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The History of Roses
Roses have a significant history as symbols of love, beauty, and power, dating back 35 million years, according to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. There are about 150 rose species in the world and about 30,000 cultivated varieties. Roses were widely grown during the Roman period in the Middle East and Europe, where they were used for celebration, medicine, and perfume. In the 15th century, roses began to gain political importance in England during the War of the Roses. Their value carried into the 17th century, roses and rose water were valued as currency, as well as in the following centuries, where they gained further prominence through botanical illustrations. The introduction of Chinese roses in Europe shapes most modern roses, which helped secure their lasting cultural and historical significance.
Why Roses in Romance?
Why roses? With over 400,000 flower species just as elegant and romantic as a rose, what made a red rose the symbol of love? Multiple moments in history suggest roses are the epitome of romance. In Greek Mythology, the word rose is an anagram of the Greek god of love, Eros. Chloris, the goddess of flowers, transformed a lifeless nymph into a stunning bloom, which Aphrodite later named the rose in honor of her son. Also, as mentioned before, roses were popular with the Romans, nearly all brides would wear rose crowns and their beds would be covered in roses, linking roses to love and desire.
Roses show up in Shakespeare’s 16th century plays more than 70 times. Famously, in Romeo and Juliet, Juliet argues her case for loving Romeo, with the line, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet”. Through Shakespeare’s words, the rose comes to represent love that is both beautiful and doomed. Following the Victorian era, lovers would use “the language of flowers” to communicate through posies. In their floral dictionary, a red rose within posies would symbolize a proud way to say “I love you” at a time when verbal sentiment was considered inappropriate.
While red roses are considered the flower of love, other colors of roses are just as beautiful and romantic. Let’s get into a few and their meanings!
Red Roses: Passion, Desire, Romance. A representation of newlywed joy and a mutual respect and admiration for each other!
Orange Rose: Energy and Desire. An orange rose also symbolizes admiration and excitement, giving them a positive and encouraging meaning. Great for a big accomplishment!
Yellow Rose: Friendship, Joy, Radiance. All feelings associated with platonic relationships, warmth, delight, affection, they’re a great gift to spread positivity and love!
Pink Roses: Soft and Elegant. Pink roses are sophisticated and sweet and are a symbol of femininity. They’re the perfect addition to an arrangement needing a gentle touch.
White Rose: Young love and innocence. White roses are a symbol of purity and youthfulness. New beginnings are commonly tied to white roses, perfect when paired with beautiful greenery, creating a romantic arrangement for both spouses and newlyweds!
Whether through history, poetry, or color, roses continue to be love’s most enduring symbol. Shop roses today and let their timeless romance speak for you!
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