The Legendary Rose
My grandmother, Rose, was legendary, and like all legends, seemingly stolen from a fairytale. Timeless and teeming with love and beauty, she was a sight to behold. She touched each soul she sheltered with a heart we all strive to emulate. Unlike the flower that bears her name, she is not shrouded in mythology, and the memories we shared are far from exaggerated.
As evidenced by fossil history, the rose is 35-million years old. With over 30,000 varieties gracing our soil today, it’s no wonder its history is rich and the mythology surrounding it far exceeds that of any other flower.
In Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, was grief-stricken when Adonis, the God of Beauty and Desire, was mortally wounded. She ran to his side, unaware of the thorns that pierced her feet, turning the white roses surrounding them red with her blood. Thus, roses have become a symbol for love, gifted in dozens by lovers and suitors alike.
In Arabian mythology, the story is slightly different. One night, the nightingale met a beautiful white rose and fell madly in love. The white rose inspired the nightingale to sing for the first time, and a melodious tune resounded. When the nightingale embraced the rose, its heart was pierced by thorns, turning the petals red.
In Roman mythology, Venus, the goddess of love, sex, beauty, and fertility, had many lovers. Her reputation was off the rails, so Cupid, her son, offered a rose to the God of Silence as a bribe to keep his mother’s escapades under wraps. Thus, the rose became a symbol for secrecy. In fact, ceilings in Rome were decorated with roses to remind guests to keep confidential what had been discussed under their watch.
The history of the rose is as old as time, its popularity ever growing, its beauty undeniable, and its scent beloved. My grandmother by any other name would certainly be as sweet, but it just so happens her love and beauty precede her, and her legacy, like the rose, continues to flourish.
My favorite flower!!! Now I know why :)