share / Rose Flower Meaning and Symbolism
July 20, 2016
Here at FTD, we’ve been in the business of guaranteeing freshrose deliveryfor more than 110 years, so we like to think we know a little about this extravagant and important bloom. Learn all about the history of roses, as well as their many meanings and symbolism with us.
In Greek mythology, roses originated from Adonis, the deity of plants and rebirth. Adonis was born from a deceptive union between King Theias and his daughter Myrrha. When King Theias realized that his daughter had tricked him, he chased her with his sword. To protect Myrrha, Aphrodite transformed her into a tree.
King Theias shot the tree with an arrow, splitting it in half. It was from this tree that Adonis was born. Aphrodite took to Adonis and raised him like a son. As Adonis grew, he became an avid hunter. One day while he was hunting, Adonis came across Ares, one of Aphrodite’s past lovers, who was disguised as a wild boar. Ares attacked Adonis and when Aphrodite heard his screams, she ran into the forest and found him dying. The blood that ran from his wounds hit the ground and turned into roses.
In another version of the tale, red roses originated when Aphrodite was running to Adonis’ side, cut her feet on the thorns of the flowers, and stained them red.
Rose Meanings
Roses are most commonly associated with love and romance.
Roses can also mean secrecy or confidentiality. The term “sub rosa”, meaning under the rose, comes from ancient times. Romans would hang roses from the ceilings of banquet halls, and it was understood that anything said under the influence of wine was to remain confidential.
In the Middle Ages, roses were also hung from the ceilings of meeting rooms. It was understood that everyone under the roses was sworn to secrecy.
Roses are also used on four tarot cards. The Fool, the Magician, the Strength card, and the Death card. On the Fool, the white rose symbolizes purity and is a reminder to cleanse the mind. On the Magician card, it signifies unfolding wisdom. On the Strength card, the rose represents balance. And on the Death card, it’s a reminder of purity, clarity, and transparency of intent.
Rose Symbolism and Colors
A rose’s symbolism varies by thecolorof the rose and how many roses are given.
Redroses symbolize love and romance and are the perfect Valentine’s Day rose.
Pinkroses symbolize gratitude, grace, admiration, and joy.
Orangeroses symbolize enthusiasm and passion.
Yellowroses symbolize friendship.
Whiteroses symbolize innocence and purity.
Though in most cases, roses are tied to love, you can send a specificromantic messageby the number of roses you send.
One rose symbolizes love at first sight.
Two roses symbolize shared and deep love.
Three roses says “I love you”.
Six roses says “I want to be yours”.
Seven roses says “I’m infatuated with you”.
Nine roses symbolize eternal love.
Ten roses says “You’re perfect”.
Rose Cultural Significance
Roses are England’s national flower. In the fifteenth century, they represented two important families — the Lancasters and the Yorks. The War of the Roses occurred in England between 1455 and 1487 when the house of Lancaster, represented by a red rose, and the house of York, represented by a white rose, competed with each other to rule England.
The rose also inspired one of England’s greatest writers, William Shakespeare. His play,Romeo and Juliet, contains one of the most popular quotes on roses. In the play, Juliet says, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” She’s reminding Romeo that even though they come from rival houses, it shouldn’t matter because their love is real.
Rose Facts
There are many types of roses — 150 species and thousands of hybrids can be found in a variety of shapes and colors.
All roses are considered shrubs.
There are three groups of roses: old roses, modern roses, and species roses.
Rose petals can be eaten and can be used in salads or desserts.
Rose Uses
Because of their sweet fragrance, roses are commonly used in perfume and beauty products. Rosewater has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation. It also includes antioxidants and can hydrate your skin. Rose hips, the fruit of roses, are also beneficial for you. They can be eaten and contain high amounts of Vitamin C.
Resources
www.greeka.com| www.pantheon.org| www.theoi.com| www.tarotteachings.com| www.oxforddictionaries.com| www.almanac.com| www.rose.org| www.huffingtonpost.com
I'm a passionate enthusiast with a deep understanding of the fascinating world of roses. Having explored various aspects of this magnificent flower, I'll share my expertise on the concepts mentioned in the article about the meaning and symbolism of roses.
Rose Origin in Greek Mythology: The article mentions the Greek myth of Adonis and how roses originated from his blood. This myth highlights the intricate connections between mythology and the symbolism of roses, showcasing their importance in cultural narratives.
Rose Meanings: Roses hold diverse meanings, with love and romance being the most common associations. The article delves into additional meanings, such as secrecy and confidentiality, as represented by the term "sub rosa." This historical context, including the use of roses in banquet halls and meeting rooms, adds depth to the cultural significance of roses.
Rose Symbolism and Colors: The symbolism of roses varies based on their colors. The article provides insights into the meanings associated with different hues, such as red symbolizing love and romance, pink symbolizing gratitude, and yellow symbolizing friendship. Understanding the symbolism behind rose colors adds richness to the language of flowers.
Rose Cultural Significance: Roses have played a significant role in cultural history, as evidenced by their designation as England's national flower. The War of the Roses, as mentioned, further emphasizes the political and symbolic importance of roses in England during the fifteenth century. The influence of roses on literary works, particularly in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," highlights their enduring cultural impact.
Rose Facts: The article provides interesting facts about roses, including the existence of numerous rose species and hybrids, their classification into three groups, and the culinary uses of rose petals. These facts contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and versatility of roses.
Rose Uses: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, roses have practical applications. The article mentions the use of roses in perfume and beauty products, emphasizing their sweet fragrance. Additionally, the therapeutic properties of rosewater and the nutritional benefits of rose hips showcase the multi-faceted utility of roses.
In conclusion, the world of roses is a tapestry woven with historical, cultural, and symbolic threads. From mythology to literature, colors to culinary uses, roses captivate us with their beauty and significance, making them a timeless subject of fascination and exploration.
