The red rose

Evidence suggests that the red rose is nearly 35 million years old.

Ancient civilizations such as those of the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans have given the red rose a special place.The Romans discovered the medicinal properties of the red rose, and also found ways of capturing its fragrance in perfumes.

The red rose also has an interesting place in the history of England. Opposing factions in York and Lancaster fought for control over England in the 15th century. York was synonymous with the white rose and Lancaster with the red rose. In fact, the friction between these warring factions led to the coining of the term 'War of the Roses'.

In catholicism red roses are associated with Our Lady Of Guadalupe.