemisphere. Two historical geographical groupings of roses can be made: 1) European/Mediteranean roses, which includes the Gallicas, Albas, Damasks, Damask Perpetuals, Centifolias and Mosses, and 2) Oriental roses, which are represented by the China and Tea roses.
 
The cultivation of roses likely began in Asia about 5000 years ago and they have been an intimate part of human civilization ever since. Confucius wrote of growing roses in the Imperial Gardens about 500 B.C. and mentioned that the emperor’s library contained hundreds of books on the subject of roses. Later, members of the Han dynasty were so obsessed with roses that their parks devoted to this flower took up so much land as to threaten the food supply, so the emperor ordered some to be plowed under.
 
Paintings on walls and other artifacts depicting roses were found in 5th century Egyptian tombs. It is said that Cleopatra was a fancier of roses and used them to try and seduce Mark Anthony. Reportedly she had her fountain filled with rose water and her chamber filled with two feet of rose petals in an attempt to win his affection. Additionally, the Persian King Nebuchadnezzar is said to have slept on a mattress filled with rose petals.
 
Centuries later, rose became synonymous with the lavish excesses often characteristic of the Romans, who associated rose with love, beauty, purity and passion. Roman emperors filled their baths with rose water and sat on carpets of rose petals for their feasts. Rose petals were used as confetti and Nero was said to be especially fond of having them fall from the ceiling at banquets (to the point dinner guest sometimes suffocated in their excess). So insatiable was the demand for roses that peasants often were forced to grow them instead of food just to satisfy the Roman aristocracy.
 
Early Christians considered rose to be symbolic of paganism and their oppressors, the Romans, and were warned by church leaders not to plant it. This warning (evidently) was ignored and it slowly gained popularity and was used in religious ceremonies. In time, rose became a Christian symbol and has become a rich part of its culture and literature.
 
Alexander the Great is credited by some with having introduced rose into Europe while others attribute the latter to knights returning from the Crusades of 12th and 13th century. During the dark ages European monasteries preserved the tradition of rose and required that at least one monk be skilled in botany and knowledgeable about the virtues of rose. Later, in 17th century Europe, rose became so prized that roses and rose water were considered a source of legal tender and could be used for paying the debts commoners owed to royalty. It also was during this era that Napoleon’s wife Josephine, a lover of roses, established one of the first extensive collections of roses at Chateau de Malmaison where her garden contained more than 250 rose varieties.
 
Presumably most of the roses in Josephine’s garden were of the European/Mediterranean type for it was not until the late 18th century that the China group was introduced into Europe. Shortly thereafter the China rose (Rosa chinensis) was crossed by hybridizers with Rosa gigantea (a European/ Mediterranean type) to form a new rose. Since some thought the newly-opened flowers of the resultant cross had the fragrance of an exquisite cup of tea, it was given the name tea rose. Decades later another type of rose was developed by crossing Damask rose (a hybrid formed in the Middle East by crossing Rosa gallica with Rosa moschata) with various species roses. Since the offspring of these crosses rebloomed freely they were given the name hybrid perpetuals and were quite popular through most of the nineteenth century.
 
A landmark achievement in rose breeding occurred in the mid-19th century when tea roses were crossed with hybrid perpetuals to give us the modern hybrid tea rose. Replete with their large flowers available in a palette of colors and their vigorous plants with glossy, green foliage, they are the most popular type of rose in the world today. Most consider them to be the standard of excellence by which all other types of roses are judged.
 
Several species of rose are indigenous to North America and rose was a favorite of many of those credited with shaping American history. William Penn imported 18 rose bushes from England in 1699. George Washington planted roses at Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson grew them at Monticello. John Adams is credited with planting the first rose at the White House and the formal rose garden that still exits today was established during the presidential term of Woodrow Wilson.
 
