I was writing a scene with Anne Wentworth and closed my eyes to picture what she would be seeing in the room. I looked up and saw a ceiling rose and suddenly realized how different the symbolism of that decoration would be to her as a member of the Blue Order.

The observation was so fascinating to me, that I couldn’t wait to share it with you!

The rose as a symbol of secrecy

The rose, or more particularly the concept of sub rosa or “under the rose” as a symbol of secrecy traces back to the mythology of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.

The sun-god Horus of Ancient Egypt was often represented as a naked baby sucking his thumb, a symbol of birth or childhood.

This Egyptian god became mingled with the Greek and Roman pantheon, becoming Harpocrates whose name means “Horus the Child”. Harprocrates was the god of silence, secrets and confidentiality The thumb sucking gesture was reinterpreted as a finger on the lips for silence.

Roses came to be associated with Harpocrates when (according to legend) Cupid gave Harpocrates an open red rose to bribe him to hold his peace and not reveal Venus’ amorous indiscretions to the other gods. Roses became Harpocrates’ emblem and a symbol of secrecy.

Roses in the dining room

The symbolism appeared in Roman banquet rooms, where roses were suspended above dining tables, a reminder that what was spoken under the influence of wine (sub vino) should remain sub rosa (under the rose). The ancient version of what happens in (fill in your favorite vacation spot) stays in (you favorite vacation spot).

Real roses were eventually replaced with painted and carved roses on the ceilings of banquet halls t to remind guest that conversations should be kept confidential.

Confessionals also incorporated the rose symbol. Five petalled roses are often found carved on confessional walls, a reminder that what was said there would go no farther.

The Ceiling Rose

Ceiling roses date back to Tudor days, when the symbol of a rose, suspended above a meeting table, symbolized the freedom to speak plainly without repercussion. During the Baroque period, starting in the early 1600’s, ornate plaster ceiling decorations became a thing and plaster ceiling roses became popular. And it was during this period that Sub rosa entered the English language.

By the early 1800’s, all-over ceiling ornaments gave way to a single central ceiling rose. These became common in ‘normal’ homes (as opposed to huge sprawling manors.) Swags, ribbons, wreaths, rosettes and crossed weapons were common themes for these decorations.

All of that got me thinking, (yes, I know that’s always a dangerous thing!) how would it feel as a Blue Order member, to sit in a room with a ceiling rose and consider all the secrets that had to be kept and what it might be like to actually be able to speak freely.

Makes for some very interesting character and word building opportunities!

Then there’s the fun question of what ceiling roses might look like in a grand house, like Rosings Park, known for it’s impressive dragon themed decorations. Here are a couple ideas.

Which one would Lady Catherine like best? Tell me in the comments?

References

https://www.luxetiquette.lu/post/sub-rosa-dictum

https://www.prickettandellis.com/period-features-a-rose-by-any-other-name

https://www.studiosmithinteriors.co.uk/blog/history-of-ceiling-roses-through-the-ages