There are many fun facts
to explore about roses.
Roses have been used for
centuries and in different cultures as gifts and floral designs. 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."
Symbolism that has been attributed to the colors of roses.
Red: Love,
courage, and respect.
Red & White
Together: Unity and togetherness.
Light Pink: Grace,
sophistication, and elegance.
Dark Pink:
Gratefulness, appreciation.
White: Innocence,
purity, secrecy, friendship, reverence,humility.

Yellow: Joy, deep
friendship.

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 floral 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