The Ultimate Flower

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. This quote, by Shakespeare of course, is probably the most famous quote about roses ever written. Roses are always beautiful, although the motif may not always be in fashion. Why are they universally adored? What is their history? This I wondered as I assembled a number of rose-shaped hair accessories I have collected over the years.

Aphrodite and Adonis, by Edmund Dulac (1882-1953)The etymology of the word has its roots (pardon the pun) in antiquity, and comes ultimately from Old Persian where it simply meant ‘flower’.

An ancient symbol of immortal love and beauty, the rose is associated with the goddess Aphrodite. She was often depicted with a garland of roses adorning her head or feet, for a rose bush grew from the blood of her slain lover, Adonis. She gave a rose to her son Eros, who in turn gave it to the god of silence.

…vampires cannot cross the path of the wild rose … I can’t believe Joss Whedon didn’t write this into Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

For the ancient Romans it was a symbol of secrecy: a wild rose would be placed on the door of a room where confidential matters would be discussed. Hence the term sub rosa, or ‘under the rose’, meaning to keep a secret.

In pagan mythologies, the undead and other ghostly creatures (particularly vampires) cannot cross the path of the wild rose. Placing wild roses on the coffin of the recently deceased would prevent them from rising again. I can’t believe Joss Whedon didn’t write this into Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

So when I tie back my hair with one of these rose ornaments, I will be simultaneously proclaiming immortal love, declaring my utmost discretion and keeping vampires at bay! A winner all round. And here I just thought it was pretty.

And here is ‘rosa aphrodite’ itself. It does have a beautiful shape.