The saga of roses

There is no doubt that rose is favourite to all. This flower is one of the blessings of nature and it easily attracts any people very much with its immense beauty. The fragrance of roses fascinates all ages of people in the world.

Besides, rose is the sweetest flowers all other flowers. That’s why; rose is called the flower of the queen. But do you know the history of this flower? Many people don’t know about this impressive history.

A rose is a woody perennial flowering plant of the genus ‘Rosa’, in the family of Rosaceae. The name Rose comes from the French word, itself from Latin rosa, that was perhaps borrowed from Oscan, related to Parthian war. Roses are most commonly associated with love and romance. Roses can also mean secrecy. The term ‘sub rosa’ meaning under the rose, comes from ancient times.

There are over three hundred species and tens of thousands of cultivars. Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa. Rose has gained cultural significance in many societies.

In the world full of different flowers, rose is considered as the symbol of love. They have established a strong base in human thoughts and hearts. The victor Hugo, the Winchester Cathedral, the Michelangelo, the Gold Medal, the Black Baccara are the most beautiful roses in the world.

In the early 19th century the Empress Josephine of France patronized the development of rose breeding at her gardens at Malmaison. As long as 1840 a collection numbering over one thousand different cultivars, varieties and species were possible when a rosarium was planted by Loddiges nursery for Abney Park Cemetery, an early Victorian garden cemetery and arboretum in England. In ancient Greece, the rose was closely associated with the goddess Aphrodite and it has led to being used often as a symbol. Following the Christianization of the Roman Empire, the rose became identified with the Virgin Mary.

Rose is the best known as ornamental plants grown for their flowers in the garden and sometimes indoors. Roses have also a very commercial purpose. At the present world, the cultivation of roses is getting increased day by day.

The cultivation of roses can be more profitable in our country because the Bangladeshi climate is favourable to grow more these flowers. Rose is now being cultivated in most of the part of Bangladesh, especially in Jashore district. Cultivating different kinds of roses increase foreign currency by creating huge employment. Therefore, different initiatives should be taken to cultivate more roses in the country.
 
Tamanna Islam is currently studying International Relations at University of Dhaka