History of Roses

Throughout the ages, nothing has sent a stronger message of love than roses. Yet how exactly did it come to be this way? Although no one knows for sure, there is some strong evidence accumulated over the years that may provide some possibilities. 

Roses have been growing in the wild for over 35 million years, with humans only beginning to cultivate them a short 5000 years ago. It is generally accepted amongst botanists that the Chinese were the first to begin serious cultivation of the rose, who were absolutely captivated by its beauty and unique traits. One Chinese emperor is said to have been so fascinated by roses that he collected hundreds of books about them. Rose gardeners dating back to the Han dynasty (207 B.C.-A.D. 220) became obsessed with roses and, as a result, expanded their flower parks to such a degree they almost caused food shortages!

The Chinese are hardly alone in their appreciations for the rose. Even the Romans had food shortage issues as a result of their having established nearly two thousand public rose parks on land that should otherwise have been used for farming activities. As if that wasn’t enough, the Romans imported them from the Middle East for use as celebration confetti, public rose gardens, and even perfume. They were awed by this flower as it was the only flower known to the Western world to be a “repeat bloomer.” The Romans often crowned their newlyweds with roses. One Roman emperor, Nero, even showered his dinner guests with rose petals as a symbolic gesture of goodwill. Cleopatra used their scent to woo her future lover, Marc Antony. 

Greeks and Romans aside, many ancient peoples often relied on roses for marriage ceremonies, as even Confucian and Buddhist religious texts make reference to them. Throughout time, roses have been used to remove wrinkles, prevent drunkenness, and even welcome back victorious armies. Perhaps it is through their preciousness, utility, and important role in both royal and matrimonial activities that rose became so closely tied with romance, love, and affection.

Roses continued to rise in popularity throughout time. In fact, they became so popular during the 17th century that European royalty used them as legal tender. Imagine today bartering and making payments with rose petals! Perhaps its is the monetary preciousness attributed to roses during this period that paved the way to their emotional preciousness we now attribute to them in modern times. Are we as friends, family members, and lovers, making emotional payment to others when we give them flowers? As with anything precious and beautiful, giving something like a rose away to a person shows you care, regardless of the history behind its symbolism.

So whether you are trying to welcome back an army or woo your next lover, be sure to make MrRose.com your first choice for all of your rose flower needs.