Roses, as indicated by fossil remains, have been around since prehistoric times. The first cultivated roses appeared in Asian gardens more than 5,000 years ago. Introduced in Europe during the Roman Empire, roses were primarily used ornamentally. Cleopatra is said to have scattered rose petals before Mark Anthony's feet and, we are told that Nero released roses from the ceiling during extravagant feasts and banquets.
The rose is one of our most sentimental flowers. Legend has it that roses blushed with shame when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. There is a Roman legend that tells of several suitors bent on marrying a beautiful woman named Rodanthe. She, however, cared for none of them. Not easily deterred, her suitors continued in their efforts to win the fair Rodanthe. They did do with such vehemence that they even resorted to breaking down the doors to her home. Angered by their actions and wishing to teach the zealous suitors a lesson, the Goddess Diana turned Rodanthe into a rose, and her suitors into thorns.
The rose is the flower emblem of England. According to English superstition, should the petals fall from a freshly cut red rose, bad luck follows. The red rose is the badge of the House of Lancaster and the flower of Eros and Cupid. In Wales, the white rose represents innocence and silence, and, as a result, is placed on the grave of a young child. To Native Americans, the white rose symbolizes security and happiness, and is often worn during wedding ceremonies. It is the badge of the House of York and the flower of the Virgin Mary.
The rose is infused with symbolism. It has always meant and continues to be the messenger of love. A single rose symbolizes perpetual love. Two roses of any color taped or wired together signify a commitment or forthcoming marriage.
- Red Rose symbolizes love, passion, desire and respect.
- Dark Pink Rose symbolizes gratitude and appreciation
- White Rose symbolizes innocence, reverence, humility and truth.
- Orange Rose symbolizes fascination and enthusiasm.
- Purple/Lilac Rose symbolizes love at first sight, enchantment.
- Yellow Rose symbolizes friendship, caring, happiness and freedom.
- Pale Pink Rose symbolizes grace, admiration and sympathetic thoughts.
- Red & Yellow blended symbolizes gaiety and joviality.
- White and Yellow combined symbolize harmony.
- Red Roses and White combined symbolize bonding and harmony.
- Coral Rose symbolizes desire.
- Peach Rose symbolizes modesty.
Rose Trivia
- The rose is the official flower of Portland, Oregon and the official National Floral Emblem of the United States.
- The rose is the state flower of Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Dakota and Washington, D.C.
- About 60% of the roses grown in the U.S. are produced in California.
- Roses are native to the United States.
- The month of June is National Rose Month.
- Cleopatra once received her beloved Marc Antony in a room knee-deep in rose petals.
- Bulgaria is the primary source of rose oils in Europe.
