For example, in the ancient world and civilizations, roses were often linked to deities and gods/goddesses. In ancient Greek civilization, for example, rose wreaths were worn by deities like Aphrodite, Eros, and Dionysus. The ancient Romans were also incredibly into rose ornaments and cosmetic products made from rose oil.

We also need to mention the festival Rosalia or Rosation, held every May in the Roman Empire. The festival’s purpose was for everyone, regardless of gender, to wear rose ornaments, on the head usually. Roses also played an important role in the religious, ceremonial, domestic, and economic life of the Roman Empire.

During the Renaissance and Golden Age, roses were seen as an irreplaceable motif in paintings and all of Renaissance art. It was believed that a painter who has mastered painting a rose is deserving of being called a master.

Marie Antoinette was also a big fan of roses. In her portraits, roses were omnipresent.

When it comes to modernism, we have to mention the surrealist painters, like Salvador Dali, being truly mesmerized by roses. For Dali, roses symbolized youth and beauty. As such, roses were also heavily present in Dali’s work in which he painted women with bouquets of roses. One of his well-known paintings showcases a rose floating in the sky, replacing the sun as the source of warmth. Below the rose in the painting, one can see a couple standing, which implies that the rose symbolizes love as well.

When it comes to religious interpretation, we have to mention the meaning of roses in Christianity. In this context, the rose symbolizes Virgin Mary. Roses are also believed to symbolize the Garden of Eden, considering it was filled with thornless roses. Such symbolism is closely tied with the Original Sin. Virgin Mary is also known to be referred to as ‘rose without thorns’.