The Great History Of Roses
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The Remarkable History of Roses
Summary
"It was roses, roses all the way."?" Robert Browning
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet."
?" William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
Roses have a rich and vibrant history. Fossil evidence suggests that roses are 35 million years old. Today, with over 30,000 varieties, they boast the most complex lineage of any flower species.
The Origins of Rose Cultivation
The cultivation of roses likely began in Asia around 5,000 years ago. Embedded in human history, roses feature prominently in ancient stories.Greek Mythology
In one tale, Aphrodite named the rose, while Chloris, the goddess of flowers, created it. After finding a lifeless nymph, Chloris sought help from Aphrodite, who endowed it with beauty, and Dionysus added a sweet scent. The Graces bestowed charm and joy, while Zephyr's wind allowed Apollo to bathe it in sunlight, bringing the rose to life.Ancient Hindu Legend
According to an ancient Hindu legend, Vishnu and Brahma debated the beauty of the lotus versus the rose. Once Brahma saw a rose, he conceded its beauty. As a result, he created Lakshmi, Vishnu's bride, from rose petals.Historical Highlights
Fast forward to Crete around 1700 BC, where frescoes depicted roses with five-petaled blooms. In Egypt, roses were found among floral wreaths in tombs, with the oldest preserved rose species discovered in the tomb of Hawara, dating to AD 170.In the Roman Empire, roses became synonymous with luxury. Emperors replaced food crops with roses, perfumed their baths, and sat on rose-petal carpets during feasts. The emperor Heliogabalus famously showered guests with rose petals from above.
The rose also played a role in the 15th-century War of the Roses in England, with the white rose symbolizing York and the red rose Lancaster.
The Evolution and Spread of Roses
By the 17th century, roses were so valued that they served as a form of currency. Napoleon's wife, Josephine, cultivated a vast collection at the Château de Malmaison, inspiring the esteemed botanical illustrations of Pierre Joseph Redouté.Roses from China arrived in Europe in the late 18th century, introducing repeat bloomers that captivated hybridizers. Roses were thus classified into "old roses," from before 1800, and "modern roses," which started appearing in the 19th century.
European roses were initially pink or white, while the iconic red rose came from China around 1800. The introduction of yellow roses in 1900 was credited to Joseph Permet-Ducher, who found a mutant yellow rose after years of breeding efforts.
Roses in Modern Times
Roses are a global favorite, celebrated for their beauty and versatility. The popularity of roses as ornamental plants and cut flowers is unmatched, with 150 million plants sold annually worldwide. Their influence extends to the perfume industry, national emblems, political symbols, and international events.The enduring allure of roses, with their historical significance and cultural impact, continues to captivate gardeners and rose enthusiasts around the world.
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