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Roses through Time

The rose is the flower of love. Roses are some of the oldest flowers known to man and yet are still one of the most popular. Roses, "The Queen of Flowers", help us "speak to each other" and are most notably symbols of love, admiration and thankfulness. They are thought to be over 35 million years old, according to fossil evidence found in the Northwest regions of the U.S. Old, Antique or Old-fashioned are names given to varieties of roses that existed prior to the introduction of the "Modern" or first Hybrid Tea rose in 1867.

Greek, Chinese and Roman Connections

The Greeks often wrote about roses in connection with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty at around 600 BC. Having been first cultivated in Chinese gardens, the popularity of roses spread throughout the world. They had made it to Europe by 1 AD, where Romans used roses and rose petals for extensive decorating. Rose petals were used in bath water and were laid upon a woman's face at night, similar to a modern-day facial. In fact, the Romans enjoyed roses so much they mandated that farmers grow roses instead of food crops to satisfy the Roman upper class' insatiable demand for roses and their petals. From the massive efforts of the farmers, came halls so filled with rose petals, that a beautiful scent would emanate with every footstep.

Later on during the reign of the Roman Empire, roses became synonymous with Venus…the goddess of love. After the fall of the Roman Empire, roses declined in popularity to the point where only Monasteries grew them.

Not until the Crusades, when returning Knights would bring back roses from afar, did roses become popular again. During the time of chivalry, the rose became the symbol of love. That tradition continues on to this day. In our modern times, a person will often think of roses when themes of love, friendship and thankfulness are presented.