Meaning Of Roses
A Historical Guide to the Meaning of Roses
From the beginning of time, flowers have expressed many emotions for people; attaching meaning of roses to emotions is a practice that has endured through the ages. It is estimated that the rose has roots going back about 35 million years, and through time has evolved into the most favored flower in possibly the world, although no species have been naturally found growing south of the equator, although they are enjoyed now through introduction.
A colorful history follows the rose. When the first cultivation of roses began, thought to be about 5,000 years ago, there were limited hues of the multi petalled beauty. Although reds, pinks and whites were the only types, they were much beloved by the Asians who first recognized their potential. While the beauty of the roses and their heavenly scent was enough to make them popular, medicinal uses and meaning of roses and different parts of the plant such as the leaves, stems and petals were also discovered.
From Asia, the popularity of the flower spread to Greece, Rome and then into Europe. Along with the cultivation of the lovely flower began the cultivation of many stories involving the rose. Greek mythology took possession of the rose’s inception by weaving one such tale of Aphrodite’s naming of the flower. The goddess Chloris discovered the body of a lovely dead nymph in the forest and recruited the assistance of Aphrodite, Dionysus, Zephyr, Apollo and the three Graces to turn tragedy into triumph by creating a beautiful, sweet scented flower that Aphrodite named Rose.
Many thousands of years later, Egyptians included roses among the flowers bedecking funereal wreaths that were enclosed in the tombs of various individuals. Archeological finds have documented in one case within the tomb of Hawara the presence of one species of rose that is still in existence today. This documentation is the oldest known of a rose species; as beloved as the flower has been through the centuries, few have bothered to document its history.
Through the pleasures associated with the flowers, many over time have attached a meaning of roses in their lives to the flowers themselves. They became associated with the haughty rich during Roman times as slaves and peasants were forced to discontinue growing crops for food in favor of the growing of roses; providing blossoms and rose water to fill the selfish needs of the emperors. In the seventeenth century, roses were synonymous with legal tender; used by peasants to pay debts to their governing sovereigns as well as to trade for goods within the marketplace. In England, pairing types of roses with warring factions became known as the historic War of the Roses, with one side carrying the white rose as their symbol and the other the red. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that the meaning of roses became simply pleasure to many throughout Europe as plants filled the gardens of the rich, middle class and poor alike.
Roses continued in popularity over the years as their cultivation spread across the world. New colors were being developed; green roses came into being around the mid 1800’s and yellow in the early 1900’s which brought about orange varieties as well. It is estimated that the past 50 years has seen the largest surge in popularity for the rose to be gardened as a decorative plant, with a great deal more species emerging continually. With the added colors comes new meaning to roses; emotions, feelings and unspoken words are attached to different colors and combinations to attach further significance to the gift of beautiful blooms. Often the flowers are offered in lieu of spoken words; standing as an emblem to the giver’s soul.
Red Roses….. True Red exemplifies lovers
Fiery Red exhibits high passion
Cardinal Red speaks of great desire
White Roses….. Purity, innocence, loyalty and sincerity are conveyed
Known as the “bridal rose”, the rose of confession and of servitude
Yellow Roses….. A symbol of jealousy in Victorian times, now yellow is friendship, happiness within the home, or a message of “I’m sorry”.
Pink Roses….. Dark Pink or Hot Pink conveys thankfulness
Other hues may indicate romance, joy, elegance, admiration or beauty
Green Roses….. Fertility is symbolized by the green rose; also fruitfulness, calm, self-respect
Well-being; may provide a negative force through envy, “the green eyed monster”.
Purple Roses….. Lavender is a sign of love at first sight; enchantment, wonder, impossibility, royalty and control.
Deep purple can be used as a memorial rose for a spouse who has passed, or as love long lasting for anniversaries of 25 years and more.
Blue Roses….. Rarely found in a natural state, the blue rose can be tied to the lavender; its closest relative on the rainbow scale.
Peach Roses….. An unspoken “thank you” or “I appreciate you”
Black Roses….. An expression of sorrow or death; often used for funerals. They can also be a bad sign or omen. (continued...)