The Mystery that is the Rainbow Rose

The Mystery that is the Rainbow Rose

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose, 
By any other name would smell as sweet." –Shakespeare

The quote mentioned above is spoken by the character Juliet in Shakespeare’s famous literary drama; Romeo and Juliet. Published in1597 in London by Shakespeare this one quote has publicized and possibly increased the popularity and essence of the well-known flower, which we call the Rose. The Rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa within the Rosacaea family. The intriguing flower typically comes in a variety of colors including whites, yellows and reds. Widely grown for their beauty and fragrance it is known to be native to Asia, with smaller numbers in Europe, North America and Northwest Africa (Encyclopedia Britannica).

Roses, which are not only known for their elegance, are interestingly formed as well. The plant grows as an erect shrub whose thorn covered stems can grow upright or crawl a wall or cobblestone should something manageable be located nearby. Despite the allure of their beauty and possibility of pinpricking ones skin, the flower has managed to become the mascot of the popular lovers holiday in February we call Valentines Day. Not only do people loves roses during this time of year but also the color of the rose which one receives has different meanings. These include the following:

-Red Roses: A red rose is said to proclaim, “ I love you” too its happy recipient, and has become the ultimate symbol of romantic love and never-ending passion.

- Yellow Roses: A yellow rose indicates friendship and freedom, and are often given away at graduations, to newlyweds or expectant mothers.

- Pale Pink Roses: These colored roses represent grace, gentleness as well as gratitude toward someone

-Light Pink Roses: In comparison to pale pink roses these colored flowers represent fun and happiness

- Deep Pink Roses: A dark pink rose however says “Thanks” and has recently become linked up the Fight Against Breast Cancer campaign as it is the color of their awareness ribbon as well

- Lilac Roses: To receive this colored rose means that the sender has fallen in love with the recipient at first sight and has become enchanted

-White Roses: The color white represents innocence and sends the message “ I miss you” or that one is considered “heavenly”

- Orange or Coral Roses: These colors represent desire or passion

So next time you are thinking of giving someone a rose you now have a fun reminder of what the colors represent and the message you may have unknowingly been sending. This leads me to the purpose of this hub, aside from the typical rose colors that are available it has recently been discovered that by injecting dye or food coloring into the stem of the rose you can turn it different colors. Some roses may just have the rims of their petals stained where as other ones such as the ones recently being sold can be purchased in complete rainbow colors. As for the meaning of the Rainbow Rose there was nothing in particular that I could find like with the other colors except for that it was created by a Dutch man, leaving its value or symbolism up to the giver of this unique burst of color. Although they are pricier than your typical rose their vibrancy can light up any bouquet or perhaps serve as a centerpiece for a wedding or party!