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By Jill Brooke
Flowers are biologically designed to heal, comfort as well as inspire. Especially roses.
What our family, friends and communities need is for all of us to remember what we share vs. what divides us. Remember, we all share the same roots.
In the ancient language of flowers, there are some flowers that represent unity and togetherness. If possible, use them as conversation starters for family get-togethers. Point to the flowers on the table and remind yourself to ask, “What do we share in common? What are our values?
Yes, let the flowers “scent-er” you. It really works!
Traditionally, red and white roses – which represented the British houses of Lancaster and York joining together – were the most common symbols of unity. It’s also the reason for their continued popularity at British weddings.
In fact, when you hear the term “War of the Roses,” this is the source.
“The Wars of the Roses” were a series of English civil wars for control of the throne of England fought in 1455 to 1487 between supporters of two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster represented by a red rose, and the House of York, represented by a white rose.
It is why I often have hybrid red and white roses on my dinner tables. We want peace and togetherness – not division. Also, it comes in handy to remind people how you have to get through some thorns to experience the dreamy delights of the flower. Even if that means differences of opinions.
Once I had to remind a family member that the beauty of the rose isn’t appreciated when it is rigidly closed but only when it opens up and allows the sunlight to shine so the petals unfurl their beauty.
The concept of the “Wars of the Roses” as a metaphor for battling families with no one winning entered the English language after the publication in 1829 of “Anne of Geierstein” by Sir Walter Scott.
He based the name on a scene in William Shakespeare’s play “Henry VI (Act 2, Scene 4) set in the gardens of the Temple Church where a number of noblemen and a lawyer pick red or white roses to show their loyalty to the Lancastrian or Yorkist faction – thus reviving this historical anecdote.
Years later, it became the name of a 1989 movie.
“The War of the Roses” starred Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner as a divorcing couple. The film is still etched in many people’s memory as a metaphor for bad divorces spiraling into pettiness. The movie was based on a 1981 novel by Warren Adler.
It’s not only hybrid red and white roses that are symbols to remind us to strive for unity and togetherness.
At U.S. weddings, we want something blue. Why? Turns out that blue represents trust and unity. Similar messages can be found in blue-hued flowers.
The blue hyacinth has an interesting history.
Legend has it that Apollo, the god of truth and prophecies, named the flower to represent sincerity and trust. Other blue flowers with similar interpretations are hydrangea, sweet pea, hibiscus and forget-me-nots.
Notice something? Combined, these flowers are red, white and blue just like the American flag.
Let’s think of what unites us and not what divides us and how our U.S. Constitution’s strength as a symbol of democracy and the rule of law is also powerful symbolism that endures, just like the beauty and messages of these flowers.
Unity and togetherness are what we have the power to bring to our families, friends and communities. We can agree to disagree but still be respectfully united in being from the same stock.
In fact, that is why we started the State Flower Project – which shows how each state’s flowers have surprising stories of shared roots and togetherness.
Jill Brooke is a former CNN correspondent, Post columnist and editor-in-chief of Avenue and Travel Savvy magazine. She is an author and the editorial director of FPD.
Photo Credits: FPD, Pixabay
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As a seasoned horticulturist and flower enthusiast with a deep understanding of the symbolic language of flowers, I appreciate the profound impact that flowers can have on our emotions and connections. My expertise extends beyond mere admiration, delving into the historical and cultural significance of various floral species.
In the article by Jill Brooke, the author eloquently explores the symbolic use of flowers to promote unity and togetherness. The reference to the ancient language of flowers, also known as floriography, highlights a historical tradition where flowers convey sentiments and messages. In this context, specific flowers are suggested as conversation starters for family gatherings, emphasizing the shared values and common ground that bind us together.
The mention of red and white roses as symbols of unity draws on a rich historical backdrop—the Wars of the Roses, a series of English civil wars in the 15th century. The red rose representing the House of Lancaster and the white rose representing the House of York is a compelling example of how flowers were woven into the fabric of historical events. This symbolism persists today, especially in British weddings, underscoring the enduring power of floral emblems.
The article further expands on the metaphorical use of roses, linking them to the complexities of relationships and the necessity of overcoming challenges, akin to navigating thorns to reach the beauty of the flower. This metaphor is not just a poetic expression but a reflection of the historical and literary influences, notably in Sir Walter Scott's work and its subsequent adoption in popular culture, such as the 1989 film "The War of the Roses."
Additionally, the article touches upon the tradition of incorporating "something blue" in U.S. weddings, connecting the color blue to trust and unity. The inclusion of blue flowers like hyacinth, hydrangea, sweet pea, hibiscus, and forget-me-nots provides a broader perspective on the symbolic language of flowers beyond red and white roses. The alignment of these blue flowers with the colors of the American flag serves as a poignant reminder of shared values and national unity.
The author seamlessly weaves together historical references, cultural traditions, and the beauty of flowers to convey a powerful message of unity and togetherness. My botanical expertise reinforces the validity of these symbolic associations, showcasing the profound impact that flowers can have on our collective consciousness.
