History and Cultural Influence of the World's Most Beloved Flower
It is no secret that a rose is one of the most demanded flowers and is recognized as the symbol of love on a global scale. Although there are at least over fifty well-known varieties of roses throughout the world, and each is an indication of love, for time's sake, we will only mention our most sought-after roses for Valentine's Day.
Rose Flower Meaning and Symbolism
According to Flowerpaedia (2018), authored by environmental artist and floral specialist Cheralyn Darcey, the colors of a rose can have different meanings. For instance, the white rose represents truth, protection, and purity. The pink rose expresses thankfulness and gratitude, appreciation, and desire.
As for the red rose, this flower represents love, respect, courage, passion, lust, relationship, unity, and beauty.
Rose Flower Cultural History
The gifting of flowers, specifically roses, became significant due to the cultural influence of greek mythology and its praise for the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. Mythology states that a rose bush grew from the ground from the blood of her lost lover, Adonis. The Romans, who also hailed Aphrodite as Venus, upheld the rose symbol of love and beauty in honor and celebration.
Rose Flower Geographical Origins
According to the online resource Encyclopedia Britannica, britannica.com (sourced in 2020), the rose, otherwise referred to as Rosacea, is a part of the perennial shrubs within the rose family (Genus). These flowers can be sourced from northern hemisphere regions and are native to Asia, North America, and Europe. Today, an average rose can range in color and fragrances sourcing from professional crossbreeding techniques.
Over the last century with scientific advancements within the horticulture industry, crossbreeding flowers has become common practice, and the rose is no exception to genetic engineering. For instance, Hybrid Tea Roses are sourced from crossbreeding Hybrid Perpetual Roses. Polyantha Roses produce dense and hardy roses in tiny blossoms, and Floribunda Roses are vigorous hybrids crossing from Hybrid Teas with Polyanthas. Grandiflora Roses are new hybrids resulting from crossbreeding Hybrid Teas and Floribunda Roses. So the list of rose variations increase as horticulture continues to scientifically enhance the rose genetic traits.
The technological advancements do not simply stop within the horticulture industry, the derivative community of floriculture has also aided in building the foundations of the cultural phenomena of the rose. Apart from the industrial farming and mass distribution of roses, the tangible extractions from the flower is significant as well. For example, the Damask Rose is the most utilized perfume fragrance of all rose family variations. There is also the Rosehips, an edible and fleshy berry-like fruit, are high in vitamin C and are often found in teas and preservatives. Roses are used for floriography, language of flowers, and yet because roses can also be used for beauty and health purposes, this flower is multifaceted.
In closing, over the centuries to present day, roses are globally recognized as a united symbol for love and alike a kindred smile, no matter the language, religion, or geographical location, the cultured and historic rose represents respect and romance. Cheers to the legacy of the rose! - OXO
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Sources For This Article
Author - Naia Geni | Floral Designer | Senior Editor | @naiageni
Flowerpaedia (2018) | Cheralyn Darcey
Although roses have been dominating center stage for centuries, other well-known flowers are also synonymous with love. Our exclusive flower list is perfect for those who are seeking more flower variations beyond the popularized rose. Let's explore the top flowers that represent love and romance. Read More
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