HISTORY OF ROSES
OVERVIEW
A rose is a flowering shrub of the binomial nomenclature of Rosa. There are more then hundred varieties of roses available. Most of the species of Roses thrive in northern hemisphere from the temperate zones. These varieties usually belong to the family of prickly shrubs or climbers and trailing plants.
The name Rose originated from the Latin word Rosa in the colonial Greek times. Botanically, the leaves of roses are 5-15 cm long with 3, 5, 9 or 13 leaflets and basal stipules. The typical rose flower has five petals. Each petal in turn is partitioned in distinct two lobes which may be in colors of white or pink. The fruit borne by the rose is called rose hip. The open-rose species are apt for the pollinating bees. The thorns are the outgrowths of the epidermis called prickles. True thorns are actually modified stems.
Various types of roses are Wild Roses, Old Garden Roses, Alba, Galicia, Damask, Cent folia, Moss, China, Portend, Bourbon, Noisette, Tea, Hybrid Perpetual, Bermuda Mystery Roses, Climbing China, Laevigata, Sempervirens, Boursault, Climbing Tea, Climbing Bourbon, Modern Garden Roses, Hybrid Tea, Polyantha, Floribunda, Grandiflora, Miniature, English/Davis Austin and Landscape roses.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ROSES
Roses have always been the symbol of colorful history. The roses have been ambassadors of love, beauty, war and politics. According to the fossil records, rose is as old as 35 million years. The ancient Greeks and Romans considered rose as a tribute to their Goddess of love with regard to Venus and Aphrodite. The term ‘sub rosé’ in Rome was used to signify secret matters. Early Christians regarded the five petals of the rose with the five wounds of the Christ. Thus, red rose was eventually adopted as the symbol of the blood of Christian martyrs.
The spread of roses in the Northern hemisphere ranges from Alaska to Mexico inclusive of North Africa. The roses stood for the various factions fighting in England in the 15th century. The white rose stood for York and red rose symbolized Lancaster; therefore the conflict was known as the ‘war of the roses’. Napoleon’s wife Josephine had a valuable collection of roses at Chateau de Malmaison. This site later became the location of Pierre Joseph Readout’s ‘Les Rose’. Since the beginning of the 19th century, experts have been engaged in hybridizing various varieties of roses. The jubilance and aura of rose has won it an immense popularity since its early times. Rose has enjoyed unlimited popularity over hundreds of years.
Roses have been credited to provide valuable contribution to cut flower market. Also, roses are intricately entangled with the history of world and countless human civilizations. Rose has also been adopted as national emblem by many nations.
SYMBOLISM OF ROSES
Roses in each and every traditional community, is a symbol of love, romance, passion and appreciation. According to Austrian beliefs, Rose is symbol of immense appreciation. For the bride, rose symbolizes happy love.
> The burgundy rose is representative of unconscious love.
> The cabbage rose is an ambassador of love.
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Carolina rose stands for the dangers of love.
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The deep red rose symbolizes young and brilliant love.
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The full blown rose is a symbol of engagement.
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The half-blown rose symbolizes timid love.
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The Jacque Minot rose represents the truthfulness of the giver.
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Japanese rose is a reminder of the illusionary love.
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The Mont flora rose depicts grace.
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The moss rose is used to symbolize the confessions of love.
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The red rose stands for unity, respect and courage.
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The thorn-less rose stands for love at first sight.
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White rose stands for silent love.
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The yellow rose represents friendship.
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The red and white rose’s together stand for unity.
> The orange rose is symbol of passion.
> The pink love depicts the gentle side of love.
> The dark pink rose represents gratitude.
> The blue rose is symbol of beauty.
> The green rose stands for calmness.
> The black rose stands for rare love and devotion.