subject: The History Of Roses Disclosed [print this page] The tried and true beauty of roses makes them a perennial favorite for people all of ages and cultures. From ancient civilizations right through until current times, the rose has been a symbol of grace and delicate beauty. The diverse history of roses shows how these blooms have always made a lasting effect on those around them.
Dated at 35 million years old, fossilized rose remains hint at their wide spread popularity. Discovered in Asia, Europe and North America, medicines and healing brews have likely been made from rose hips and petals for centuries.
In the world of Ancient Asia, records show the Emperor of China's habit of growing and cultivating roses as far back as 500 BC. The powerful rulers of this culture adored and desired to be surrounded by the beautiful bloom.
Ancient Greece was the first place to use the flower as a symbol of secrecy. Secret meetings were often held in locations marked with a rose, which then gave rise to the phrase sub rosa, meaning "under the rose." The Greek island of Rhodes is also named after our bloom.
The height of Roman society used the rose to create seductive and luxurious atmospheres. Even the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra covered her bed and boats with petals to draw in powerful Roman men. Emperor Nero himself was known to spread the petals all over his dinner parties, on the seating, tables and into the food itself.
Although it is immersed in Christian culture now, the rose likely wasn't tied to the new religion until later. Early believers would have associated the flower with pagan indulgences and worship. The rose was the popular symbol of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Could this be why we still use it as a sign of romance and adoration?
Throughout Europe and Britain, the history of roses extends into folklore, literature and architecture. Red roses were associated with martyrs and the flower was often incorporated into heraldry. The famous Wars of the Roses in fifteenth century England embedded the symbol even further into western culture. When the Tudor dynasty came into power later on, they made sure both the Lancaster red and York white roses were included in their coat of arms.
Rosaries were so named because of a well known Christian legend that tells of a monk making garlands from the bloom. He then began reciting prayers and had a vision of the rosary, a combination of the two habits.
Stunning rose windows can be found on European palaces and churches. Designed to reflect the attractive form of the flower, the architecture is just as lovely today.
Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon of France, built an impressive rose garden at Malmaison. Rumors claim that the garden had every known rose cultivar of the day, as much as 250 different types of the bloom.
In words, the likes of Shakespeare and Robert Burns have mentioned and praised the rose. Always dramatic, full of love and romance, this flower fits well in literature.
The history of roses is rich throughout all cultures. To impress, indulge or simply enjoy, roses are the ideal choice.
