Roses are the most famous flower in the world. But this isn't a new
developing. The rose has been in bloom for a long time.
Roses are the most famous flower in the world. But this isn't a new
development. There is a long history of roses that spans
almost five thousand years into the past. In fact, the rose has been the most
revered flower in the world for as long as recorded human history. The rose is a
frequent feature in art, poetry, mythology, and literature across cultures and
centuries. The rose has been in bloom for a long time.
According to Greek mythology, it was Aphrodite, the goddess of love
and beauty that gave the rose its name. The importance of this name was
questioned in the world's most famous love story: William Shakespeare's Romeo
and Juliet. In Hindu legend, Brahma, the creator of the world, argued with
Vishnu, the caretaker of the Earth about which flower was the most beautiful:
the lotus or the rose. Vishnu insisted that the lotus was the most beautiful
flower, because he had never seen a rose. When Brahma showed the rose to him,
Vishnu changed his mind. As a reward, Brahma created a beautiful bride for
Vishnu created from rose petals.
The history of roses had one of its most glorious periods during the
Roman Empire. The Romans prized the rose so highly, that slaves were forced to
grow them instead of much needed food crops in order to meet the emperors'
incredible demand for the flowers. Roman Emperors demanded to be bathed in rose
water and cover their throne in petals. During military parades, rose petals
were used as confetti and Roman emperors would have slaves shower their guests
with them from rooftops. During this period, the rose became a symbol for the
imperial abuses of the empire.
The history of the rose became intertwined in fifteenth century
England when war erupted over the throne. The House of Lancaster, which was
symbolized by the red rose, and the House of York, represented by the white
rose. Because of this, the event became known as the War of the Roses. After the
war was over, the rose remained as a symbol of power. English nobility
cultivated them into sculptured gardens to surround their estates. The rose
became so valued by European aristocracy, that rose water was used as legal
tender. It was often used in bartering at markets or as payment of debt by
commoners. Napoleon's wife Josephine grew an elaborate garden of roses: boasting
almost two hundred fifty different varieties of roses.
The cultivated rose was introduced into Europe by China in the
eighteenth century. Until' this point, the roses in Europe had only been pink or
white. It was at this time when the famous red rose reached Europe and became a
worldwide symbol of love and beauty, like the goddess that named it, Aphrodite.
Even today, the rose remains the most popular flower in the world. In
fact, over one hundred fifty million rose plants are purchased every year. The
history of the rose explains how this beautiful flower has come to mean so much.
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Check out The Joy of R
ose Gardening now, to find great articles, advice, tips and much more
on topics such as The History and Meaning of Roses,
;Seasonal Rose Gardening, General Rose
Gardening, Beginning Rose Gardening and great
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and Rose Insects. The Joy of Rose Gardening, your source
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