Roses, with their intoxicating fragrance and timeless beauty, have captivated human hearts for centuries. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, roses have long been symbols of deeper emotions and secret messages. From ancient civilizations to the modern era, these exquisite blooms have conveyed sentiments of love, passion, and so much more. In this article, we delve into the historical significance of roses as messengers of the heart. We explore how they have been used to communicate hidden emotions and why the phrase buy red roses resonates so deeply with those in love.
Roses have played a pivotal role in the language of love for centuries, with various colours carrying distinct meanings. While the red rose is perhaps the most renowned symbol of passion and romance, each hue carries its significance. The tradition of assigning meanings to flowers, known as “floriography,” gained popularity in the Victorian era. In this complex language, red roses were a declaration of profound love and desire, making them the ultimate symbol of love. When you buy red roses, you’re sending a powerful message of affection and longing.
The language of roses, or La Rose was especially significant in France during the 19th century. The French have a deep-rooted passion for roses, and the language of roses was an essential part of courtship and communication. As the home of romance, it’s no surprise that the French has contributed significantly to the lore of roses. A single red rose could convey the message, “I love you,” while a bouquet of red and white roses expressed unity and bonding in love.
Roses were also prevalent in ancient civilizations such as Rome and Greece. In Greek mythology, the rose was associated with the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and the blood of her beloved Adonis. This myth created a lasting connection between roses and passion, elevating them to a symbol of eternal love.
Throughout history, roses were used not only for their symbolic meaning but also for their healing properties. The rose has been used in various medicinal remedies, and rosewater was a famous beauty elixir. In Persia, rosewater was used to refresh the body and spirit, highlighting the multifaceted nature of roses.
Shakespeare, too, was enamoured with roses and their symbolism. Juliet’s famous line from “Romeo and Juliet,” “What’s in a name? By any other name, what we call a rose would still smell good. She underscores the notion that a rose’s essence and the love it represents are unaffected by its name in this passage. This sentiment is perhaps why the act of buying red roses still carries such deep meaning in the world of love and affection.
In contemporary times, the tradition of gifting roses to express emotions endures. When someone decides to buy red roses for their beloved, it’s an overt declaration of love and passion. The rich red colour of the rose represents the intensity of these feelings, and the act of giving them is a testament to the power of roses as symbols of love.
In conclusion, the secret language of roses, from the Victorian era’s floriography to the romantic tradition of “La Rose” in France, has enriched the world of communication and love. The red rose, with its enduring symbolism of love and passion, continues to be a potent messenger of emotions. So, when you buy red roses, you’re not just giving a bouquet; you’re sending a heartfelt message that transcends words, echoing the sentiments of lovers throughout history. The history of roses as messengers of the heart is a testament to the enduring power of these exquisite blooms to convey the deepest of human emotions.
