Something about Roses
Fun Facts About Roses
Roses have been used for centuries and in different cultures as gifts and in flower arranging. Why are red roses given as a sign of love and has it always been that way? Exploring some of the fun facts about roses is another way to increase our awareness of the art of floral design and the gift of flowers to the ones we love.
Abraham Lincoln said, “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”
A rose is known as an ancient symbol for love and beauty. Did you know that it is the national flower for the United States? The ancient Greeks and Romans identified the rose with their goddesses of love referred to as Aphrodite and Venus respectively. In Rome a wild rose would be placed on the door of a room where secrets and confidential matters were being discussed. Early Christians identified five petals of the rose with the five wounds of Christ. Rose water or rose perfumes are made by steam distillation of the petals to obtain rose oil. One of the oldest meanings of the word rosary was “a rose garden.” Rosaries were made up of dried rose hips or rosewood.
A woman named Rose.
Rose O’Neal Greenhow was the name of a very famous female spy for the Confederacy who was both beautiful and wealthy. She had a daughter named Rose who spent time with her mother in 1862 at Old Capital Hill Prison. Rose’s daughter, ‘who known as Little Rose’, was only eight years old at the time. The name Rose for a baby girl originated in Germany. Having been in use since the early 1900’s, it is a variation of Rosalyn, which was ultimately derived from the medieval name “Rosalin.”
Rose colors and their meanings.
Red Rose
Red: love, courage, and respect.
Red and White Together
Red & White Together: unity and togetherness.
Light PInk Rose
Light Pink: Grace, sophistication, and elegance.
Dark Pink Rose
Dark Pink: Gratefulness, appreciation.
White Rose
White: Innocence, purity, secrecy, friendship, reverence, humility.
Yellow Rose
Yellow: Joy, deep friendship.
Black Rose
Black: Death (black being the color of death). It also is for rebirth after death
The rose comes in many colors, fragrances, and sizes. It has been used for many centuries by different cultures for flower arranging designs, symbolism, religious practices, and is mentioned throughout Mythology. It plays a significant role even in today’s society in floral design and as gifts. Has a red rose always been a sign of love? The answer would have to be a definite yes. There is even mention in the bible of roses and of several uses for them. Needless to say, roses have been around since people took interest in the nature around them and set out to use them to beautify their surroundings. We should all take the time to stop and smell the roses.
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