Folklore, Myth & Legend-Rose mythology

In Greek and Roman mythology, they were symbolic of love, protection, and rebirth. At funerals, the Romans would scatter roses to symbolize resurrection. "The rose is the flower of love" It was created by Chloris, the Greek goddess of flowers, out of the lifeless body of a nymph which she found one day in a clearing in the woods. She asked the help of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who gave her beauty; Dionysus, the god of wine, added nectar to give her a sweet scent, and the three Graces gave her charm, brightness and joy. Then Zephyr, the West Wind, blew away the clouds so that Apollo, the sun god, could shine and make the flower bloom. And so the rose was born and was immediately crowned Queen of the Flowers" (Pickles, 88). The first red roses were supposed to have sprung from the blood of Adonis, Aphrodite's lover. Due to this, the rose became a symbol for love transcending death, and resurrection. Sub rosa, under the rose, meant under the seal of secrecy. Another myth, tells that on the wedding day of Cupid (love) and Psyche (soul), roses were scattered over the land. Here, the rose serves as a symbol for the union.