A rose, no matter the name it bears, would still exude it's signature fragrance.
These words, written by Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet, are just one example of the many references to roses in literature, poetry, and art that have long associated the flower with romance and love.
But why, even after centuries, do bouquets of roses remain the quintessential and timeless symbol of affection?
1. Aphrodite & Roses: The Creation Myth
In Western culture, the red rose’s deep connection to love traces back to Greek mythology, where it is said to have been created by Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. According to one version of the myth, the flower bloomed from the earth, nurtured by Aphrodite's tears and the blood of her ill-fated lover, Adonis. Later, as Aphrodite wandered through the garden, she pricked her foot on a thorn, causing her blood to stain the flowers red.
2. Desire & Secrecy: How Romans Used Roses
The red rose’s significance continued in Roman mythology, where Venus replaced Aphrodite. Wealthy Romans reportedly adorned their bedchambers with bouquets of roses, creating a fragrant atmosphere for intimate encounters. The rose, closely tied to the goddess, also symbolized secrecy. In ancient Roman dining rooms, roses were often depicted on ceilings to remind guests to keep their conversations private.
3. Faith & Love: The Rose as a Symbol of Purity
The red rose came to symbolize purity and divine love. By the third century AD, Saint Ambrose suggested that the original Garden of Eden was once filled with thornless roses, which only grew thorns after the fall of man, representing Original Sin. Consequently, Mary was often depicted as the rose without thorns. This symbolism blossomed further in the twelfth century, when the construction of Gothic cathedrals included large circular stained-glass windows, known as rose windows, above their entrances.
4. Roses in the Eastern World
The tradition of cultivating garden roses can be traced back to East Asia, particularly China, where roses have been grown for over 5,000 years. In Eastern mythology, roses are also tied to romantic themes. An ancient Arabic legend tells of a nightingale who fell in love with a white rose. Overcome by passion, the bird sang its first song, pressing it's chest to the rose's thorn, turning the petals red with its blood. These ancient stories from some of the world’s earliest cultures firmly establish the rose as a symbol of romance.
Overcome by passion, the bird sang its first song, pressing its chest to the rose's thorn, turning the petals red with its blood. This poignant sacrifice linked the rose to eternal love and devotion. These ancient stories from some of the world’s earliest cultures firmly establish the rose as a symbol of romance.
5. Red Roses in Modern Society
As these myths and stories passed through the ages, the red rose became a lasting symbol of love, appearing in everything from medieval artwork to the works of Shakespeare. In the Middle Ages, the rose gained symbolic importance in French literature, particularly in the Romance of the Rose, a 13th-century poem that explores love and desire. This allegory, filled with vivid illustrations, used the rose as a metaphor for feminine beauty and the complexities of love.
In modern times, the red rose has become a staple of romantic gestures, whether a single long-stemmed rose given on a date or a bouquet presented on Valentine's Day. The rose has also made its way into popular culture, appearing in television shows like The Bachelor, where the giving of a red rose is a metaphor for continuing love and commitment.
In stories like Beauty and the Beast, the rose also serves as a symbol of the transformative power of love. Despite changing times, the red rose remains a simple yet profound way to express feelings of love, a tradition rooted in ancient history and continuing to thrive today.
