Rose is not just a flower. It is a global cultural artifact that humanity has carried through epochs and continents. It is on coats of arms, icons, stamps, perfume, political slogans. Why a rose? What is the secret of its power over the minds? We decipher the "pink code" from antiquity to TikTok.

Religion: from thorns to the garden of paradise

In Christianity, the rose became a symbol of the Virgin Mary — the "mystic rose". Thorns were associated with the original sin, and the flower with purity. In Catholic cathedrals, "roses" (round stained glass windows) symbolize paradise. In Islam, it is believed that the rose grew from the drops of Prophet Muhammad's sweat during his ascension. In Hinduism, the rose is associated with the goddess Lakshmi — a symbol of purity and prosperity. And in Buddhism, the white rose is a sign of enlightenment. Practically every religion has assigned a rose to it, adding sacredness.

Politics: The War of the Roses and socialist symbolism

The most famous political symbol is the English "War of the Red and White Rose" (XV century). The red rose of Lancasters, the white — Yorks. After the Tudors' victory, the Tudor rose — red and white — appeared. Today, the rose is the emblem of the English royal guard. In the 19th century, the rose became a symbol of socialist movements (the red rose in the fist — the sign of the International). The Labour Party in the UK uses the rose as a logo. In the US, the rose is the flower of the states of New York and Georgia.

Masonry and secret societies: rose and cross

In masonry, the highest degree is "Rose and Cross" (Rosicrucians). Here the rose symbolizes the dawn, rebirth, the feminine principle, and the cross — the masculine and suffering. Together, they signify the alchemical marriage, the completion of the Great Work. Emblems with a rose and a cross can be seen on ancient buildings, in books, in the regalia of secret lodges. Even today, the order of the Rosicrucians (AMORC) uses this symbol.

Heraldry: the flower on shields

The rose is one of the most common heraldic symbols in Europe. It was depicted with five petals (vintage form) or with a larger number. Color: red, white, yellow, even black. The rose adorns city coats of arms: Lithuania (the Vilnius rose), Helsinki, Florence (the rose as an emblem of Dante). In Russian heraldry, the rose appears in the coat of arms of the Tula region (as a memory of noble families). Interestingly, in heraldry, the rose can also mean simple beauty, mystery, and gratitude.

Literature and art: the rose as an eternal theme

From Dante to Umberto Eco, the rose has not left the pages. Paradise in "The Divine Comedy" is a white rose. In Shakespeare — the rose smells as you call it. In Saint-Exupéry — "We are responsible for those we tame". In painting, the rose has traveled from a religious attribute to a surreal vision. In music — the rose in the opera "Carmen", in the songs of Vyacheslav Vyshinsky and the group "The Beatles" ("The Rose"). In cinematography — the iconic scene from "Beauty and the Beast" with a bouquet of roses.

Perfumery and fashion: rose as a brand

The rose is one of the most expensive notes in perfumery. Rose oil has been used since ancient times for perfumes, incense, cosmetics. Brands: "Red Roses" from Jo Malone, "La Fille de Berlin" from Serge Lutens. In fashion, the rose is a print on dresses, a logo (Ralph Lauren, women's line). The famous rose dress from Dior, the Valentino collection. In jewelry — pendants in the form of a rose, "The Rose Window". The rose has become a synonym for luxury and femininity, selling it as a lifestyle.

Festivals and traditions: roses for everyone

June 1st — Children's Day, but where are the roses? But on March 8th — the main rose festival in Russia. Western Valentine's Day is also unimaginable without red roses. In Bulgaria, there is a Rose Festival (collection of petals). In Ecuador — the Rose Festival in the city of Laticunga. In some cultures, roses are thrown on graves (a symbol of love after death). Wreaths of roses are on weddings (a symbol of innocence). The rose accompanies a person from cradle to grave.

Medicine and cuisine: rose as a useful product

Rose jam is a favorite treat in Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran. Rose petals are crystallized, added to tea. Rosewater is a popular ingredient in Eastern cuisine (lucom, rahat-loukoum). Rose hips (wild rose) are used to make vitamin broths (champion of vitamin C). Rose oil is used in aromatherapy for depression. That is, the rose is not only aesthetics but also benefit.

Rose in the modern digital world

Today, the rose is an emoji
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