“My love is like a red, red rose…”
Most of us have heard of (or were asked to memorize it at school) this 1794 poem known as “Red, Red Rose” by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet and lyricist. Even more of us have heard and sung along Jon Bon Jovi’s “ I want to lay you down in the bed of roses…”, and even though the thorns in at least the latter poem/song are almost palpable (if one cares to read the full lyrics), they both are love songs. Then there is Shakespeare with his allusion to roses in “Romeo and Juliet” and Robert Frost’s “The Rose Family” and, of course, we can’t forget the significance of a single red rose in “Beauty and the Beast”. The more examples I mention, the more come to my mind – it is like opening the magical “red rose door”. So, let’s just stop and state the obvious: many, many, MANY artists – writers, painters, singers, composers, choreographers and so on – have been inspired by the beauty of the rose. We, the many lay people (even though I believe that we are all artists in our hearts, and I mean it!), have experienced the same – we have allowed ourselves to be carried away by the enchantment of the roses.
Roses (especially the red ones!) and love, affection and devotion have been almost synonymous for a long, long time. Is it because of and due to the sweet smell or the gorgeous, luscious colors or the entrancing feelings roses evoke when we let the feast for senses (smell, sight, touch) begin? And when the sense of taste is added to the mix roses do reach the elevated status of the ones and only ones… Yes, a rose is the queen of the flowers, and without fail we feel that presence – it envelops us with happiness and an overall feeling of wellbeing.
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We give rose flowers as gifts (especially for Valentine’s Day and Mothers’ Day) and we use them to make bridal bouquets, as well as create gorgeous centerpieces and home decorations. We also use roses in other ways. We use rose oil in aromatherapy. (A couple quick notes here – it might be wise to dilute it in some type of carrier oil, as it can be an irritant if used at full strength topically. Rose oil is known to blend well with many other oils – neroli, ginger, ylang ylang, bergamot, chamomile, patchouli, sandalwood. So, the combinations and possibilities are endless! The oil (usually the Rose Absolute oil) is added to many lotions, soaps, facial creams, perfumes. Worth another note: there are numerous published studies stating that rose oil has antimicrobial properties!) We also use rose petals to sweeten our teas, desserts and make jams. I have made strawberry and rose petal jam, apple and rose petal jam, and also attempted to make pure rose petal jam. They all have come out divine, however that last experience was a true exercise in perpetuous re-adjusting of my expectations as the final amounts turned out to be so minuscule! And so precious! (Another very quick note: of course, use ONLY organic rose petals for your culinary endeavours!)
Catherine Wilson writes that: “It’s no secret that roses are an aphrodisiac. Indeed, rose petal tea helps to tonify both the male and female reproductive systems.” She suggests using rose tea instead of water the next time you cook rice, quinoa, millet, or your other favorite grains. You can find this and more suggestion in her comprehensive blog “12 uses for rose petals from kitchen to the boudoir” at thegrownetwork.com. I will definitely try this one next time I am making quinoa!
As I was trying to ask and answer some “rose” questions in this writing, I stumbled upon Michael Shepherd’s poem “!This Rose. After the Sufi.”
I think the poet has done that answering and asking for me.
!This Rose. After the Sufi.
This rose – red, scented, rich, without price –
is it speaking to me?
I cannot hear what it says. And yet…
is it watching me?
it does not blink. And yet…
is it urging me to action?
it gives no sign. And yet…
this rose – so gloriously – is…
so does it know all this?
is it beyond all this?
for while I watch it
and wait for an answer
I know myself more.
perhaps the rose
is not the answer
but the question
and I the answer
and the answerer
Written by Indra Strong, Certified Let It Go Yoga teacher.
Photo Credit Indra Strong
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Beautiful! A powerful image! Thanks.
I seem to feel the smell of roses , even though they are still under deep snow.
Indra thank you for wonderful essay! I just want to add another special character – Rose from “Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,
Thank you, Dace, you are absolutely right that after one opens “the magical red rose door”, the image and the message from the Rose from Saint-Exupery’s “the Little Prince” stands out so majestically! … and rightfully so, as in the words of the author himself: “It’s the time you spent on your rose that makes your rose so important…People have forgotten this truth, but you mustn’t forget it. You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose.” So, thank you , Dace for your comment and your friendship!