In February, roses are everywhere. They fill flower shops, grocery store buckets and countless Valentine’s Day bouquets. But the rose’s role as a symbol of love and beauty is far older than any modern holiday, and its fragrance has been treasured for thousands of years.
Ancient Roses
Wild roses grow naturally across much of the Northern Hemisphere, and people have cultivated roses for a very long time. Roses appear in the art and poetry of many ancient cultures. In Greek and Roman mythology, the rose was associated with the goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus.
The Romans were famously fond of roses. Rose petals were used in celebrations and banquets, and rose garlands were popular decorations.
Rose Water and Distillation
Rose water has a long and important history in Persia and the wider Middle East. The Persian scholar Ibn Sina, known as Avicenna, is often credited with refining distillation methods to produce rose water around the eleventh century. Rose water became a prized ingredient in perfumes, cooking and hospitality, a tradition that continues in many cuisines today.
Rose oil, sometimes called rose otto when it is steam distilled, is one of the most precious materials in perfumery. It takes a very large quantity of petals to produce a small amount of oil, which is one reason it is so costly.
The Rose Valleys
Two rose varieties are especially famous for their fragrance:
- Rosa damascena, the Damask rose, grown widely in Bulgaria’s Rose Valley, as well as in Turkey and Iran
- Rosa centifolia, sometimes called the cabbage rose, long associated with perfumery in Grasse, France
Bulgaria’s Rose Valley, near the town of Kazanlak, has been known for rose oil production for generations. The harvest happens early in the morning when the petals are said to be most fragrant.
Roses in Modern Self-Care
Today, rose scent appears in perfumes, soaps, lotions, candles and essential oils. Many people find it romantic, soft and comforting. Because pure rose oil is expensive, you will also find rose absolute, which is produced by a different extraction method, and rose blends diluted in a carrier oil.
A few simple ways to enjoy rose:
- A rose-scented lotion as part of a hand-care ritual
- A small amount of rose water as a refreshing facial mist, after a patch test
- Dried rose petals in a sachet or a bowl
- A single fresh rose on your nightstand
A Note on Use
As with any fragrance, rose products can irritate sensitive skin. Patch test new products and dilute essential oils before applying them. If you are pregnant, nursing or have health concerns, talk with your doctor before using essential oils.
A Lasting Symbol
From mythology to medieval gardens to modern bouquets, the rose has carried meanings of love, beauty and remembrance for thousands of years. This February, when you breathe in the scent of a rose, you are sharing in one of humanity’s oldest and loveliest traditions.