The American Rose Society lists over 40 different type of roses in its classification system. Generally, they are grouped into Old World Roses (introduced before 1867) and Modern Roses (developed after 1867). Additional to the hybrid tea, other important modern rose groups include polyantha, floribunda and grandiflora. Polyantha roses are shrubby, low-growing roses with clusters of small flowers. They usually are quite hardy and bloom freely throughout the growing season. Floribundas were derived from crosses between hybrid tea and polyanthus roses. They produce large, hardy, shrubby bushes that bloom profusely and produce clusters of flowers. Grandiflora roses are the result of crossing floribundas with hybrid tea roses. Like their floribunda parent, they produce flowers in clusters. However, as their name implies, individual flowers are much larger and favor their hybrid tea parent in size.
 
It can be seen that rose lineage is quite complex. Over the centuries breeding efforts have attempted to produce the “ideal” rose, whatever the latter might imply to the developer. In spite of all the progress made in their improvement, rose still represent a formidable challenge to the gardener because of its susceptibility to diseases and cold temperatures. We tend to hold most dearly those things in life that are difficult to obtain. One can’t help but wonder if at least a small part of the fascination people have for roses lies in their fragile nature and the skill it takes to grow them. The next time you admire a rose consider the number of people throughout the course of civilization who also have paid homage to this exquisite flower.
 
The Complete Rose Color Meanings Guide
 
Coveted through the ages for its simple beauty and intoxicating fragrance, there’s no better way to send a heartfelt message than with the classic rose according to proflowers.com. Roses make great tokens of affection however depending on their color can have different meanings. Whether you are selecting a rose for a friend, family member or special someone, picking the perfect rose color can be a great way to send a message using no words at all. To aid in your decision and help you make a “wow” impression we’ve rounded up all the different rose color meanings as well as common rose traditions to compliment them.
 
What Do Different Rose Colors Symbolize?
 
When deciding on a rose color, ask yourself what message you are trying to relay. Whether your message is one of love, friendship or remembrance our rose color meanings guide is here to help. Keep reading and explore the versatile color meanings of the rose or jump to a specific color you love!
 
1. White Roses
 
To begin with our rose color meanings guide, let’s travel from lightest rose colors to darkest. White roses are traditionally associated with marriages and new beginnings, but their quiet beauty has also made them a gesture of remembrance. Suited to reverent occasions, the white rose is a fitting way to honor a friend or loved one in recognition of a new beginning or a farewell. Their pure color conveys respect, pays homage to new starts, and expresses hope for the future. When the occasion calls for reverence a bouquet of white roses is a perfect way to say, “I’m thinking of you.”
 
 White Rose Meaning: Purity, Chastity and Innocence
 
2. Ivory Roses
 
Ivory while similar, is an offwhite color that appears a shade darker. Commonly thought of as a cream or eggshell color, ivory roses are often used to make an elegant presentation and can provide a calming vibe and sense of luxury. The ivory color also represents charm and can be a great gift for someone with exquisite taste and style. This color meaning would be a great selection for letting someone know you care, without romantic intentions.
 
Ivory Rose Meaning: Charm, Luxury and Elegance
 
3. Yellow Roses
 
While the yellow rose once symbolized jealousy and greed, it now represents friendship and care. Like the warm sunflower, gifting a yellow rose to a friend conveys warmth and affection and can be a great way to show your delight. Yellow roses also symbolize remembrance and a warm memory or a token of appreciation to another.
 
 Yellow Rose Meaning: Friendship, Care and Remembrance
 
4. Peach Roses
 
Peach roses are known for showing thanks and expressing gratitude. They are commonly given to celebrate a business deal or arrangement and can be a sign of loyalty. Peach roses are a “sweet” surprise due to their warm color and are a great gift for showing adoration to a young daughter or friend.
 
 Peach Rose Meaning: Modesty, Genuineness and Sympathy
 
5. Orange Roses
 
With their blazing energy, orange roses are the wild child of the rose family.  Orange roses represent fascination and pride. Whatever feelings you might be bubbling over with—enthusiasm, passion, gratitude—orange roses will get the message across with both oomph and elegance.
 
 Orange Rose Meaning: Passion, Desire and Fierce Love
 
6. Pink Roses
 
A classic symbol of grace and elegance, the pink rose is often given as a token of admiration and appreciation. They are the gentlest of roses and relay that message through their grace. Whether they’re for your best friend, fiancée or ever-dependable co-worker, a pink rose bouquet will create a bright spot in a special someone’s day.
 
