The 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, postage stamps, in perfume, in political slogans. Why the rose? What is the secret of its power over the minds? We decode the "pink code" from antiquity to TikTok.

Religion: from thorns to the Garden of Eden

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

Politics: The War of the Roses and socialist symbolism

The most famous political symbol is the English "War of the Rose" (15th century). The red rose of Lancasters, the white — Yorks. After the Tudor 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 the 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.

Freemasonry and secret societies: the rose and the cross

In Freemasonry, the highest degree is "Rose and Cross" (Rosicrucians). The rose here symbolizes the morning dawn, rebirth, the feminine principle, while the cross symbolizes the masculine and suffering. Together, they denote the alchemical marriage, the completion of the Great Work. Emblems with a rose and a cross can be seen on old buildings, in books, in the paraphernalia 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 greater number. Color: red, white, yellow, even black. The rose adorns the coats of arms of cities: Lithuania (the Vilnius rose), Helsinki, Florence (the rose as the 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 it is called. In Saint-Exupéry — "We are responsible for those we have tamed". In painting, the rose has gone from a religious attribute to a surreal vision. In music — the rose in the opera "Carmen", in the songs of Vyacheslav Shulaykin and the group "The Beatles" ("The Rose"). In cinema — the iconic scene from "La Belle Époque" with a bouquet of roses.

Perfumery and fashion: the 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" by Jo Malone, "La Fille de Berlin" by Serge Lutens. In fashion, the rose is a print on dresses, a logo (Ralph Lauren, women's line). The famous Dior dress with roses, 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, it is "sold" as a way of life.

Festivals and traditions: roses for everyone

June 1 — Children's Day, but where are the roses? But March 8 — the main rose festival in Russia. Western Valentine's Day is also unimaginable without red roses. In Bulgaria, there is the 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 the cradle to the grave.

Medicine and cuisine: the rose as a useful product

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

The rose in the modern digital world

Today, the rose is an emoji
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