June 12 is Annual Red Rose Day. This celebration honors the universal symbol of love and romance – the beloved and beautiful red rose.
The Language of the Red Rose
Like other flowers, roses have their own “language” and meanings, which vary depending on their color.
The symbolism of the red rose can be found way back in Greek and Roman mythological history, with Aphrodite (or Venus) the goddess of love. This excerpt from THE MYTHOLOGICAL ROSE tells us about the creation of the rose.
“In Greek and Roman mythology there is the tale of Chloris, goddess of flowers and springtime (Roman: Flora). As the story goes, early one morning Chloris was out walking when she stumbled upon the lifeless body of a woodland nymph. Saddened by the innocent creature’s fate, Chloris decided to breathe life anew, transforming the nymph’s body into a flower.
She called out to Zephyrus, husband and keeper of the west wind, asking him to blow away the clouds in the sky so that Apollo might allow the sun to cast down its warming rays. To this, Aphrodite would add beauty, and Dionysus a nectar of intoxicating aroma… the three Graces further bestowing upon the blossom the gifts of charm, joy, and splendor. All agreed it was the most spectacular of flowers, truly “The Queen of Flowers.” Aphrodite named the flower Rose, dedicating it to her son, Eros, the god of love.”
In the ‘Language of Flowers,’ red says a lot about true love, passion, and romance. Red roses in particular represent ‘Love and Desire,’ and ‘Be Mine.” A single red rose says ‘I Love You’. No wonder that red roses are a popular choice for Valentine’s Day and weddings.
“The rose is a flower of love. The world has acclaimed it for centuries. Pink roses are for love hopeful and expectant. White roses are for love dead or forsaken, but the red roses, ah the red roses are for love triumphant.”
~ Anonymous
A Symbol of Love and War
The Wars of the Roses were a series of English civil wars for control of the throne of England fought between supporters of two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster, associated with a red rose, and the House of York, whose symbol was a white rose.
In Spanish, French, and Portuguese, rose is the word for red.
How to Celebrate Red Rose Day?
• Treat yourself or a loved one to a beautiful bouquet of red roses
• Learn more about the history and botany of roses
• Learn more about how to grow red roses, and plant a rose bush in your own garden
• Spend some time reading about the War of the Roses
• Spend some time reading about Aphrodite or Venus
“The red rose whispers of passion, And the white rose breathes of love; O, the red rose is a falcon, And the white rose is a dove.”
~ John Boyle O’Reilly
Incorporating Red Roses Into Your Wedding
Of course, if you are planning on using red roses in your wedding, you probably already have them in your bouquets and boutonnieres, centerpieces, and petals strewn down the aisle . But what about some unexpected uses?
• A beautiful rose wall makes a unique backdrop for your ceremony site, sweetheart table, or cake table
• Instead of a veil, wear a floral crown
• Instead of vases, use unconventional flower holders such as candlesticks, pitchers, and birdcages
Did you know that roses are edible? For Red Rose Day, your wedding day, or any day at all, you can use them in food and beverages such as:
• Rose tea and other rose-infused beverages
• Candied rose petals make a pretty garnish for cakes and desserts
• Rose petals can be added to fruit salads and salad greens
• Serve pats of rose butter with dinner rolls
Photo Credits:
Red Rose – JoshBerglund19
Red Rose Bouquet – Humphrey Muleba from Pexels
Rose Wall – Pro Flowers
Rose Tea – Marco Verch Professional Photographer
Rose Clip Art – ID 147029079 © Ahmad Safarudin | Dreamstime.com
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
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