The rose is not just a flower. It is a global cultural artifact that humanity has carried through epochs and continents. It is on coats of arms, icons, postage stamps, in perfume, in political slogans. Why the rose? What is the secret of its power over the minds? We decode the "pink code" from antiquity to TikTok. Religion: from thorns to the garden of Eden In Christianity, the rose became the symbol of the Virgin Mary — the "mystical rose". Thorns were associated with the original sin, while the flower symbolized purity. In Catholic cathedrals, "rose windows" (circular stained glass windows) symbolize paradise. In Islam, it is believed that the rose grew from the sweat of Prophet Muhammad during his ascension. In Hinduism, the rose is associated with the goddess Lakshmi — a symbol of purity and prosperity. In Buddhism, the white rose is a sign of enlightenment. Practically every religion has ascribed the rose, adding to it sacredness. Politics: The War of the Roses and socialist symbolism The most famous political symbol is the English "War of the Red and White Rose" (15th century). The red rose of Lancasters, the white — Yorks. After the Tudors' victory, the Tudor rose — red and white — appeared. Today, the rose is the emblem of the English royal guard. In the 19th century, the rose became the symbol of socialist movements (the red rose in the fist — the sign of the International). The Labour Party in the UK uses the rose as a logo. In the US, the rose is the flower of the states of New York and Georgia. Freemasonry and secret societies: the rose and the cross In Freemasonry, the highest degree is "The Rose and the Cross" (Rosicrucians). The rose here symbolizes the morning dawn, rebirth, the feminine principle, while the cross symbolizes the masculine and suffering. Together, they denote the alchemical marriage, the completion of the Great Work. Emblems with the rose and the cross can be seen on ancient buildings, in books, in the paraphernalia of secre ... Read more