Though roses grow all over the world and come in a wide variety of colours, their meaning has remained largely the same throughout history. For millennia, people have associated roses with love and appreciation, making them the perfect gift for everything from anniversaries to first dates.
In this blog post, we'll explore the long and storied history of roses, from their origins in ancient Greece to their modern-day role in pop culture and romance - you can even buy roses online in Melbourne these days!
The Earliest Evidence of Roses
The earliest known evidence of roses comes from a fossilised rose found in Colorado that is thought to be 35 million years old. However, the ancestors of modern-day roses are believed to date back even further - between 60 and 70 million years ago. These early roses were small and had only five petals, but they laid the foundation for the wide variety of roses we have today.
Roses in Ancient Greece and Rome
Though fossilised evidence suggests that roses existed long before the rise of ancient civilisations, the first written mention of roses appears in Greek mythology. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite (the equivalent of the Roman goddess Venus) was created from sea foam and emerged from the ocean on a half-shell carriage with pink roses all around her. Aphrodite was associated with love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation, making roses a natural symbol of these things as well.
Roses also played an important role in ancient Roman culture. The Romans were very keen on using flowers as decoration, both inside their homes and in public spaces such as temples. Roses were among the most popular flowers because of their striking appearance and pleasing fragrance. In addition to being used as decorations, roses were also occasionally given as gifts to express affection or appreciation.
The Meaning of Roses Today
These days, red roses are most commonly associated with romantic love (think Valentine's Day), while white roses are seen as symbols of purity or innocence. Pink roses can represent gratitude or appreciation, while yellow roses are often given as tokens of friendship or congratulations. No matter what colour they are or where they come from, one thing is certain: giving someone a rose is sure to put a smile on their face!
Treat someone to this special gesture today
Roses have been treasured by people all over the world for centuries thanks to their unmatched beauty and rich symbolism. Whether you're looking for a romantic gesture or a way to show your appreciation for someone special, giving a rose is always a great idea. So next time you're looking for the perfect gift, remember: there's nothing quite like a rose!
