Love triangles, secrets, desire, and the language of the rose

No one said more about love than the Greeks and Romans. Several of their gods are behind the language of love and secrets. Such as Venus, her son Cupid, Adois, and Mars. There is a reason "roman" is part of the word "romance."

The god Venus making the rose redPhoto byGenerations Found YouTube

How roses became blood red

In mythology it is said that Venus the Goddess of Love (Aphrodite) was loved by Adonis. Adonis is said to be the god of many things, such as fertility and vegetation. He is best known for being the Greek god of rebirth, as well as the god of beauty and desire.

Venus was also desired by Mars. Mars was the god of war. Upset and in character, Mars decided to have Adonis killed. At the last moment, Venus went to warn Adonis. In her haste, she dashed through a rose bush to warn him and cut her ankles on the thorns. Her blood turned the white petals of the roses red. But she was too late. She discovered he had been gored by a wild boar. Venus wept as he died in her arms. Her tears mingled with his blood and burst into anemones.

Antique fresco depicting Adonis, Cupid, and Venus, Pompeii, the House of GardenPhoto byPublic Domain Wikipedia

In ancient times, the rose soon became the symbol of love and desire. Newly married couples would wear rose crowns and their beds would be covered in rose petals, linking roses to love and sexual desire that still exists today.

Do you give red roses on Valentine's Day? Let us know in the comments.

It’s a secret and “under the rose”

The phrase “Under the rose” is used in English to denote something that is private or top secret. I had never heard this phrase before. But it is denoted throughout history. Even in architecture of dining area.

In ancient mythology, Cupid (Eros) the god of love gave a rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence, to keep him from talking about the indiscretions of his mother Venus. This action in mythology has led to the saying “under the rose.” Another way of saying it is a secret.

Replica Roman dining area ceiling. Notice the roses. Getty Villa, Malibu.Photo byGenerations Found YouTube

The rose became the symbol of confidentiality in the classical Roman world. The ceilings of Roman dining rooms were decorated with roses to remind their guests that what was said there, under the influence of wine, was also “sub rosa.” Latin for “under the rose.” It is still common to see ceiling roses over a dining room.

Have you ever used the phrase “under the rose?” Let us know in the comments.

Victorian dining room ceiling rosePhoto byAndy Dingley, CC BY-SA 3.0 ia Wikimedia Commons

A Victorian tradition still hold true: The Language of Flowers

Each rose color has a meaning in relationship. A secret message of what you are trying to communicate. “I love you,” “I cherish our friendship” or “I am sorry.”

During the 19th century, lovers would use “floriography” to send hidden messages to each other via arrangements known as "talking bouquets" (also known as tussie-mussies or nosegays). Floriography is simply a fancy name for the language of flowers. Within the art of floriography, every flower carries its own special meaning or symbolism.

Floral poetry and the language of flowers book. Circa 1877Photo byPublic Domain

The rose color has many different meanings. So, make sure to send the right color or your message might be misunderstood:

• Red: love, desire, passion, romance, and devotion (“I love you”).
• Deep Pink: a good choice if you want to express gratitude to a friend. Also great for a “budding” romance.
• Light pink: symbolizes happiness, gentleness, admiration, and grace. Perfect for conveying young love and friendship.
• White: purity, virtue, and chastity. Great for weddings and baptisms because they symbolize new beginnings, hope, innocence, and purity. They are also used at funerals to express remembrance, love, and respect for the departed.
• Yellow: In the Victorian era, the yellow rose symbolized jealousy, conflict, and infidelity. In the present, the meaning of yellow roses has become associated with friendship, warmth and caring. A great choice if you want to brighten up someone’s day.
• Black (dark shade of red/purple): long association with death and darkness.
• Deep Red: the deep red rose and its thorns have been used to symbolize both the blood of Christ and the intensity of romantic love. the rose's five petals are thought to illustrate the five crucifixion wounds of Christ.
• Orange: enthusiasm, energy, and passion. Communicates positive energy and is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and any celebratory occasions.
• Lavender: often used to convey feelings of enchantment, adoration, and love. Lavender or purple roses are ideal for those who want to express sincere appreciation and love for someone.
• Green: hope and fertility. Ideal if you want to give roses to friends who are welcoming a new baby or who want to have kids. They also symbolize cheerfulness and rejuvenation. But it also can represent jealousy and envy in some cultures (green with envy).

Did you know color matters when giving a rose? Let us know in the comments.

Red Rose with snowPhoto byColorado Martini Publishing LLC

The Number of Roses Also Holds Meaning

The number of stems in your bouquet of roses is important, as each number conveys a different meaning:

• 1 rose of any color: thank you or expresses love at first sight.
• 2 Roses: deep love.
• 3 Roses: I love you. Often reserved for anniversaries.
• 6 Roses: I love you; I miss you.
• 7 Roses: I’m infatuated with you.
• 8 Roses: a symbol of support for friends or family.
• 9 Roses: I have eternal love, as long as we live.
• 12 Roses: Perfect love.

Did you know the number of roses giving matters? Let us know in the comments.

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