National Rose Month

There’s nothing more classic and romantic than a beautiful bouquet of roses. Whether it’s for an anniversary, birthday, or national holiday, roses are always a great way to celebrate! But how did the rose become so significant?

History of the Rose

The red rose began its well-known, symbolic history in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. During this time, the rose was often associated with Aphrodite or Venus, goddesses of love. After the rise of Christianity, it became closely associated with the Virgin Mary. In the seventeenth century, roses were in such high demand that roses, and rose water, were often used for barter and payments. In the eighteenth century, roses were finally introduced into Europe from China, and most modern-day roses can be traced back to this ancestry.

Symbolism

In Western culture, the rose is used most prevalently as a symbol of love. They frequently appear in many forms of art, from poetry and literature to contemporary films and everything in between. It is commonly believed that the significance of a rose varies depending on its color.

Cultural Significance

The rose is the national flower of England, and throughout the fourteenth century, roses represented two families—Lancaster and York—who were at conflict with each other. A white rose represented the York family, while red represented Lancaster. The conflict between these two families later became known as “The Rose War.”

These historic beauties are loved by many and are often used to show one’s deep affection and love toward their significant other. One of these beautiful June days, send someone the gift of roses, and be sure to remember their blooming and fragrant history.

Let us know in the comments below how you plan to celebrate the rich history of roses this month! If you’re looking to send some beautiful roses to your special someone, click below to find your local florist!