Every Valentine’s Day well over 100 million roses are sold, without a doubt emphasizing the overwhelming popularity of this luxurious flower. The rose has renowned symbolic, historic, and romantic significance but there are a few facts that go relatively unnoticed.
Beauty is not only skin deep
Have you ever thought a rose looked good enough to eat? Go right ahead. Rose petals are actually edible and have been used in a variety of foods and drinks for centuries. The most popular way to consume rose petals is in the form of hot tea. The silky petals make a great addition to salads, adding vibrant color and unique texture. In addition, Rose Hips actually contain more Vitamin C than grapefruit and oranges.
Black Beauty
Believe it or not, there is a single variety of rose that grows with black coloration. The Black Baccara Hybrid Tea Rose has a velvety texture and a burnt-edge appearance. The blooms are usually darker before blooming and as they continue to open, the color changes to a dark berry color and shades of burgundy. Due to their unique coloration, the Black Baccara can be expensive and hard to obtain.
Myths and Legends
From the Greeks to Shakespeare, history is full of mythology associated with the rose. The rose was allegedly created by Chloris, the goddess of flowers but named by the Greek goddess Aphrodite. According to legend, thorns did not exist on the rose’s stem until Cupid accidentally shot an arrow into the garden. Scholars have also held a high fascination for this beautiful blossom. Shakespeare referenced the rose no less than 50 times throughout his writings. The wise and knowledgeable Confucius apparently had a 600 book library on the care of roses specifically.
What Are You Saying?
Although roses are by far the most popular expression of romance and attraction, one must be careful when choosing the color appropriate for the message they intend to send.
- Red roses undoubtedly represent the deepest and most passionate of love.
- Pink roses have multiple meanings. On the scale of love, pink indicates an increasing level of interest but not full-fledged love. Other meanings include gentleness and elegance. Pink roses are a more appropriate color to give daughters or younger girls (in the event of a performance or accolade).
- White roses can be either bad or good depending on the circumstance. At weddings, white roses stand for purity but at funerals, they represent death. The latter interpretation is why white roses can be misunderstood as an expression of love. The bearer must ensure his/her message is clear whether they are expressing an assurance of pure love, or indicating the impending death of the relationship.
- Yellow roses are a great color to show friendship or happiness. The bright color doesn’t necessarily pertain to romantic feelings but rather, indicates a feeling of warmth and cheer. Yellow roses are particularly popular options for get-well arrangements.
- Orange roses are less commonly used but make the majority of their appearances at graduations or for workplace recognition. No particular meaning is attached to this color which is probably why they serve such basic purposes.
- Peach roses are occasionally used in the same manner as orange roses but have an additional meaning of thankfulness and appreciation. Few people are aware of this meaning however so a card is a great accompaniment to such a gesture.
- Purple roses are very rarely seen as they are a hybrid and in high demand. When they are used, purple roses have been known to represent majestic glory or stately respect for the dead. Perhaps the obscurity of the meaning is why purple roses are less common.
