RIP YOUR MAJESTY

I added this at 3:48 p.m. on 9.9.22.

Little did I know when I put this post together a few days ago, to be published at midnight, that it would coincide with the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  I found myself incredibly sad, like so many, when I heard this news.  

Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth of York, by Philip de László, 1933

I left England in December of 1975 at the age of 25, when I married my husband, an American, never having thought of the idea of permanently living in another country before I met him.  Over these many years I grew to love my adopted country and yet throughout my life, I have always admired Queen Elizabeth, for the dedication she showed to the people of Great Britain and beyond, over a 70-year reign. My parents felt the same way, and perhaps I developed my great respect through osmosis, through them, and through the stories they told me over their lifetime. My parents and I had never-ending conversations at a new 'royal event'.  They always showed their great support and respect of not only the Queen but her father before her (George VI), or "The Old King" as they lovingly called him.   

It's been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs for the Royal Family, that we know very well.  However, throughout, Her Majesty remained steadfast and many of us will miss her, along with her wonderful sense of humor that was shared on occasion.  And, let's remember to try to walk a mile in the shoes of those we have little real knowledge of before rushing to judgement.  Difficult at times I know.  This is something I am trying to do, walk that mile.  A good role model is that American I married in 1975.

Though I don't usually put any world-turning events on here, as I mention in my sidebar, today I am breaking my own rule.  I found this just now and well, it says it all.  A sweet cartoon and I thank the gentleman who illustrated our sadness so beautifully.  Rest In Peace Your Majesty.

My photos were taken over several years in various places.  I found it very interesting to research their history, and have provided links to either people, or places, or moments in time.  

The cultivation of roses likely began in Asia about 5000 years ago.

 They were also very popular in medieval times and were often seen as symbols of power and courage, as well as love. Many medieval rulers cultivated roses in their gardens, and Charlemagne, in particular, was known to be fond of the rose bushes growing at his palace at Aix-la-Chapelle.

During the Crusades of the 12th and 13th centuries, it was common for knights returning from the Middle East to bring roses home with them from their travels. This may account for the spread of many Turkish varieties into northern and western Europe.People have been passionate about roses since the beginning of time. Paintings on walls and other artifacts depicting roses were found in 5th century Egyptian tombs. It is said that the floors of Cleopatra's palace were carpeted with delicate rose petals - more information at this link - and that the wise and knowing Confucius had a 600-book library specifically on how to care for roses.Another interesting part of history, in 15th Century England, the War of the Roses was fought over a power struggle for the throne.  (I am not 100 percent certain, but I think the photo above shows a Tudor Rose.  This particular one I took in Dartmouth (UK) back in 2015.) The House of York, represented by a white rose, attacked Henry VI, whose symbol was the red rose. After years of conflict, Henry VII assumed the throne and united the two symbols into the Rose of England, which can still be seen carved into the ornate woodwork in many Tudor era palaces.  The following shows a Tudor rose emblem.

Archaeologists have discovered rose fossils that date back 35 million years. The oldest living rose is 1,000 years old. It grows on the wall of the Cathedral of Hildesheim in Germany.  Its presence has been documented since A.D. 815. According to the legend, the rosebush symbolizes the prosperity of the city of Hildesheim; as long as it flourishes.Several species of rose are indigenous to North America and the rose was a favorite of many of those credited with shaping American history. William Penn imported 18 rose bushes from England in 1699. George Washington planted roses at Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson grew them at Monticello. John Adams is credited with planting the first rose at The White House and the formal rose garden that still exists today was established during the presidential term of Woodrow Wilson.Alexander the Great is credited by some with having introduced roses into Europe while others attribute the latter to knights returning from the Crusades of 12th and 13th century, as mentioned previously. During The Dark Ages European monasteries preserved the tradition of roses, and required that at least one monk be skilled in botany and knowledgeable about the virtues of rose. Later, in 17th century Europe, the rose became so prized that roses and rose water were considered a source of legal tender and could be used for paying the debts commoners owed to royalty. It also was during this era that Napoleon’s wife Josephine, a lover of roses, established one of the first extensive collections of roses at Chateau de Malmaison where her garden contained more than 250 rose varieties.Everyone knows that roses have long been a symbol of love, but the color choice also plays a role in what a rose symbolizes.  Also it is important to emphasize that meanings can vary in different cultures. The following rose colors in the western world are commonly associated with the following meanings...

Red: Love and Romance

Pink: Grace and Elegance

Yellow: Friendship and Cheer

White: Purity and Innocence and Spirituality

Orange: Enthusiasm and Energy

My information came from these website.  Click on their links to find out more if interested.

Our Rose Garden  - University of Illinois Extension

BBC: The Story of the Queen of Flowers

Earth of Flowering Plants

Flower Glossary