The Symbolism of Roses

The ivory rose sends a message of care and thoughtfulness, pure, with no romantic intentions. 
The pale pink rose symbolizes gratitude and appreciation, the perfect rose to send as a thank you. 

Rosa spp.Rosa is the Latin meaning for “a flower”.

Gender: Feminine 
Element: Water
Planet: Venus

The rose, cherished internationally, ia a native of the United States. The  oldest  known fossil was  found on a slate  deposit  in Florissant, Colorado, and is estimated to be thirty-five million years old. In 1987, legislation was passed to make the rose the National Floral Emblem of the United States. It is also the state flower of the District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, North Dakota and New York. 
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Through  out history, the rose has been associated  with  psychic powers, healing and protection.  At one time it  was used extensively in cooking, and our own Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company features a divine  Eastern Shore Victorian Rose Tea. 

But with all  its  powers and virtues, it is best know for its association with love.

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“The rose is the emblem of all  ages, the interpreter of all our feelings, the rose mingles with our festivities, our joy, our grief. Modesty borrows the delicate blush; it is given as the  prize  of virtue, the image of youth, innocence, and  pleasure.  It  is consecrated  to Venus, the  goddess of beauty, and like her, possesses a grace more exquisite than beauty  itself.” 

                                 ~  From the  Language of Flowers -  1846, Illustrated by  Kate Greenaway

Flowers took on a new role in the Vitorian era. The Victorians attributed meaning to flowers, creating an elegant and silent language. Roses were a favorite.  Over the years, meanings have been expanded and altered. (Yellow roses once symbolized jealousy but the modern interpretation is friendship, for example). 

As we approach Valentine’s Day, when an estimated  250 million roses are sold in the  United States, it seems the perfect time  to honor the rose.  The next few weeks will feature roses of different colors, their messages, stories and legends.