 Pink Rose Meaning: Sweetness, Admiration and Joy
 
7. Red Roses
 
Long associated with beauty and perfection, red roses are a time-honored way to say “I love you.” Red roses convey passion and a strong romantic love for another person. Whether it’s for a birthday, Valentine’s Day or just to express appreciation on any day, there’s no better way than a bouquet of red roses to share your feelings.
 
Red Rose Meaning: Ultimate Love, Passion and Longing
 
8. Lavender Roses
 
Lavender roses are often seen in spring and represent love at first sight. These roses are used to express fascination and adoration. Their beauty is known to convey enchantment and their meaning can differ by shade. Darker shades of lavender roses convey a sense of regal, majesty and splendor.
 
Lavender Rose Meaning: Majesty, Fascination and Splendor
 
9. Green Roses
 
Green roses represent harmony, opulence and fertility. Like the lavender rose these colors are seen in spring and can represent rebirth and tranquility. As a gift, green roses symbolize best wishes for a prosperous new life or wishes for the recovery of good health.
 
Green Rose Meaning: Harmony, Peace and Health
 
10. Blue Roses
 
Blue roses, like the black rose, represent mystery and illusion from their mesmerizing hue. In terms of love, blue roses embody ultimate desire and lust. Given as a gift they also represent unattainable love but unfathomable favor.
 
Blue Rose Meaning : Unattainable Love, Desire and Mystery
 
11. Black Roses
 
Black roses, commonly used during Halloween, represent death and the ending of a feeling, idea, or relationship. Like blue roses, black roses are not created naturally so they represent mystery and elusiveness. Spooky! If you are to receive or give black roses you are conveying the end of your relations with another or signifying death.
 
Black Rose Meaning: Death, Elusiveness and Farewell
 
12. Multicolored Roses
 
Multicolored roses, also known as “rainbow roses,” are unique gifts that represent happiness and joy. The brightness and range of colors in multicolored roses convey fun and make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or a new baby. Like mixed rose color bouquets, multicolored roses can be a great way to share multiple emotions and messages into one gift.
 
13. Mixed Rose Color Meanings
 
Mixing different rose colors into a bouquet is a personalized way to combine many messages into one display. Mixing pink and green roses can symbolize gentleness and harmony which would be a great gift to show love and affection to a family member or kind friend. Mixing red and ivory roses could mean your love is intense and tasteful. Sending a message through rose color meanings is an extraordinary way to share your true feelings.
 
Rose Traditions and Meanings
 
Once you’ve decided on a color to convey the message you wish to send, consider a few other elements that play a part in your rose bouquet or flower selection. A few options include giving a single rose or dozen roses, a long-stemmed rose or a petite rose! Peruse common rose traditions and their meanings below to select a type of gift that will compliment your message!
 
One Dozen Roses
 
A dozen roses traditionally send a message of love and gratitude. As the significance of a dozen roses has become more prevalent, it has become the standard for rose arrangements for all occasions. When giving a dozen roses you are conveying the message “Be mine” or “I love you.”
 
Two Dozen Roses
 
With double the number of roses than a traditional dozen, a bouquet of two dozen roses carries double the meaning! Two dozen roses as a romantic gift say “I belong to you.” For other occasions, two dozen roses add to the extravagance of the gift.
 
Long-stemmed Roses
 
Long-stemmed roses carry deep meaning and are often the most desired and appreciated type of rose. A bouquet of long-stemmed roses signifies, “I will remember you always.” A single long-stemmed rose imparts a message of simplicity, such as “I love you deeply.”
 
Petite Roses
 
The petite roses are known for their miniature blooms, but their smaller size does not lessen their significance or their impact. Petite roses are also known as “sweetheart” roses. As their name implies, these roses are a symbol of affection perfect for a sweetheart. Petite roses are also more economical and can be repotted and pruned for longevity.
 
Now that you are familiar with rose color meanings and common rose traditions you can find a complementary pair of your choosing. Whether you are creating a bouquet for a friend or surprising a special someone do so with rose color meanings sure to get the message across. For more inspiration, explore all of our rose bouquets and find something special for the person you wish to impress.

 


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