The Rose in Christian Symbolism

The rose is considered by many to be the most beautiful and fragrant of flowers and, because of this, the rose became a symbol of Mary, the Mother of God. The rose also has been used as a symbol for Jesus.

The Glastonbury Rose is a symbol for both Mary and the Infant Jesus. The flower is described as a Christmas rose. This rose is both very beautiful, yet it has the sharpest thorns which invokes the thought of Jesus' crown of thorns. There is a legend that Joseph of Arimathea came to Britain and found the first church at Glastonbury, planting his staff where a thorn bush grew with spectacular roses that flowered at Christmas. The roses there are of a Palestinian variety. From this story we can see why the Glastonbury Rose symbolizes the Holy Family. 

Before the adoption of the Glastonbury Rose to symbolize Mary, the Mystical Rose was used, which is drawn as a five-pointed star. The Mystical Rose depiction was used in stained glass windows and symbolizes Mary's mystical participation in the work of the Trinity. Saint Newman called Mary "The Mystical Rose" because "she is the Queen of spirtual flowers."

A wreath of roses worn by saints symbolizes Christian joy. There is also an old custom of sending a golden rose as a symbol of a special papal benediction.

The rose and the chalice share the same symbolic meaning. In Latin, chalice means calyx or “cup,” and so is named the cup-like sepals of the flower. Both of these represent accepting Divine Grace as it is poured down from heaven. The red rose symbolizes martyrdom, the white purity.

The rose was also a symbol of various goddesses in places such as Egypt. Fittingly, the symbol of Mary, who fled into Egypt when Herod tried to kill the infant Jesus, has been transformed from an ancient symbol of beauty into a symbol of God's favoritism.

The depiction of Mary with a white rose for a scepter and surrounded by a wall of roses symbolizes her role as the mother of Jesus, and the wall of roses is like a womb. The rose as a scepter symbolizes her power comes from heaven and not from earth.

The rose also symbolizes the glory of Mary's soul. There is a legend that roses and lilies were found at the site of her Assumption instead of Mary's body. These symbolize the belief that she was bodily assumed into heaven.

As we are in the summer season, roses become a more common sight. When we appreciate them, we may associate their beauty with the spiritual fruit of Mary. Perhaps the tradition of placing a rose by a statue of Mary inspires us so much because our love of Mary makes us love her Son all the more.

Sources:

http://www.chalicecentre.net/mystic-rose.html

http://www.storyline-features.co.uk/glastonbury.htm

http://www.cardinaljohnhenrynewman.com/mary-mystical-rose-cardinal-newman/