Unlike other flowers with vibrant colors, the image of a black rose is a mysterious flower that carries within it a black color that symbolizes solitude, power, and intrigue. However, many people are still captivated by its beauty. Let’s join us to explore the meaning and origin of this black rose!
1 What is a Black Rose?
Origin and Meaning of Black Roses
Why aren’t roses pink or red, but black? All of this is based on a legend about it. According to the legend, in a desolate wilderness, there once stood a magnificent castle, in which lived a goddess of darkness named Ellacos.
One day, a god of light named Apollo met her during one of his travels. After that encounter, he fell deeply in love with her, and his love for her grew stronger each day.
Despite his efforts, he couldn’t make her heart truly flutter. To win over her icy heart, Apollo decided to venture through the forest of evil and cross the river of hatred to find and pluck for Ellacos a deep red rose – a rose of eternity.
Before leaving, Apollo gave Ellacos a white rose, not knowing when he would return. This white rose symbolized his light and would keep her company during his absence while he searched for the eternal rose.
The Legend of the Black Rose’s Origin
And so they parted ways, with Ellacos waiting for Apollo day after day, month after month, and year after year. One day, she encountered the wind god passing by her castle and asked about Apollo’s whereabouts. The wind god informed her that Apollo was frolicking with the goddess of beauty.
Upon hearing this news, her faith in love was shattered. She decided to seek the truth herself and went to the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite. Before her eyes appeared a scene of countless red roses and, in the distance, the figure of Apollo playing with Aphrodite. Her rage knew no bounds, and her tears flowed down her cheeks, turning the vibrant colors of that place into a mysterious black.
The white rose in her hand had also turned black, and the light within Apollo had been swallowed by her darkness. Ellacos returned to her castle, locking herself away in a dark room and vowing never to believe in love again.
Since then, the legend of the black rose has been passed down, carrying with it two profound meanings: Eternal Love and Love’s Demise!
Characteristics and Classification of Black Roses
Its shape is similar to other roses, but what sets it apart is its color.
Characteristics of Black Roses
Black roses are only found in the village of Halfeti, and while some sources attribute their unique color to the pH level of the underground waters of the Euphrates River, others believe it stems from the legend of the goddess of darkness, Ellacos, and the god of light, Apollo.
Black roses bloom in the spring, initially displaying a deep red color that gradually turns black during the summer. However, their numbers are declining due to changing environmental conditions.
2 Effects of Black Roses
Black roses are indeed real, and they only bloom in Halfeti, Turkey, during the summer, and in very limited quantities. Given their rarity and mystique, many people are curious about their significance. We’ll provide some answers for you:
A Love Filled with Hatred: While red or white roses symbolize eternal love, black roses convey the opposite. They represent a bitter love filled with hatred, as black is the color of enmity, rage, and intrigue, much like the tragic love between the goddess of darkness, Ellacos, and the god of light, Apollo.
Meaning of Black Roses
Parting and Death: Black roses are often used in funerals to express sorrow and grief for the deceased. In romantic relationships, when a partner gives a black rose, it signifies their desire to end the relationship.
Rebirth: It signifies the end of an old chapter and the need to recharge for a stronger future.
Struggle and Courage: During the 16th century, black roses symbolized the courage and ongoing struggle of the Irish against British rule. The song “The Little Black Rose” is a testament to this.
Black roses are often given as gifts, but their meaning can vary depending on the context. Therefore, when choosing to give black roses, it’s advisable to leave a note clarifying your intentions to avoid misunderstandings:
- For Funerals: The flowers symbolize sorrow, mourning, and death.
- For Grand Openings or Birthdays: The roses signify rebirth and new beginnings.
- For Romantic Gestures: They can represent eternal love or a tragic love story, depending on the state of the relationship.
- If given during the initial stages of a relationship, the mysterious and captivating nature of the roses could be interpreted as a compliment to the recipient’s beauty.
3 Where to Buy Black Roses and Their Price
Black roses are extremely rare, and acquiring them comes at a high price. In Vietnam and other countries, finding black roses is extremely challenging due to their scarcity and the difficulty in preserving them.
Where to Buy Black Roses and Their Price
If you have the opportunity to visit the Netherlands or the villages in Turkey, take the chance to buy a bouquet for yourself. We believe the prices there will be much more reasonable, and the flowers will last longer. Alternatively, you can contact flower exporters to purchase them, but be prepared to pay a premium. Prices typically range from 400,000 to 600,000 VND per flower.
4 How to Grow and Care for Black Roses
Growing Black Roses at Home
Growing Black Roses at Home
Preparation
Variety: Black roses can be grown from cuttings or seeds, but it’s essential to choose a variety with a clear origin. Opting for a good quality variety will result in stronger, healthier plants that produce more beautiful flowers.
Soil: Select a well-drained, nutrient-rich, and airy soil mix, such as flower soil or a similar blend.
Planting Container: Choose a pot with adequate drainage holes that suits your planting needs.
Planting Method:
Cuttings: Create a hole in the soil about 8 to 10 cm deep. Gently insert the black rose cutting into the hole, ensuring that no more than half of its length is buried. Water the plant regularly to encourage root growth.
Seeds: Make a small hole about 1 cm deep, place the seed inside, and cover it with soil. Keep the soil moist at around 75-80% moisture level to aid germination.
Caring for Black Roses
Maintain a temperature range of 23-28 degrees Celsius and place the plant in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight.
Caring for Black Roses
The ideal humidity level for black roses is around 75-80%. Water the plant twice a day to avoid overwatering, which can lead to waterlogging and create an environment conducive to fungal growth.
The plant will thrive and produce more flowers if you regularly hill the base, pinch the tips, and prune the branches.
Regularly inspect the plant to detect any signs of pests or diseases early on and take appropriate measures to ensure the plant’s health and growth.
Notes on Growing and Caring for Black Roses
Maintain slightly moist soil by watering at least three times a week, but avoid overwatering. Doing so can promote the growth of mold.
Periodically check the plant for any signs of disease, as these roses are quite delicate and susceptible to fungal infections. Remove affected leaves immediately and apply a fungicide if you notice brown spots on the petals or leaves.
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This concludes our comprehensive overview. We hope that through this article, you have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the meaning and significance of black roses.
