“Of course the rose has plenty of other associations beyond the realm of love and sex. It has served as a royal emblem and national flower. It represents Christian charity, the brevity of life, and hopes for happiness, a time when everything will come up roses. Secular and spiritual roses are often intertwined....” RosesFlowers Quotes Book:Blooming Flowers: A Seasonal History of Plants and People Source: Blooming Flowers: A Seasonal History of Plants and People