Roses

Rosemary DeTrolio RMT

Did you know that roses date back as far as 30 million years ago? Fossil evidence shows their ancient origins, and one of the oldest surviving varieties today is Rosa gallica, also known as the French rose.

This rose once grew wild across central and southern Europe and parts of Western Asia, and it can still be found in these regions today. Although its exact origin is unknown, Rosa gallica was already known as early as the 12th century B.C. and was regarded by the Persians as a symbol of love.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, roses might have disappeared if not for the efforts of Benedictine monks. During times of invasion by groups such as the Visigoths, Huns, and Vandals, these monks preserved and cultivated roses in their monastery gardens. They became important centers of botanical study, growing plants for medicinal use.

Throughout history, roses have been valued by many cultures, including the Cathars, Egyptians, and Essenes. Rose oil, in particular, is highly prized. It takes about 10,000 roses to produce just a 5 ml bottle, which explains its high cost as well as its rich fragrance and uplifting qualities. Rose oil is beneficial for the skin, and rose hips—the fruit of the rose—are rich in vitamin C. Even a small amount mixed with a carrier oil, such as safflower oil, can create a nourishing skin hydrator.

Roses also hold deep spiritual meaning. In one spiritual belief, every time a soul is born on Earth, a rose blooms in heaven. Roses are often associated with divine love and remembrance of our spiritual origin. The angel Chamuel is said to place a white rose within the heart, symbolizing peace and love.

Symbolically, the rose shares meaning with the Grail. The word “chalice” comes from the Latin calyx, meaning cup, which is also the name for the part of a flower that holds its petals. Both the rose and the chalice represent a receptive vessel—an open soul receiving divine influence.

In medieval times, the rose became an important religious symbol, often representing the Virgin Mary. The blue rose came to symbolize mystery, the unattainable, and wishes. In Christian symbolism, it is also associated with Mary as the perfect vessel of Christ.

You may have seen rose windows in medieval churches. These circular stained-glass designs first appeared around the year 1200 and quickly spread across France, later appearing in England, Italy, Spain, and Germany. However, they remain most closely associated with French Gothic architecture.

In ancient Rome, roses were part of a festival called Rosalia, which honored the dead. Celebrated between May 11 and July 15, this tradition later influenced the Christian celebration of Pentecost in some regions.

Roses also played a role in history. During the Wars of the Roses, the red and white roses became political symbols. The conflict ended when Henry Tudor united the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York, founding the Tudor dynasty.

In alchemy, roses symbolize duality. Red and white roses represent sulfur and mercury, the primary elements. A rose with seven layers of petals symbolizes the seven metals and their corresponding planets.

Rose colors carry their own meanings:

• White: purity

• Red: love

• Yellow: friendship and spiritual connection (often linked to Saint Thérèse)

• Blue: mystery and unattainable love

Next time you see a Rose, think of me and this article.

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