- Nov 29, 2020

DESIGN | Symbolism | Rose

All my work is packed with symbolism, whether it be hidden or in a more obvious form.

Here is one that you will find in my art.

| ROSE |

Ancient Flowers

• Fossilised roses have been found in times from 35 million years ago.

• Ancient Egyptians used them in offerings to the Gods & placed them in their tombs.

Purity

• The rose is associated with purity, because of its perfection and beauty.

• Its beauty springing from the muddy earth, is a synonym for triumph over spirit.

• The rose is a natural mandala. The layers of petals forma a circle around the yellow centre.

Love

• The rose it one of the most important flower symbols in the world. It is the ultimate flower of love. The rose is dedicated to Venus and Aphrodite

Mythology

• In mythology the rose is associated with Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love who was often depicted adorned with roses around her head, feet and or neck

• In Christian mythology, a rose bush was also said to have grown at the site of Christ’s death.

Numerology.

3- In Freemasonry where each of three roses are symbolic of a guiding principle – Love, Life and Light.

5- Christians in Medieval times identified the five petals of the rose with the five wounds of Christ.

5- The original wild rose had 5 petals, an example of a pentagram. It can represent marriage, as it balances the number 5, 2 (female) and 3 (male)

7- In alchemical texts and art, a rose with seven petals was a symbol of inclusion, universal understanding and order.

8- In art of the renaissance period, a rose with eight petals was a message of rebirth and renewal.

Life & Death

• The rose is both a symbol of life and of death, of heavenly perfection and earthly desire, of femininity and chastity.

Scent

• Rosewater or oil is used to enhance completions, used against plague, washed and purifies the mosque of Omar & been incorporated into the preparation of the dead.

Uses

• Rosewater has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation. It also includes antioxidants and can hydrate your skin. Rose hips, the fruit of roses, are also beneficial for you. They can be eaten and contain high amounts of Vitamin C.

Confidentiality

• For alchemists, the entire process of psychic transformation takes place sub rosa ('under the rose') meaning any information must be kept confidential. Masonic lodges, continue to conduct meeting with a red rose hanging from the ceiling as a reminder to keep everything private.

• The Rosy Cross of the Rosicrucians symbolises the heart, life & secrecy.

• Romans would hang roses from the ceilings of banquet halls, and it was understood that anything said under the influence of wine was to remain confidential. A wild rose would be placed on the door of a room where secret or confidential matters were discussed.

• The rose is a symbol of secrecy, due to the centre being hidden by the petals.

Colours

• The colours of the rose is important within alchemical tradition. White is for female energy & purity, yellow for compassion & humanity, Pink for friendship & thankfulness, Orange for enthusiasm & optimism.

Feminine

• Though roses have been associated with male deities, they are mainly the flower of the Great Goddess.

• The rose has long been associated with the Virgin Mary. Rose windows in cathedrals & churches are her symbol.

• In India, the Great Mother was called the Holy Rose.

Thorns

• The thorns of roses, protect the flower and may be said to represent a certain ‘thorniness’

Tarot

• In the Tarot the rose is considered a symbol of balance. It expresses promise, new beginnings, and hope. Its thorns represent defence physicality, loss, thoughtlessness

• Roses are used on four tarot cards. The Fool, the Magician, the Strength card, and the Death card. On the Fool, the white rose symbolises purity and is a reminder to cleanse the mind. On the Magician card, it signifies unfolding wisdom. On the Strength card, the rose represents balance. And on the Death card, it’s a reminder of purity, clarity, and transparency of intent.

Please note; The information is brief & you may want to research your own information.