Roses have become the traditional flower
of Valentine's Day
and perhaps we owe that
to the Romans.
In legend, a woman called Rodanthe, was pursued by many suitors who finally became so
impassioned that they broke down the doors of her house. This enraged the goddess Diana,
who turned the
woman into a flower and her suitors each into a thorn. The rose, which is undoubtedly
the most popular flower in the world, speaks of love and has been the choice of lovers in every
century. Rearranging the letters of the word rose gives Eros, the god of Love.
The colour of the rose is also important.
White roses: true love and purity of the mind.
Red roses: love and passion.
Yellow roses: friendship.
Black roses: farewell.
Pink roses: friendship or sweetheart.
The messages grew in complexity with combinations. A full rose placed over two buds
meant secrecy. Removal of the thorns from a rosebud said "I fear no longer."
Removal of the leaves as well and the message became, "There is nothing to hope or fear."
