Title: The Rose is a Rose and Was Always a Rose Word Count: 536 Summary: The practical uses, expressions, and emotions of the rose. Keywords: flower, flowers, florist, florists, online Article Body: Of hundreds of thousands of flowers that exist in the world, the one most common flower that most people can recognize and identify is the rose. The rose has been used for hundreds of years to express a varying number of emotions, as a pleasing fragrance in perfumes or potpourri, to consumables, and even has uses for security. In general the rose is pleasing to the sight and smell as they are graceful and have a pleasing aroma. But as they say every rose has its thorn and with this rose bushes have been planted as an outer defense under windows and drainpipes to discourage intruders of all forms from entering the premises. And because of the aesthetic qualities that the rose possesses it has been a favored alternative to walls and fences. A part of the rose known as the rose hip also has been used to make tea, jam, bread and many other consumables. The rose hip is high in vitamin C and carries vitamin A, D, E in addition to the essential fatty acids, antioxidants and iron making it a very popular substance to people who seek and promote a healthy lifestyle. The most common method that most people affiliate the rose with is the conveying of emotions and expressions. In floriography, the language of flowers, the rose has many different meanings depending on the color. The crimson rose has always associated itself with the emotion of love and therefore has been a favorite among couples especially on the fourteenth of February. Also in relation to the red rose being simultaneous with love, the amount of roses can also define the meaning. A dozen roses meaning "dozens of ways I love you", two dozen standing for "loving you for each and every hour of the day", three dozen convey the feelings of love unlike any other and four dozens usually mean unconditional love. The red rose can also mean courage and respect though these two traits are less commonly known by the general public. Other commonly known colors of the rose are white, yellow, pink, burgundy and blue. The white rose usually represents purity, innocence and virtue. Because of the white color it has been a favorite as a decorative centerpiece in homes and offices. The yellow rose is known for the meaning of friendship but can also mean jealousy and infidelity. The pink rose symbolized grace, sophistication and elegance which were traits sought by many young women in the Victorian period and even today. The burgundy rose has been a favorite with among more mature women as its meaning is beauty. The blue rose was originally non existent and was usually a white rose that had been dyed blue. But with hybrid breeding and genetic engineering the blue rose was created. The blue rose represents the feeling of mystery, attaining the impossible as they never existed in the past. Along with this sense is the true black rose does not currently exist. The so-called black rose is actually a very dark red that seems black. The black rose has been associated with death and hatred but can also mean a variety of other emotions and expressions such as farewell, rejuvenation and rebirth.